IoT Protocols
The modes of communication which secure while assuring the optimum protection of data that is being exchanged between the linked devices are known as IoT Protocols. IoT Protocols typically connect the IoT devices with the Internet. However, devices like Bluetooth locally connect. In that case, the power, range, and memory usage is different. The connections made using IP networks are more complicated and require more memory and power, while the range is not an issue. On the other hand, non-IP devices have a problem of range but require comparatively less power and memory.
Why Should You Know About IoT Protocols
The only thing that differentiates a smart device from an ordinary device is that the ordinary one, in case of a breakdown, stays mute, but the former one can communicate with other devices if any issue happens, and in case of the failed communication, it can communicate with the user or notify for help.
In IoT, the IoT Protocols provide the medium; either already in use Internet protocols or the specially developed protocols for linked device communication. These give more protection hence decreasing the security risks.
In the past few decades, the IoT (Internet of Things) has witnessed the development of protocols that aim to increase the challenge while offering more versatility and without exchanging or compromising the security or speed.
IoT Data Protocols
To connect low power IoT devices, IoT data protocols are used. They give on-point communication to the end of the user without connecting to the Internet. The devices are connected through cellular or wired networks. Some of the IoT data protocols are:
- Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT)
MQTT is one of the preferred protocols which gathers data through various e-devices and allows remote monitoring. The protocol is published/subscribed and runs over TCP that supports the event-driven exchange of messages via wireless mediums.
MQTT protocol is mainly utilized in devices that need less memory and power and are more economical. I.e. fire detectors, sensors in the car, smartwatches, etc.
- CoAP or Constrained Application Protocol
This type of protocol is an internet-utility protocol used for restricted gadgets. The client can redirect a request to the server, and it can direct it back as a response to the client in HTTP. UDP is used for implementations in light-weight and to decrease the space. Binary data format EXL is used in this protocol. It is used in automation, mobile, and microcontrollers.
- AMQP or Advanced Message Queuing Protocol
It is a software layer protocol used for a middleware message-oriented environment that allows queuing and routing. It is a secure, pointed connection and provides an effortless trading of information between the linked devices and the cloud.
These protocols are used in many industries but mainly in banking. Whenever the notification is sent by a client, the protocol traces the notification until the message is sent to the end-user/destination without fail.
Network Protocols
To connect devices over the network, IoT network protocols are used. These are communication protocols that are utilized over the Internet. End-to-end data communication is allowed using IoT network Protocols within the scope of the network. The following are IoT network protocols:
- HTTP or HyperText Transfer Protocol
HyperText Transfer Protocol or HTTP is one of the best IoT network protocol examples. It has formed the data communication foundation over the Internet. When a huge amount of data needs to be published in IoT devices, this protocol is used most commonly. One of the major examples of HTTP protocol usage is 3D printing or additive manufacturing. It allows the device to connect with 3D printers to print three-dimensional items.
- Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWan)
This protocol is long-range and low power, which gives below noise level signal detection. LoRaWan links battery operated things with the Internet wirelessly by private or global networks. The Long Range Wide Area Network is commonly used in the smart cities, where millions of connected devices function with less memory and power. The practical example of LoRaWan IoT Protocol is smart street lighting.
- Bluetooth
In short-range communication protocols, Bluetooth is the most widely used one. For wireless data transmission Bluetooth is the standard IoT protocol. It is secure and is best for the short-range, low power, less cost, and wireless exchange of data between e-devices. Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE is a low version of the Bluetooth protocol that decreases the power usage and serves a vital purpose in linking the IoT devices. The common devices which use Bluetooth are smartphones, smart wearables, and other devices. Bluetooth ranks on the top of the IoT device list of linking protocols for its ease of usage benefit.
- Z-Wave
It is one of the increasingly popular protocols. This protocol is wireless with radiofrequency cased communication technology that is used in home appliances. It uses a radiofrequency of 800-900MHz for operating. Z-Wave operates on its own, which ensures that the Z-Wave rarely suffers from any major issues of interference. But the frequency is dependent on the location at which the z-Wave device usually operates, which makes it important to buy the one for your country. The Z-Wave IoT protocol is impressive, but like ZigBee, the best use of this protocol is in the house and not in the world of business.
- ZigBee
Through the ZigBee IoT Protocol, the smart objects are allowed to work together. House automation is one of the areas where ZigBee is commonly used. While ZigBee is famous for industrial usage, it is also utilized in the apps which give low-cost transfer of data within a small distance.
Electric Meters and street lighting in cities that consume less power are based on ZigBee protocol. ZigBee is also utilized in smart homes and security systems.
Bottom Line
Over the last few decades, the IoT or Internet of Things has been expanding with more speed all over the world. IoT has made its name and stepped its foot in many different industries like manufacturing, healthcare, security, transportation, automation, healthcare, and much more. It has made many enterprises strong and given them value economically. Hence, having the knowledge of your business needs and requirements, you can decide on a protocol your business needs. But you need to be aware of all the benefits and disadvantages of the IoT protocols which are offered by the market to pick the best one for your business.
While this article provides you with all the necessary information you need about protocols, you can’t decide the best protocol for your business by yourself. 3STechLabs has expert IOT team of business advisors and developers who can help you to list down all the needs and requirements of your business and suggest the best protocol for your business. You can also get customized IoT protocol for your business which will fulfil all the needs of your business as well as the customer needs. So, drop your IoT protocol concern today to get further guidance and to grow your business in the digital world while eliminating the security risks.