Top7 Open Source Internet of Things (IoT) Tools


The Internet of things (IoT) is a network of connected devices to transmit data and improve automation in the current world. The concept of smart devices, from smart watches to intelligent robots, is from IoT. However, IoT is not cheaper.

Companies invest a lot in the process of adopting technology. In this case, Open source tools save us from more significant financial risks by limiting the budget.

Open source, in general terms, is a code or software solution that is accessible for free. Various software and applications like oracle database, java run time environment, cloud platforms, etc., are available open source in the current trends.

In this article, I have compiled a list of the top 7 open source tools for IoT.

Top 7 Open Source IoT Tools

Node-Red

Node red is an open-source platform to develop hardware device connections and smart industrial applications. This graphical tool is specially designed for IoT by IBM. The main features of node-red include browser-based editing, built-on node js, and social development.

Programmers directly interact with a node-red editor to easily connect APIs, cloud systems, IoT devices, etc. It is also designed to integrate into an IoT-based computer chip called raspberry pi. There is a separate open-source script written to install node-red in raspberry pi.

OpenThread

The open thread is a low-power networking protocol designed to connect smart devices in the Internet of Things. Simplicity, Security, Reliability, Efficiency, Scalability, and low power are the six primary features of OpenThread. This open-source protocol was developed by the tech giant Google in 2014.

Though thread is a new link technology, its design utilizes existing technology wherever possible. It used the same radio as ZigBee and entered the market to deliver low-cost implementations. OpenThread IP technology encouraged various battery-powered door sensors, window sensors, door locks, etc. This is a compelling way to increase the adoption of smart home technology worldwide.

OpenRemote

There was a time when only coders could create IoT applications, but OpenRemote has now expanded the opportunity to semi-technical officers. OpenRemote is a 100% free open-source platform developed to build smart IoT applications.

HTTP, MQTT, UDP, TCP-IP, Websocket, and KNX are the few protocols in OpenRemote to connect devices. IoT applications created by OpenRemote work on almost all OS, including android and IOS.

A use case of OpenRemote − It can collect data from various sensors and use this vast data to make decisions like parking plots, traffic spots, movements in a room, etc.

ThingsBoard

The other open-source platform for huge data processing and visualization of IoT projects is ThingsBoard. The amazing work from ThingsBoard is its IoT gateway. Visualizing data collected from IoT sensors is an excellent resource for building customized smart applications.

The major IoT solutions we get from ThingsBoard are device management, integration with big data, and various connectivity options. It's also at the top of the list to collect data from IoT devices.

Zetta

The Zetta is an open-source platform for building application programming interfaces(API) for IoT applications. These APIs provide a common interface to communicate with various connected devices. Sending and receiving data and integration to the cloud is also easier through API.

As it is built on node js, node js programmers can quickly adopt it. Access to Zetta is free, and anybody can contribute to its source code. The platform also supports various protocols and cross-platform driven.

Nabto Edge

Nabto edge is an IoT communication platform. This tool provides a platform for IoT devices to communicate securely through firewalls. The main motto of Nabto edge is to remove middleware.

In the regular procedure, the data collected from devices like a smartphone should be transmitted to other sensors or devices connected to the network of IoT through third parties like a cloud. This Nabto Edge removes the need for that third-party service by directly sending it to the destination device.

Arduino

IoT technology works on the internet, and we can make efficient IoT applications with Arduino when connected.

The simple functionalities that anybody can create with Arduino and IoT are controlling Arduino with a smartphone, transmitting data between sensors, interacting with smart devices like Alexa, and making a gateway between devices and the internet.

Conclusion

We are in a place where everything is connected over the internet to receive tons of data from any device in any field. It is obvious to use this data to take the technology world to the next level. IoT is also a part of this busy domain, and the data received and transmitted is massive in IoT applications.

Apart from data transmissions, IoT uses a lot of networking concepts to connect devices. To achieve the above functionalities in IoT, we need platforms and tools. The paid tools provide customized services. However, free tools allow us to reach end goals with a minimal budget. The success of applications also depends on the resources we use to create them. So, I have mentioned a list of 7 top free platforms or tools for IoT along with their use cases.

The tools mentioned above help you from creating IoT applications to deploying them efficiently.

Updated on: 29-Dec-2022

248 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements