The Internet of Things (IoT) is a description for embedded and network cloud technologies that enable remote monitoring and control of sensors and systems. IoT can be used in commercial, industrial, utility and residential applications. You’ll find the IoT’s remote monitoring and control applications in hospitals, parking lots, shipping departments, and even bathrooms.

1. Internet of Things TechnologyReview
Reference Material for Designers, Engineers & Specifiers.

2. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 3
WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES ................................................................................................ 4
IOT COMPARISON TABLE ................................................................................................... 9
CASE STUDIES .................................................................................................................... 10
WIRELESS TOPOLOGIES ................................................................................................... 12
Network..................................................................................................................... 12
Frequencies............................................................................................................... 14
CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................... 11
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3. Introduction:
Wireless communication and embedded micro-electromechanical sensing technologies have
evolved at a rapid pace. Many of the devices we use every day can now connect to the Internet,
and this has made wireless sensor networks possible. The desire to maximize energy
efficiency and improve environmental conditions has led to the emergence of new products
used to monitor, control, and share information in networked homes and buildings.
Enter the Internet of Things. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a description for embedded and
network cloud technologies that enable remote monitoring and control of sensors and systems.
IoT can be used in commercial, industrial, utility and residential applications. You’ll find the IoT’s
remote monitoring and control applications in hospitals, parking lots, shipping departments, and
even bathrooms.
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4. Wireless Technologies
One important task for IoT developers and system architects is determining which wireless
technology best suits their applications’ needs. This can be a daunting project. Many
competing wireless technologies appear to have overlapping features or be interchangeable.
This paper maps out the pros and cons of several wireless protocols and identifies key items
to consider when selecting a wireless technology for a given
application.
ZIGBEE:
ZigBee is a short-range, low-power consumption communication link that allows for
connections of up to 100 meters. ZigBee end nodes communicate on a local personal area
network (PAN) and require an additional device, called a border router, to communicate to
cloud services or smart phones. ZigBee operates over the IEEE 802.15.4 media access
control network layer typically, in the 2.4GHz spectrum. IEEE 802.15.4 specifies the physical
layer and data link layer protocols for LR-WPAN (low-rate wireless personal area networks),
making it an ideal option for simple, inexpensive applications. Some ZigBee channels overlap
with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi channels.
Both Wi-Fi and ZigBee use frequency hopping and spread-spectrum techniques to avoid
interference. ZigBee transmissions speeds typically top out at 250kbits / second. ZigBee is a
low-power wireless technology and may be suitable for battery-powered applications. ZigBee
end nodes can act as network repeaters in a network mesh topology to extend their range if
needed.
For the 2.4 Ghz implementation with 18dBm transmit power, -6dBm antenna insertion loss and
the transmitter placed at a height of 6m from ground, the range for ZigBee increases to 300
meters. This may vary depending on multiple factors such as the environmental, but assuming
there are no environmental issues and current radios are being used, the range can be pushed
up to 300m.
The Digi Xbee Pro 1W radio is a 802.15.4 radio using the same family of controllers as Mars’
current ZigBee radio, but implementing a power amplifier to give a line of sight of 1200m. It is
worth mentioning that with the right front end, a custom ZigBee radio can go beyond the range
of 300m.
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5. ZIGBEE PROS AND CONS LIST
PROS CONS
Low power, suitable for battery devices. Requires a separate border router device.
Utilizes an open specification IEEE 802.15.4
MAC layer.
Incompatibility between some device
vendors who implement non-standard
network stacks.
Meshing: there is no single point of failure.
Network physical coverage is relatively
higher
Suitable for many end nodes at one physi-
cal location.
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Wireless Technologies Continued
For 2.4 Ghz implementation with 18dBm transmit power, -6dBm antenna insertion loss and the
transmitter placed at a height of 6m from ground, the range for ZigBee increases to 300
meters. This may vary depending on multiple factors such as the environment, but assuming
there are no environmental issues and current radios are being used, the range can be pushed
up to 300m.
The Digi Xbee Pro 1W radio is a 802.15.4 radio that uses the same family of controllers as Mars’
current ZigBee radio, but implements a power amplifier to give a line of sight of 1200m. It is
worth mentioning that with the right front end, a custom ZigBee radio can go beyond the range of
300m.

