Wireless Communication Protocols for IoT

Dr. Garima Saini

Electronics & Communication Engineering Depar tment
National Institute of Technical Teachers Training & Research
ITU-T Definition of IoT

A global infrastructure for the information society,

enabling advanced services by interconnecting (physical
and virtual) things based on existing and evolving
interoperable information and communication
technologies.
Source: ITU‐T Recommendation [Y.2060 renamed as Y.4000]

International Telecommunication Union -Telecommunication Standardization Sector.

 IEEE Definition of IoT

According to IEEE “Special report: Internet of

Things” released in 2014, IoT is:

A network of items – each embedded with sensors – which

are connected to the Internet.
Transition

Source: Cisco Annual Report 2019-2023

Prediction

Source: ITU Presentation Introduction to IoT

IoT reference model

Source- ITU Report 2060

 Wired Connectivity
Wired Communications:
◦ Backbone of industrial control and automation systems
◦ Significant benefits in terms of
◦ Reliability
◦ Minimal latency
◦ Security
◦ Reaching their limits as the new wave of IoT applications arises
 Wireless Connectivity : Need
Wireless connectivity for IoT: Major driving force
◦ Mobility
◦ Scalability
◦ Accessibility
◦ Remote Monitoring
◦ Flexibility
◦ Energy Efficiency
◦ Rapid Innovation
 Choosing Wireless Technologies for IoT
◦ Critical or link in the system
◦ Many wireless technologies and standards
◦ Select a wireless method that matches the device and its surrounding
environment

IoT Applications

Real-time artificial intelligence based health monitoring, diagnosing and environmental control system for COVID-19 patients, May 2022
Choosing Wireless Technologies for IoT

Spectrum
Range and Capacity
Network Topology
Network Management
Spectrum

Spectrum

Licensed Unlicensed
Licensed Spectrum
◦ Regulatory Allocation
◦ Limited Availability
◦ Geographical Variability - Different connectivity bands in
different geographical areas for same application
◦ Costly as well as time-consuming to support multiple radio bands
◦ Licensed bands are not well suited to rapid deployments
Unlicensed Spectrum
◦ Public Spectrum Access - no exclusive rights granted to any
particular organization or individual
◦ Competing systems at different power levels leading to interference
◦ Manufacturers to include capabilities to adapt to this potential
interference
◦ Techniques: adaptive modulation, automatic transmit power control
and out-of-band filtering, and so on.
Range and Capacity
◦ Influencing Factors: Spectrum, channel bandwidth, transmitter
power, terrain, noise immunity, modulation schemes and antenna
dimensions
◦ When covering longer distances, it's common to use low-frequency
narrowband channels paired with high-gain antennas to ensure
reliable communication.
◦ Higher capacities: wider channels, with limited range
◦ Optimal Performance: best combination of channel size, antenna,
radio power and modulation schemes to achieve the desired capacity
 Line of sight
Range and Capacity when there is a direct
path between the
◦ Frequency and Propagation: lower-frequency solutions end two radios making
up the link.
to offer better propagation characteristics than higher
frequencies Non-line of
◦ Higher-Frequency Range (multi-gigahertz range): sight when there is
some obstruction
◦ typically line-of-sight or near line-of-sight systems between the two
◦ From 1 GHz to 6 GHz range: radios

◦ the propagation characteristics capabilities will vary Near line of

depending on other factors sight is simply a
◦ Below 1 GHz: partial obstruction
rather than a
◦ the propagation becomes much better, making suitable for complete
longer range obstruction.
 Network Topology
◦ Elements within a network, including nodes and their interconnections, are
organized.
◦ Point-to-point topologies:
◦ Ample capacity for long-distance communication, less prone to interference,
energy focused in the desired direction. Also suitable for short-range
connections to the wireline backbone.
◦ Ring topologies:
◦ Excellent for robust operations of high-capacity links covering a large area,
typically used in the backhaul network
Network Topology
◦ Mesh networks:
◦ multiple point-to-point links or with specialized meshing protocols,
Multiple paths, offer redundancy and reliability, lower capacity and
increased latency

◦ Point-to-multipoint (or star) networks:

◦ Scale and capacity over a geographic area, typically deployed to cover
sectors or cells, scale in the number of nodes per cell, place cells next to
each other without interference
Network Management
◦ Capability to manage a network
◦ cost of ownership of the IoT system
◦ Network Management Challenges:
◦ Configuration, fault detection, performance tuning and
continuous monitoring, and security validation
◦ Centralized Management Benefits:
◦ minimize the cost and effort
◦ reduce unplanned outages
◦ increase system availability and reliability
Communication Technologies for IoT
■ Wireless Families
◦ Cellular

