How Many Different IoT Protocols Exist?

IoT applications can help many industries, ranging in size from a single device to enormous multi-device cross-platform installations with real-time data transfers in the cloud. For data to travel to the cloud, secure communication between IoT devices is necessary. What makes this kind of secure communication?

IoT devices can communicate with the cloud using the same protocols and standards. Network protocols and standards say how two or more devices can link to each other over a network. Network protocols also let different devices, like phones and laptops, connect. But these devices' common protocols might not have enough bandwidth, latency, or range for IoT-based solutions.

Many updated and brand-new IoT protocols have been made to meet the needs of IoT devices. Let's first understand what IoT protocols do. IoT protocols enable diverse devices to communicate in the same way people interact. Protocols define the rules by which one device must abide while receiving instructions from another.

What is the Significance of IoT Protocols?

IoT wouldn't work without the protocols that make it possible. Without IoT protocols and standards, hardware is useless. IoT protocols enable all these things to talk to each other and share information and commands. The receiver can then use the information and instructions in the data and commands to do things or control the device.

What's the Point of IoT Protocols?

The main difference between a smart device and a regular one is that a smart device can connect to other devices. It either alerts the user or sends a distress signal if something goes wrong. But for every contact to happen, there needs to be a way for the devices to talk to each other, a common "language" that all the devices in a certain IoT ecosystem can understand and use. Protocols allow devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) to talk to each other. These protocols can be the same ones used for the Internet for years, or they can be made just for IoT.

7 Types Of Most Common IoT Protocols

One thing about the Internet of Things is its heterogeneity. One can say so because each execution uses different connected things, communication methods, and software. You may need more than one device and protocol for various projects and uses. Some of the ones that come to mind are shown below.

Satellite

Using satellite technology, a mobile phone can communicate with the closest antenna from up to 15 miles distant. These systems are popular by various names based on their transfer rates. Because it allows phones to broadcast and receive data through cellular networks, this kind of communication is sometimes referred to as M2M in the Internet of Things terminology.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless fidelity data exchange protocol. The frequencies are identical to WiFi's, implying that the two technologies are interchangeable. There are many applications for each, however.

Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs)

Even though LPWANs started as solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), they can now be used with many different devices. Cellular networks also make long-distance communication possible, but they cost a lot because they use a lot of energy. LPWANs are a cheaper, longer-lasting battery-powered alternative to expensive cellular networks that allow long-distance communication.

WiFi

WiFi is popular with practically everyone because of its ubiquitous use in business and residential settings. However, most IoT devices do not use WiFi. Except for a few specialized applications, such as digital signs and security cameras, WiFi is not a realistic choice for IoT connectivity. The WiFi network's relevance in IoT devices is limited due to its range, high power consumption, and limited scalability.

Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP)

This protocol is responsible for ensuring that only reliable communications are transmitted. The AMQP carrier is the medium via which the publisher communicates with the subscribers. AMQP serves as a carrier for messages sent by the publisher. Messages get queued and delivered to subscribers in the order specified by the security line. These three AMQP characteristics lead to greater reliability and security.

Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP)

CoAP is a transfer protocol for the Internet that was for networks with limited capacity and shaky connections. It is built on HTTP and supports the REST model, in which clients send different requests, and servers make resources available through URLs. One cannot guarantee delivery because CoAP communication routes are one-to-one and UDP-based. When individual nodes lack the right intelligence or are unavailable, CoAP intends to operate in overloaded networks.

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)

RFID uses radio waves to send data packets wirelessly in places with limited space. It is easy to put RFID chips in IoT devices. When RFID tags are set on a product, readers can scan them to find important information about the item. RFID is often used in the manufacturing industry to keep track of inventory. Companies can use RFID tags and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to check stock levels in real time. RFID may help better plan stock, leading to better supply chain management. IoT devices for smart homes can also use RFID tags. For example, one can use it to control an RFID-enabled washing machine.

Wrapping Up

Over the last 20 years, the IoT has been growing quickly worldwide. As it spread to new business areas, it strengthened businesses and helped them make more money.

Choosing the right IoT protocols and standards for your applications is important. More and more people worldwide are using devices that can connect to the Internet. But your technology infrastructure will fall apart if you make the wrong choice. So, you need to choose the best solution for your IoT project.