6. Wireless Technologies Continued
Z-Wave
Z-Waveisaproprietarylow-powerwirelesscommunicationprotocolthatiscomparableto ZigBee. Z-
Wave operates over the 900MHz spectrum, so interference issues may arise with some 900MHz
cordless phones or wireless video devices. This wireless communication protocol requires an
additional device, called a primary controller, to communicate to cloud services or smart
phones. Z-Wave has transmission speeds typically in the 10kbits
– 40kbits / second range. End nodes can be set up to act as network repeaters in a network
mesh topology to extend their range.
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Z-WAVE PROS AND CONS LIST
PROS CONS
Suitable for many end nodes at one
physical location.
Proprietary communications limit
customization and flexibility.
Ensures compatibility of all Z-Wave
certified devices
Requires a separate primary controller
device.
900MHz band may have better
performance pass through walls.
A single Z-Wave network has a limit of 232
nodes. Several Z-Wave networks can be
bridged to increase overall size.
Meshing: there is no single point of failure.
Low power

7. Wireless Technologies Continued
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Wi-Fi:
Arguably the most popular form of wireless networking, Wi-Fi is a medium-to-high power
technology that uses radio waves in order to provide wireless high-speed Internet and network
connections. Wi-Fi IoT devices typically operate over the 2.4GHz spectrum. 5.8GHz Wi-Fi,
while common on computers, is uncommon on IoT devices at the time of this writing. Wi-Fi end
nodes most often communicate in infrastructure mode where they communicate to cloud
services or smart phones through a Wi-Fi router that is likely already present in most homes.
Wi-Fi offers the fastest connection speeds, for IoT devices, typically into the 10Mb / second
range.
WI-FI PROS AND CONS LIST
PROS CONS
Suitable for tens of end nodes at one
physical location.
Relatively higher power consumption
needed
Relatively faster connection speeds 2.4 GHz band may be congested
End-user familiarity
Separate router not required
It is worth noting that things could change later this year if 802.11ah arrives on the market with
the promised features.

8. BTLE PROS AND CONS LIST
PROS CONS
Low power consumption Network supports few end nodes
Easiest hardware design option 2.4 GHz band may be congested
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Wireless Technologies Continued
Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE):
Bluetooth low energy is a low-power lightweight subcategory of Bluetooth. As the name
suggests, the primary difference between Bluetooth and Bluetooth low energy is power
consumption. BTLE operates over the 2.4GHz spectrum. Some BTLE channels overlap with
ZigBee and Wi-Fi channels. BTLE end nodes most often communicate in a point-to- point link,
for example from a device to a smart phone. Recent advances in Bluetooth allow BTLE end
nodes to work as network repeaters in a small mesh network to extend their range. BTLE
devices operate in a network star topology, with BTLE networks requiring an additional router
to communicate with cloud services, though they can communicate directly with smart devices
such as phones or tablets. If you need to design something that can easily communicate with
any modern mobile platform, particularly Apple devices, BTLE will most likely be your best
option. In addition, this type of wireless protocol is ideal for devices that run on batteries for
extended periods. BTLE has transmission speeds between 250kbits – 1Mbits / second.

9. IoT Comparison Table
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IOT
PROTOCOL
FREQUENCY
SPECTRUM
MAXIMUM
TRANSMIT
POWER
MAXIMUM
DATA
RATE
MAXIMUM
RANGE
NETWORK
TYPE
USE CASE
POSSIBILITIES
IN IOT
APPLICATIONS
Remote
ZigBee
2.405 –
2.480MHz
Up to 16
Channels
Typically 100
mW
250 kbps 10 - 100 m
Mesh or
point to
point
monitoring and
control of battery
powered wireless
sensors / controls.
Smart remote for
TVs.
Z-Wave
908.42 MHz
Up to 3
Channels
Typically
1 mW
9.6 / 40 /
100
kbps
10 - 30 m Mesh
Home automation
remote monitoring
and control.
Wirelesscontrol
for power outlets,
light switches.
Wi-Fi
802.11g
802.11n
2.4 – 2.485GHz
Up to 14
Channels
5.15 – 5.85GHz
12 to 25
Channels
Typically
1 W
1 Mbps to
300 Mbps
100 m Star
High data rate
or real-time
monitoring
and control
applications. Voice
activated products.
Blue Tooth
Low Energy
(BTLE)
2.402 –
2.480MHz
Up to 39
Channels
Typically
100 mW 250 kbps 10 - 100 m
Star,
Scatternet,
or Point to
point
Local user interface
for appliances /
devices.

10. Case Studies
Somfy Z-Wave to ILT Interface:
IoT has become a key component of home automation and smart homes because it adds
beyond-line-of-sight monitoring and control. Within and around a building, home automation
applications often include short to mid-range end nodes (remote sensors and controls). Mars
client Somfy Systems of Dayton, New Jersey needed a digital motor interface to control
window coverings for residential areas. This digital motor interface needed to be capable of
producing real-time status reports for motorized blinds and shades. Range was not a factor
because of the application. The Z-Wave Digital Motor Interface (ZDMI) is a Z-Wave routing
device that resides as a node within a designated Z-Wave control network. By utilizing wireless
Z-Wave, an inter-operable two-way RF mesh networking technology, the ZDMI receives control
commands from a central controller and sends back motor position status.
Kimberly-Clark Intelligent Restroom
Mars client Kimberly-Clark of Atlanta, Georgia was looking into creating an “intelligent”
restroom that would have the ability to monitor battery life and low paper in their paper towel
dispensers. The goal was to reduce the amount of supplies and maintenance required to
support an office restroom. Again, because of the application, range was not a huge factor.
Initially, Wi-Fi seemed like the better option because of its high data rate and real-time
monitoring capabilities. However, Mars ended up utilizing the ZigBee protocol because of its
compatibility with battery-powered wireless sensors.
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11. Wireless Topologies
Network
There are a few major network topologies commonly used in wireless technology today:
Star Network: A star network is the most common computer network topology. In a star
network, there is a central hub, which can also be known as a router, gateway, or controller,
depending on the technology. All the nodes communicate directly with the hub, and then the
hub relays messages to the Internet or to another hub. If nodes want to communicate directly
with each other, the message is relayed via the hub. The transmission lines that are formed
between a hub and the nodes form a star-like arrangement. This is typically how Wi-Fi and your
cell phones work.
Typical Star Network Topology
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12. Mesh Network: In a fully-meshed network, there is no need for a central hub. Any node can
act as a relay to any other node. The idea being, if two nodes cannot reach each other directly,
the message can be delivered through one or more other nodes in the mesh. Mesh networks
can reach greater lengths than other technologies by hopping a message through several
nodes. There are many variations to a meshed network. Some nodes may opt not to route
messages. A battery powered device may do this to conserve power. Another variation may
direct some messages to a single gateway node. The gateway would bridge messages on the
mesh network to another network, such as the Internet, using a different communication
technology, such as ethernet or cellular.
Typical Mesh Network Topology
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13. Frequencies
With so many wireless devices, it can be helpful to select frequencies that are less popular to
avoid jamming and interference. However, there are also advantages to using higher or lower
frequencies. Lower frequencies typically have longer range and are less affected by buildings
or metal along the transmission path. Higher frequencies allow for increased data rates but are
not as good at penetrating metals.
Point-to-Point Network: In a point-to-point network, two devices are paired and connected
with each other. Ultimately this tends to look like a star network, as it is usually a less capable
device (like a headset) connecting to a smartphone or computer, which acts like the hub.
Typical Point-to-Point Network Topology
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14. While there are similarities between many of the IoT wireless protocols, selecting the
appropriate technology is critical for project success. The most important thing a designer,
engineer or specifier can do is to thoroughly define and prioritize exactly what it is that the IoT
system needs to accomplish. Home and building automation systems and products may be
single-focused or may integrate and coordinate several functions such as security, safety,
entertainment, comfort, energy management, communication, and appliance control.
These products are capable of processing and exchanging information, and include flexible and
adaptable designs that support sophisticated sensors and controls for various applications
including lighting and energy management, garage door openers, HVACR systems, security,
and appliances. From intelligent lighting controls, to safety sensing and monitoring devices, to
central digital building controllers, Mars International has experience with the technologies,
platforms, and protocols required to design and build complete product solutions.
Conclusion
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