IoT Technologies and protocols

The Internet of Things is a convergence of embedded systems, wireless sensor

networks, control systems, and automation that makes connected industrial
manufacturing factories, intelligent retail, next-generation healthcare, smart homes
and cities, and wearable devices possible.

IoT technologies empower you to transform your business with data-driven insights,
improved operational processes, new lines of business, and more efficient use of
materials.

The technology of IoT continues to expand, with countless service providers, a variety
of platforms, and millions of new devices emerging every year, leaving developers
with many decisions to make before entering the IoT ecosystem.

Let us understand common IoT protocols, power, and connectivity requirements.

IoT Technology ecosystem

The IoT technology ecosystem is composed of the following layers: devices, data,
connectivity, and technology users.

Device layer

The combination of sensors, actuators, hardware, software, connectivity, and gateways

that constitute a device that connects and interacts with a network.

Data layer

The data that’s collected, processed, sent, stored, analysed, presented, and used in
business contexts.

Business layer

The business functions of IoT technology, including the management of billing and
data marketplaces.

User layer

The people who interact with IoT devices and technologies.

The IoT Technology stack part 1:
IoT devices
IoT devices vary widely but tend to share these common concepts and vocabulary.
You can also learn more about the varieties of devices that utilize IoT technology in
this IoT device catalog.

Actuators

Actuators perform physical actions when their control centers gives instructions,
usually in response to changes identified by sensors. They’re a type of transducer.

Embedded systems

Embedded systems are microprocessor-based or microcontroller-based systems that

manage a specific function within a larger system. They include both hardware and
software components such as Azure RTOS.

Intelligent devices

Devices that have the ability to compute.

They often include a microcontroller and may utilize services such as Azure IoT
Edge to best deploy certain workloads across devices.

Microcontroller unit (MCU)

These small computers are embedded on microchips and contain CPUs, RAM, and
ROM.

Although they contain the elements needed to execute simple tasks, microcontrollers
are more limited in power than microprocessors.

Microprocessor unit (MPU)

MPUs perform the functions of CPUs on single or multiple integrated circuits.

Microprocessors require peripherals to complete tasks, they greatly reduce processing

costs because they only contain a CPU.
Non-computing devices

Devices that only connect and transmit data and do not have the ability to compute.

Transducers

In general terms, transducers are devices that convert one form of energy into
another.

In IoT devices, this includes the internal sensors and actuators that transmit data as
the devices engage with their environment.

Sensors

Sensors detect changes in their environments and create electrical impulses to

communicate. Sensors commonly detect environmental shifts like changes in
temperature, chemicals, and physical position and are a type of transducer.

The IoT Technology stack part 2:

IoT protocols and connectivity
Connecting IoT devices

A major aspect of planning an IoT technology project is to determine the devices’ IoT
protocols—in other words, how the devices connect and communicate.

In the IoT technology stack, devices connect either through gateways or built-in
functionality.

What are IoT gateways?

Gateways are part of the technology of IoT that can be used to help connect IoT
devices to the cloud.

Though not all IoT devices require a gateway, they can be used to establish device-to-
device communication or connect devices that are not IP based and can’t connect to
the cloud directly.

Data collected from IoT devices moves through a gateway, gets pre-processed at the
edge, and then gets sent to the cloud.
Using IoT gateways can lower latency and reduce transmission sizes.

Having gateways as part of your IoT protocols also lets you connect devices without
direct internet access and provide an additional layer of security by protecting data
moving in both directions.

How do I connect IoT devices to the network?

The type of connectivity you utilize as part of your IoT protocol depends on the
device, its function, and its users.

Typically, the distance that the data must travel—either short-range or long-range—
determines the type of IoT connectivity needed.

Types of IoT networks

Low-power, short-range networks

Low-power, short range networks are well-suited for homes, offices, and other small
environments. They tend to only need small batteries and are usually inexpensive to
operate.

Common examples:

Bluetooth

Good for high-speed data transfer, Bluetooth sends both voice and data signals up to
10 meters.

NFC

A set of communication protocols for communication between two electronic devices

over a distance of 4 cm (1 ⁄2 in) or less. NFC offers a low-speed connection with
simple setup that can be used to bootstrap more-capable wireless connections.

Wi-Fi/802.11

The low cost of operating Wi-Fi makes it a standard across homes and offices.
However, it may not be the right choice for all scenarios because of its limited range
and 24/7 energy consumption.
Z-Wave

A mesh network using low-energy radio waves to communicate from appliance to

appliance.

Zigbee

An IEEE 802.15.4-based specification for a suite of high-level communication

protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios.

Low-power, wide-area networks (LPWAN)

LPWANs enable communication across a minimum of 500 meters, require minimal

power, and are used for a majority of IoT devices. Common examples of LPWANs are:

4G LTE IoT

High capacity and low latency, these networks are a great choice for IoT scenarios that
require real-time information or updates.