◦ Wi-Fi

◦ IEEE 802.15.4 Mesh Protocols

◦ Bluetooth / BLE

◦ Low Power Wide Area Network

Figure Source: S. Cheruvu et al., Demystifying Internet of Things Security

(LPWAN)
 Cellular
◦ “Always-on” connectivity to the backbone network

◦ Cellular data for IoT, 5G: a great deal of excitement, ultra-reliable low-latency
communications (URLLC) and better mobility support

◦ Reliable and Secure IoT services using existing network infrastructure

◦ Same networks that connect people leveraged to connect things

◦ Major Benefits: broad coverage, mobility

◦ Potential Drawbacks: power consumption, fees due to licensed spectrum, potential gaps
in coverage
Cellular
◦ Traditional cellular options: high power consumption and expensive
◦ 5G: high-speed mobility support and ultra-low latency, dominant
technology for other emerging application like augmented/virtual reality
and autonomous vehicles
◦ Cellular IoT: low-power, long-range applications
◦ Existing technology to meet the needs of low-power devices
◦ Analyzing cost: spectrum costs, infrastructure costs, and operational
expenses
◦ Cellular networks: already in place, little new infrastructure needed
◦ Cover hundreds of thousands of IoT devices per square km
 Wi-Fi
◦ Most ubiquitous wireless Internet connectivity technology: popular for
consumer electronics and enterprise applications
◦ Cost-effective and easy Internet access: wide adoption of this technology
across the world
◦ Natural choice for IoT connectivity
◦ New devices and modules reduce many of the barriers e.g. high power and
complexity
◦ Latest Wi-Fi standards offer very high bandwidth and capacity
◦ Wi-Fi integration into emerging IoT applications and battery-operated devices
Wi-Fi
◦ Operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ISM bands, higher data rates in the 5 GHz
spectrum, start topology, access point as an Internet gateway, multiple access
points in large buildings, Wi-Fi products support multiple antennae and
transmitters/receivers
◦ based on the IEEE 802.11 standards (popular for WLAN/WPAN)
◦ to connect electronic devices to each other, to the Internet, and to wired
networks
◦ low power consumption and low-cost relative to cellular
◦ operates in unlicensed spectrum
◦ Range is limited by proximity to a wireless router or relays
◦ quality of connection affected by network congestion
Wi-Fi
◦ Wi-Fi Alliance: wireless industry organization, promotes wireless
technologies based on IEEE 802.11 and their interoperability, certifies
products
◦ Several different Wi-Fi standards optimized for IoT applications
◦ Wi-Fi Direct: to connect two or more devices without traditional Wi-
Fi hotspot
◦ 802.11ac: operates in the 5 GHz band with wider channels, more
capacity
Wi-Fi
◦ 802.11p: approved standard for vehicle-to-vehicle communications,
uses dedicated short-range communications (DSRC), applications: toll
collection, interaction between cars, and safety and roadside
communications

ESP32 and ESP8266 are the most commonly use wifi modules

https://iotdesignpro.com/articles/different-types-of-wireless-communication-protocols-for-iot
Wi-Fi
Cost-Effective
Convenient
Explanadibility
Easy To Use And Hassle-Free
IEEE 802.15.4 Mesh Protocols
◦ A radio standard, defining physical and medium access control (MAC)
layers in low-rate Wireless Personal Area Networks
◦ Maximum data rate: 250 kbit/s
◦ A low power alternative to traditional wireless options
◦ Common technologies: Zigbee, WirelessHART, and ISA-100.11a
◦ Physical range: limited to between 10 and 100 meters
◦ Mesh topology:
◦ full mesh networks: WirelessHART
◦ partial mesh networks: Zigbee or ISA-100.11a
IEEE 802.15.4 Mesh Protocols
◦ Mesh Topology:
◦ Extend coverage
◦ Not power efficient
◦ Complex configuration and management particularly when the
network scales
◦ Best-suited for medium-range applications
◦ WirelessHART and ISA-100.11a alternative to expensive wired
networks in certain industrial automation and control scenarios
◦ Zigbee can greatly complement Wi-Fi to enable home automation
IEEE 802.15.4 Mesh Protocols
◦Zigbee
◦ Typically operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band
◦ Ability to scale the network geographically through multihop
operations
◦ Increases fault tolerance and reliability
◦ Designed, promoted, and maintained by the Zigbee Alliance
◦ Low-power certifiable, interoperable Zigbee solution
◦ a complete solution that enables true device interoperability between
different manufacturers
◦ Rigorous certification program guarantees interoperability
Bluetooth / BLE
◦ Wireless Personal Area Networks, short-range communication
technology

◦ Bluetooth Classic: for point-to-point or point-to-multi-point (up to 7)

◦ Bluetooth Low-Energy (Bluetooth Smart or BLE): Optimized for power

consumption, reduced data rates
◦ To address small-scale consumer IoT applications
◦ Often used in conjunction with electronic devices
◦ Integrated into fitness and medical wearables
Bluetooth / BLE
◦ Bluetooth Mesh specification:
◦ scalable deployment of BLE devices, versatile indoor localization
features, unlock new service innovations
◦ operates in the unlicensed industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM)
band at 2.4 GHz
◦ low power consumption, even compared to Wi-Fi
◦ limited at about 1 Mbps
◦ range extends up to about 100 meters
◦ enables lengthy lives for battery-operated devices
Bluetooth / BLE
◦ Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG)
◦ standard for communications between phones and computers
◦ Main use case: hands-free phone calls with headsets and in-vehicle
infotainment systems in cars
◦ New Applications: high-fidelity music streaming, health and fitness
accessories
◦ cable replacement for short-range communication
◦ point-to-point or star network topology
Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN)
◦ a newer wireless family: massive-scale industrial and commercial IoT
networks
◦ provide coverage to wide geographical areas
◦ connectivity for devices and applications that require low mobility and long
battery life
◦ coverage not limited by distance between the access points
◦ not typically require line-of-sight communications
◦ far fewer access points per unit area
Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN)
◦ highly power-efficient and affordable IoT connectivity in vast,
structurally dense environments
◦ Advantages:
◦ battery life, device and connectivity costs, and ease of
implementation
◦ operate on independent batteries for years
◦ transmit over many kilometers
◦ connect devices at hard-to-reach indoor and underground locations
◦ prime driver of massive latency-tolerant sensors network in
industrial IoT, smart building and smart city sectors.
Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN)
◦ a number of competing LPWAN technologies, providing different
levels of coverage and capacity
◦ LoRa
◦ Sigfox
◦ Weightless
◦ Cellular LPWAN
 LoRa
◦LoRa Alliance: open, nonprofit association with over 500
members globally among telcos, system integrators, and
manufacturers
◦LoRaWAN: an open standard, certification program to guarantee
interoperability
◦LoRaWAN network semiconductor technology: proprietary to
California-based semiconductor manufacturer Semtech
 LoRa
◦Frequency Bands: 433/868/780/915 MHz ISM
◦Range: 2-5km (urban), 10km (rural)
◦Topology: Star
◦Typical Data Rate India: 50 kbps, EU: 300 bps to 50 kbps, US:
900-100kbps
Sigfox
◦ widely deployed proprietary LPWAN technologies
◦ established in France in 2009, first network in mid-2012, August
2018: networks in some 50 countries globally
◦ Frequency Band: 868 MHz/902 MHz ISM
◦ Range: 30-50km (rural), 3-10km (urban)
◦ Topology Star
Weightless
◦ Cambridge-based Weightless SIG: founded in 2008, standards for M2M
communications in white space
◦ three standards for different use cases, different technologies, varying
levels of packet size and data rates
◦ Weightless-P: ultra-narrowband protocol, bidirectional communications,
‘Weightless technology’
◦ Frequency Band: Sub-GHz ISM , Range: 2km (urban)
◦ Data Rate: 200 bps to 100 kbps
◦ Topology: Star
Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN)
◦ Two Key Qualities of LPWAN: Long Range and Low Power
◦ Long Range:
◦ use of sub-GHz frequency bands in most LPWAN solutions
◦ wavelength is inversely proportional to free space path loss
◦ long radio waves can travel over long distances
◦ penetrate through walls, trees and other structures
◦ improves range and penetration capability
Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN)
◦ Two Key Qualities of LPWAN: Long Range and Low Power
◦ Low Power:
◦ multiple approaches to optimize power efficiency, many years of
battery life on end nodes
◦ transceivers are put into deep “sleep” mode
◦ bi-directional communications: listening schedule, device is “awake”
only at predefined times
◦ one-hop star topology introduces considerable power benefits
 Conclusion
No wireless solution is a silver bullet for all IoT applications
Technology- Application Compatibility

Figure Source: https://behrtech.com/resources

References
https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/technology/emerging-
technology/iot-pov.html
Cheruvu S., Kumar A., Smith N., Wheeler D.M. (2020) Connectivity
Technologies for IoT. In: Demystifying Internet of Things Security. Apress,
Berkeley, CA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-2896-8_5
https://behrtech.com/resources/ebook-wireless-connectivity-for-massive-
scale-iot-networking/
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/iot/article/21801725/12-
wireless-options-for-iotm2m-diversity-or-dilemma
https://iotdesignpro.com/articles/different-types-of-wireless-communication-
protocols-for-iot