Internet Connectivity and Communication in IOT Application Development
Internet Connectivity and Communication in IOT Application Development
Internet Connectivity and Communication in IOT Application Development
Internet of Things (IoT) applications rely heavily on internet connectivity and communication
to function effectively. Here are key aspects of internet connectivity and communication in
IoT application development:
1. Connectivity Protocols:
• MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport): A lightweight, publish-
subscribe messaging protocol often used in IoT for efficient communication
between devices.
• CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol): Designed for resource-constrained
devices and networks, CoAP is a lightweight protocol suitable for IoT
applications.
• HTTP/HTTPS: Traditional web protocols are often used in IoT applications for
communication with web servers and cloud platforms.
• AMQP (Advanced Message Queuing Protocol): A protocol for message-
oriented middleware, AMQP is used for reliable message queuing in IoT
scenarios.
2. Wireless Communication:
• Wi-Fi: Commonly used for high-bandwidth applications where power
consumption is not a primary concern.
• Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): Suitable for short-range
communication with low power consumption.
• Zigbee and Z-Wave: Wireless protocols designed for low-power, short-range
communication in home automation and industrial applications.
• LoRa (Long Range): A low-power, long-range wireless communication
technology suitable for IoT devices deployed over large areas.
• NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT): A cellular communication standard designed for
low-power, wide-area IoT deployments.
3. Cloud Services:
• Cloud Platforms: IoT applications often leverage cloud services for data
storage, processing, and management. Examples include AWS IoT, Azure IoT,
and Google Cloud IoT Core.
• Edge Computing: In some cases, IoT devices may perform data processing and
analysis locally at the edge before sending relevant information to the cloud,
reducing latency and bandwidth usage.
4. Security:
• Secure Protocols: Use of secure communication protocols (e.g., HTTPS, MQTT
with TLS) to protect data during transmission.
• Device Authentication: Ensuring that devices are authenticated before
exchanging data to prevent unauthorized access.
• Data Encryption: Encrypting data both in transit and at rest to safeguard
sensitive information.
5. Real-time Communication:
• Pub/Sub Architecture: Implementing a publish-subscribe architecture allows
devices to subscribe to relevant topics and receive real-time updates.
• WebSockets: Enabling bidirectional communication between IoT devices and
servers in real-time.
6. Scalability:
• Message Brokers: Employing message brokers to facilitate communication
between devices in a scalable and efficient manner.
7. Quality of Service (QoS):
• QoS Levels: MQTT, for example, supports different Quality of Service levels,
ensuring message delivery reliability based on the application's requirements.
8. Data Formats:
• JSON, XML, Protocol Buffers: Choosing appropriate data formats for efficient
serialization and deserialization of data exchanged between IoT devices and
servers.
RFID in IoT
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a type of wireless communication that uses
electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency spectrum to uniquely identify
an object, animal, or human.
It is a technology used for automatically identifying and recording data about an object via a
tiny, uniquely identifiable microchip tag connected to the object. A built-in antenna on the
RFID tag interacts with a scanning device that can remotely read the tag's data.
The scanning device scans the tag when it comes in range. After that, the data is sent from
the scanning equipment to an application program. With the help of the application, the user
will store and send it wherever he desires.
Working of RFID
RFID, or radio frequency identification, is a technique for automatically identifying and
capturing data about an object that has been stored in a small microchip tag attached to the
object. An antenna built into the RFID tag communicates with a scanning device that reads
the data remotely.
This data is then transferred from the scanning device to the data-housing enterprise
application software. Each RFID tag has a unique identification number.
RFID can be used to track and control asset and personnel movement. RFID tags can be
found on the back of library books and even in the new biometric passports. It simplifies the
management of assets contained in boxes or pallets.
Components of RFID
Radio Frequency Identification technology consists of three main components:
1. The RFID tag: The RFID tag comprises an integrated circuit, a substrate, and an
antenna. If the tag has an active power source and thus can support a sensor, it is
called an active RFID tag. If the tag doesn’t have an active power source, it is
called a passive RFID tag.
2. The RFID reader: It is a device that reads RFID tags and gathers data about the
connected object. It can be both wired and wireless. It can use many technologies
to communicate with the software, including USBs and Bluetooth connections.
3. The RFID software: The software monitors and tracks the object connected to the
RFID tags. It can be called data exchange and management software.
Applying RFID to IoT Devices
RFID tags are helpful in cameras, GPS, and other smart sensors when used in IoT. They can
aid in the identification and location of objects. It is a low-cost way to make household
objects "smart," similar to the popular Google Nest products. RFID tags are being used by
some healthcare systems to track patients and their medical records.
RFID is used in transportation systems to read passenger data, control traffic, and update
transportation systems.
Applications of RFID in IoT
• RFID has seen applications since the 1940s when they were first introduced. Its
use rapidly increased to mainstream levels during the 70s. With the rise of IoT, it
has threatened barcodes and NFCs as the most efficient technology to identify
and track objects, livestock and humans uniquely.
• RFID tags are useful in cameras, GPS, and other smart sensors when utilised in the
IoT. They can help with identifying and locating items. It's a low-cost approach to
make household items seem "smart", as many companies are now entering the
smart home market.
• Healthcare institutions also use RFID tags to track patients and their medical
information. They are being used in transportation systems to read passenger data,
regulate traffic, and update transportation systems.