5G IoT

Although not yet available, 5G IoT networks are expected to enable further
innovations in IoT by providing much faster download speeds and connectivity to
many more devices in a given area.

Cat-0

These LTE-based networks are the lowest cost option. They lay the groundwork for
Cat-M, a technology that will replace 2G.

Cat-1

This standard for cellular IoT will eventually replace 3G. Cat-1 networks are easy to set
up and offer a great solution for applications requiring a voice or browser interface.

LoRaWAN

Long-range wide-area networks (LoRaWANs) connect mobile, secure, bi-directional

battery-operated devices.

LTE Cat-M1
These networks are fully compatible with LTE networks. They optimize cost and power
in a second generation of LTE chips designed specifically for IoT applications.

Narrowband or NB-IoT/Cat-M2

NB-IoT/Cat-M2 uses direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) modulation to send

data directly to the server, eliminating the need for a gateway. Although NB-IoT
networks cost more to set up, not requiring a gateway makes them less expensive to
run.

Sigfox

This global IoT network provider offers wireless networks to connect low-power
objects that emit continuous data.

IoT protocols: How IoT devices communicate with the network

IoT devices communicate using IoT protocols. Internet protocol (IP) is a set of rules
that dictates how data gets sent to the internet. IoT protocols ensure that information
from one device or sensor gets read and understood by another device, a gateway, a
service. Different IoT protocols have been designed and optimized for different
scenarios and usage. Given the diverse array of IoT devices available, using the right
protocol in the right context is important.

What IoT protocol is right for me?

The type of IoT protocol you’ll need depends on the system architecture layer that the
data will travel in. The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model provides a map of
the various layers that send and receive data. Each IoT protocol in the IoT system
architecture enables device-to-device, device-to-gateway, gateway-to-data center, or
gateway-to-cloud communication, as well as communication between data centers.

Application layer

The application layer serves as the interface between the user and the device within a
given IoT protocol.

Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP)

A software layer that creates interoperability between messaging middleware. It helps
a range of systems and applications work together, creating standardized messaging
on an industrial scale.

Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP)

A constrained-bandwidth and constrained-network protocol designed for devices

with limited capacity to connect in machine-to-machine communication. CoAP is also
a document-transfer protocol that runs over User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

Data Distribution Service (DDS)

A versatile peer-to-peer communication protocol that does everything from running

tiny devices to connecting high-performance networks. DDS streamlines deployment,
increases reliability, and reduces complexity.

Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT)

A messaging protocol designed for lightweight machine-to-machine communication

and primarily used for low-bandwidth connections to remote locations. MQTT uses a
publisher-subscriber pattern and is ideal for small devices that require efficient
bandwidth and battery use.

Transport layer

In any IoT protocol, the transport layer enables and safeguards the communication of
the data as it travels between layers.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

The dominant protocol for a majority of internet connectivity. It offers host-to-host

communication, breaking large sets of data into individual packets and resending and
reassembling packets as needed.

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

A communications protocol that enables process-to-process communication and runs

on top of IP. UDP improves data transfer rates over TCP and best suits applications
that require lossless data transmissions.

Network layer
The network layer of an IoT protocol helps individual devices communicate with the
router.

IP

Many IoT protocols utilize IPv4, while more recent executions use IPv6. This recent
update to IP routes traffic across the internet and identifies and locates devices on the
network.

6LoWPAN

This IoT protocol works best with low-power devices that have limited processing
capabilities.

Data link layer

The data layer is the part of an IoT protocol that transfers data within the system
architecture, identifying and correcting errors found in the physical layer.

IEEE 802.15.4

A radio standard for low-powered wireless connection. It’s used with Zigbee,
6LoWPAN, and other standards to build wireless embedded networks.

LPWAN

Low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN) networks enable communication across

distances of 500 meters to over 10km in some places. LoRaWAN is an example of
LPWAN that’s optimized for low power consumption.

Physical layer

The physical layer is the communication channel between devices within a specific
environment.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

BLE dramatically reduces power consumption and cost and maintains a similar
connectivity range as classic Bluetooth. BLE works natively across mobile operating
systems and is fast becoming a favorite for consumer electronics due to its low cost
and long battery life.
Ethernet

This wired connection is a less expensive option that provides fast data connection
and low latency.

Long-term evolution (LTE)

A wireless broadband communication standard for mobile devices and data terminals.
LTE increases the capacity and speed of wireless networks and supports multicast and
broadcast streams.

Near field communication (NFC)

A set of communication protocols using electromagnetic fields that allows two

devices to communicate from within four centimeters of each other. NFC-enabled
devices function as identity keycards and are commonly used for contactless mobile
payments, ticketing, and smart cards.

Power Line Communication (PLC)

A communication technology that enables the sending and receiving of data over
existing power cables. This allows you to both power and control an IoT device
through the same cable.

Radio frequency identification (RFID)

RFID uses electromagnetic fields to track otherwise unpowered electronic tags.

Compatible hardware supplies power and communicate with these tags, reading their
information for identification and authentication.

Wi-Fi/802.11

Wi-Fi/802.11 is a standard in homes and offices. Although it’s an inexpensive option,

it may not suit all scenarios due to its limited range and 24/7 energy consumption.

Z-Wave
A mesh network using low-energy radio waves to communicate from appliance to
appliance.

Zigbee

An IEEE 802.15.4-based specification for a suite of high-level communication

protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios.

The IoT technology stack part 3:

IoT platforms
IoT platforms make it easy to build and launch your IoT projects by providing a single
service that manages your deployment, devices, and data.

IoT platforms manage hardware and software protocols, offer security and
authentication, and provide user interfaces.

The exact definition of an IoT platform varies because more than 400 service
providers offer features that range from software and hardware to SDKs and APIs.
However, most IoT platforms include:

• An IoT cloud gateway

• Authentication, device management, and APIs
• Cloud infrastructure
• Third-party app integrations

Managed services

IoT managed services help businesses proactively operate and maintain their IoT
ecosystem. A variety of IoT managed services, such as Azure IoT Hub, are available to
help streamline and support the process of building, deploying, managing, and
monitoring your IoT project.

IoT applications of current technologies

AI and IoT
IoT systems gather such massive amounts of data that it’s often necessary to use AI
and machine learning to sort and analyze that data so that you can detect patterns
and take action on insights. For example, AI can analyze data gathered from
manufacturing equipment and predict the need for maintenance, reducing costs and
downtime from unexpected breakdowns.

Blockchain and IoT

Currently, there is no way to confirm that data from IoT has not been manipulated
before it gets sold or shared. The blockchain and IoT work together to break down
data siloes and foster trust so that data can be verified, traced, and relied upon.

Kubernetes and IoT

With a zero-downtime deployment model, Kubernetes helps IoT projects stay

updated in real-time without impacting users. Kubernetes scales easily and efficiently
using cloud resources, providing a common platform for deployment to the edge.

Open source and IoT

Open source technologies are accelerating IoT, allowing developers to use the tools
of their choice on IoT technology applications.

Quantum computing and IoT

The significant amount of data generated by IoT naturally lends itself to quantum
computing’s ability to speed through heavy computation. Additionally, quantum
cryptography helps add a level of security that’s required but currently hindered by
the low computational power inherent to most IoT devices.

Serverless and IoT

Serverless computing enables developers to build applications faster by eliminating

the need for them to manage infrastructure. With serverless applications, the cloud
service provider automatically provisions, scales, and manages the infrastructure
required to run the code. With the variable traffic of IoT projects, serverless provides a
cost-effective way to scale dynamically.

Virtual reality and IoT

Used together, virtual reality and IoT can help you to visualize complex systems and
make real-time decisions. For example, using a form of virtual reality called
augmented reality (also known as mixed reality) you can display important IoT data as
graphics on top of real-world objects (such as your IoT devices) or workspaces. This
combination of virtual reality and IoT has inspired technological advancements in
industries like healthcare, field service, transportation, and manufacturing.

Digital Twins and IoT

Testing your systems before execution can be a dramatic cost- and time-saving
measure. Digital Twins takes data from multiple IoT devices and integrates it with data
from other sources to offer a visualization of how the system will interact with devices,
people and spaces.

IoT data and analytics

IoT technologies produce such high volumes of data that specialized processes and
tools are needed to turn the data into actionable insights. Common IoT technology
applications and challenges:

Application: Predictive maintenance

IoT machine learning models designed and trained to identify signals in historical data
can be used to identify the same trends in current data. This lets users automate
preventative service requests and order new parts ahead of time so that they’re
always available when needed.

Application: Real-time decisions

A variety of IoT analytics services are available, designed for end-to-end real-time
reporting, including:

• High-volume data storage using formats that analytics tools can query.
• High-volume data stream processing to filter and aggregate data before
analysis gets performed.
• Low-latency analysis turnaround using real-time analytics tools that report
and visualize data.
• Real-time data intake using message brokers.

Challenge: Data storage

Large data collection leads to large data storage needs. Several data store services are
available, varying in capabilities like organizational structures, authentication
protocols, and size limits.

Challenge: Data processing

The volume of data collected through IoT presents challenges for cleaning,
processing, and interpreting at speed. Edge computing addresses these challenges by
shifting most data processing from a centralized system to the edge of the network,
closer to the devices that need the data. However, decentralizing data processing
introduces new challenges, including the reliability and scalability of edge devices and
the security of the data in transit.