2. As I have already covered IoT protocols in depth in another article, we shall focus on
communication protocols in this article. Nonetheless, a quick recap won’t hurt.
So protocols are the fundamental elements of an IoT environment. They enable the
communication of IoT devices with each other over a network. Many protocols are customized
and designed for specific needs. Protocols allow data to move from endpoint devices through the
IoT pipeline to central servers.
But what are IoT communication protocols? Internet protocols are also known as communication
IoT protocols as they help communicate or exchange data between electronic devices.
There are many examples of IoT communication protocols, including Bluetooth, Thread, Z-Wave,
NFC, Cellular, LoRaWAN, ZigBee, LoRa, NBIoT, WiFi, etc. Let us look at some of these protocols in
depth by discussing their advantages.
3. Zigbee is a protocol designed for mesh networks. Therefore, it is suitable for home automation
applications as it is one of the most used mesh protocols in IoT environments.
Mesh networks are Zigbee’s strength because they have a short-range, low-power protocol and
can extend communication over multiple devices. In addition, Zigbee offers a flexible, ultralow
power, self-organizing mesh and a library of applications.
4. 1. Better scalability
Zigbee offers impressive scalability with an astonishing number of more than 65000 devices, and
this is besides the gargantuan coverage despite the considerably low range of individual modules.
2. Long battery life
Due to Zigbees’s efficient low-power capabilities, it has prolonged battery life. Furthermore, this
feature of Zigbee enables “implement and forget” as its battery comes for months after deployment
3. Randomization
Zigbee uses randomization. This technique allows it to communicate continuously even when the
network is dense. Hence, it is a strong point of this internet protocol.
The latest release, Zigbee 3.0, combines many ZigBee wireless standards and their features into a
single package. Today, it is deployed in urban areas for applications that require low power
consumption like street lighting and electric meters.
5. LoRa is short for “long-range.” It is a noncellular wireless technology that offers long-range
communication capabilities. In addition, it packs low-power and secure data transmission for
machine-to-machine applications and IoT deployments.
LoRa is now part of Semtech’s radio frequency platform and the Low Range alliance, of which
Semtech was a founding member, is currently the governing body of LoRa technology.
6. 1. Long range
Long range is its name and strong point. Without wired connections, LoRa allows strong
communication up to 10 miles.
2. High Security
Another strong point of LoRa is its security assurance of both devices and networks. It also allows
bi-directional communication.
3. Seamless deployment
Lora comes with an all-inclusive technology package. This package provides end-to-end integration
from implementation to services.
7. NB-IoT stands for “Narrowband IoT.” It is classified as a 5G technology. This internet protocol was
designed for networks requiring low bandwidth to support massive connection density. As a result,
NB-IoT provides extended coverage with low latency aside from guaranteeing tried and time-tested
security features.
Since 2016, NB-IoT has been used in scenarios with challenging requirements for enlarged coverage,
like in rural areas and deep indoors. Apart from this, NB-IoT also allocated ultra-low device
complexity and is considered an epitome solution to connect gigantic scales of devices in a single
deployment.
8. 1. Battery life
NB-IoT has the best-in-class battery life. It consumes the least power to offer the best battery life.
How much? The answer is 10 long years!
2. Wider deployment
NB-IoT’s lower bitrates, capabilities, and better link budgets to provide connectivity without
gateways enable wider deployments across varied applications.
3. Reliability
Because NB-IoT operates in a licensed spectrum, reliability, and security are assured, apart from
their quality of service.
9. It is one IoT communication protocol that needs no introduction at all. It is precisely how a smart
home works. For example, when you tell Alexa to turn off the light, they communicate because they
are connected to the same WiFi network.
WiFi stands for wireless fidelity and is widely suitable for home, commercial and industrial
buildings. It is the most frequently used internet protocol because it offers fast data transfer and can
process large amounts of data.
10. 1. Privacy and security
WiFi is a powerful technology in modern security and allows control systems for small and large
buildings and organizations because of its encrypted and secure data communication.
2. Easy to install
We know how easy it is to connect to WiFi. It uses simple steps to connect devices and easy-to-
install processes that deliver user convenience and easy usage.
3. Fast data transfers
With great speed comes great data transfers. WiFi’s wide range infrastructure supports hundreds of
megabits per second, allowing vast amounts of data transfers.
11. As you have seen, IoT communication protocols are the basic fundamentals of an IoT environment, as
it enables the communication of devices over a network. You have learned the meaning of an IoT
communication protocol and why it is needed. We have also gone through 6 fantastic protocols by
looking at their advantages.
