Unit 2 Elements of IoT PDF

# Unit - 2 Elements of IoT ## 2.1 Hardware Components - Computing (Arduino, Raspberry Pi) IoT (Internet of Things) is no longer a buzzword. With several inspiring use cases, emanating daily, multiple firms are now discovering how they could leverage the technology for business growth. It is fast b...

# Unit - 2 Elements of IoT ## 2.1 Hardware Components - Computing (Arduino, Raspberry Pi) IoT (Internet of Things) is no longer a buzzword. With several inspiring use cases, emanating daily, multiple firms are now discovering how they could leverage the technology for business growth. It is fast becoming an important feature for new devices to be IoT based, irrespective of the other technologies implemented, and according to Gartner, by 2020, 95% of new devices and systems will use the IoT. Each is a part of an IoT hardware platform - a combination of hardware, connectivity tools, and software development environment for IoT projects. Arduino and Pi are not the only and the best IoT platforms worth knowing. In fact, there are dozens of platforms with a diverse choice of hardware, support, security, development infrastructure, and communities. In this article, we'll focus on some popular platforms and try to figure out the perfect matches for different IoT projects. ### Arduino Arduino hardware is an affordable and easy to set up option for building a basic IoT device that is supposed to perform one action, for example, read humidity sensor data. Arduino community is one of the oldest in this domain, so there won't be a lack of support or resources. On top of that, Arduino's functionality is easily expandable with on-top shields and multiple digital and analog general-purpose input/output pins. ### Raspberry Pi Raspberry Pi is the best choice for data-heavy connected devices like hubs, gateways, datum collectors, or personal cloud servers, however, it will also be a good fit for simpler IoT applications. ## Arduino Arduino is an open-source prototyping platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. Arduino boards can read inputs - light on a sensor, a finger on a button, or a Twitter message - and turn it into an output - activating a motor, turning on an LED, publishing something online. With the ease of programming and the plug and play nature of Arduino based system, it quickly became loved by many in the hardware space. The early Arduino boards were mostly general-purpose microcontrollers that were connected to the internet using GSM and WiFi modules, but as the IoT began to Open up, boards with special features that support the IoT were developed. Boards like the Arduino 101(developed with Intel), the MKR1000, Arduino WiFi Rev 2, and the MKR Vidor 4000 which is the first Arduino board based on an FPGA Chip. ## Raspberry pi The Raspberry Pi is a Single Board Computer developed by Raspberry Pi Foundation. It is widely popular as a small, inexpensive computing board among experimenters, hobbyists, educators, and technology enthusiasts. While the Raspberry Pi is naturally a general-purpose device, it will be an injustice to ignore the contribution of the raspberry to the development of some of the IoT products and projects currently in vogue. They are generally too robust and sophisticated to be used in the development of simple connected sensors or actuators, but they find applications serving as data aggregators, hubs, and device gateways in IoT projects. The latest of the raspberry pi boards; the Raspberry pi 3 model B+ features a 1.4GHz Broadcom BCM2837B0, Cortex-A53 (ARMv8) 64-bit SoC, 2.4GHz and 5GHz IEEE 802.11.b/g/n/ac wireless LAN, Bluetooth 4.2, BLE, and a Gigabit Ethernet port over USB 2.0 (maximum throughput 300 Mbps). Asides from several other features including 4 USB ports, Audio output, to mention a few, the board comes with a 1GB LPDDR2 SDRAM which makes it quite fast for IoT-based tasks. ### Key takeaway - Arduino is an open-source prototyping platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. - The Raspberry Pi is a Single Board Computer developed by Raspberry Pi Foundation. - It is widely popular as a small, inexpensive computing board among experimenters, hobbyists, educators, and technology enthusiasts. ## 2.2 Communication The communication module is the device's final, but most important, component. This is a device that connects devices to storage, either locally or in the cloud. Communication ports including USB, Modbus, and Ethernet/IP, to mention a few, can be found in this module. Wireless communication radio technology, such as Wireless fidelity, might be included as well. Communication ports such as USB, serial (232/485), and CAN, to name a few, may be included in this module. It could also contain Wi-Fi, LoRA, ZigBee, and other wireless communication technologies. The communications module might be part of the same device as the other modules, or it can be a distinct device dedicated to communications only. A "gateway architecture" is a term used to describe this approach. If you have three sensors in a room that need to send data to the Cloud, you could link them all to a single gateway in the same room, which then consolidates the data and delivers it to the Cloud. ### WiFi Wi-Fi networking is typically an obvious choice for many developers, especially with Wi-pervasiveness Fi's within the LAN home environment. It's a wireless local area network that uses IEEE 802.11 specifications in a 5GHz ISM frequency band. Wi-Fi is a short-range technology with a range of around 60 feet between an access point and the user. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that was created to take the role of Ethernet. Its purpose was to promote cross-seller interoperability using off-the-shelf, simple-to-install, and simple-to-use short-range wireless communication. Although ordinary Wi-Fi isn't always the optimal IoT technology, some IoT applications can benefit from it, especially in in-building or campus locations. Building and home automation, as well as in-house energy management, are obvious examples of applications where Wi-Fi can be utilized as the communication channel and devices can be connected to electrical outlets. Wi-Fi 802.11ah, often known as "HaLow," is intended specifically for IoT and requires particular clients and infrastructure. Wi-Fi technology vendors are always improving and striving to give better technology. ### ZigBee ZigBee is a wireless technology that is comparable to Bluetooth and is primarily utilized in industrial environments. It offers low-power operation, high security, robustness, and high performance in complex systems, and it is well positioned to take advantage of wireless control and sensor networks in IoT applications. The most recent version of ZigBee is version 3.0, which essentially unifies the multiple ZigBee wireless technologies into a single standard. ### LoRaWAN LoRaWAN is a widely used Internet of Things (IoT) technology that addresses wide-area network (WAN) applications. The LoRaWAN standard was created to give low-power WANs the features they need to allow low-cost mobile secure communication in IoT, smart city, and industrial applications. Data rates range from 0.3 kbps to 50 kbps, and it is designed to meet low-power requirements and sustain huge networks with millions of devices. ### Satellite communication Mobile phones can communicate with the nearest antenna, which is around 10-15 miles away, thanks to satellite communications. Depending on the speed of communication, these are referred to as GSM, GPRS / GSM, 3G, 4G / LTE, 5G, and others. Satellite communication, also known as Machine to Machine communication in the IoT, allows mobile devices to communicate with one another. The only viable answer to the communication restriction that is the wide-scale interconnection of IoT devices appears to be custom-designed satellite communication. Satellite technology may be able to assist the IoT sector in growing and addressing this wide-ranging connection problem. For such heavy loads, data transport speed could become an issue. Nonetheless, it is just a matter of time before novel solutions become available. Satellite providers are already collaborating to develop services and equipment that will allow IoT to reach its full potential. A system to merge fiber, satellite, and wireless networks is already being developed. Satellite systems are the most effective signal transmission on Earth because of their global nature and capacity to simultaneously broadcast to many sites. Satellite transmission is used in conjunction with terrestrial networks to obtain global coverage. ### Bluetooth Since Ericsson's inception in 1994, Bluetooth technology has come a long way. Bluetooth was created as a replacement for ordinary RS connections, which were previously used to link external devices to computers. In the Internet of Things, Bluetooth is used to track devices in the commercial, educational, and health care sectors. Indoor tracking scenarios with minimal power needs benefit greatly from Bluetooth applications. Bluetooth communication, on the other hand, is classified as short-range and does not permit transmission or tracking underwater. Furthermore, Bluetooth connectivity is not recommended for security solutions that involve the transmission of visual or audio data over the network.. Low-Energy Bluetooth, which was introduced in 2009, allowed IoT to use Bluetooth as a communication medium. BLE is a wireless standard for small-scale IoT devices like wearables and beacons, allowing them to deliver modest quantities of data while consuming very little power. Bluetooth's importance and applications in cars and homes will continue to increase and expand. Imagine getting automatic traffic updates or weather reports on your dashboard throughout your daily commute, or utilizing Bluetooth to set up lighting, thermostat, and home theater systems for the right mood or occasion. ### Key takeaway - The communication module is the device's final, but most important, component. This is a device that connects devices to storage, either locally or in the cloud. - Wi-Fi networking is typically an obvious choice for many developers, especially with Wi-pervasiveness Fi's within the LAN home environment. - ZigBee is a wireless technology that is comparable to Bluetooth and is primarily utilized in industrial environments. - Satellite communication, also known as Machine to Machine communication in the IoT, allows mobile devices to communicate with one another. - Bluetooth communication, on the other hand, is classified as short-range and does not permit transmission or tracking underwater. ## 2.3 Sensing Sensors can be found all over the place. They can be found in our homes and businesses, as well as retail malls and hospitals. They're built into smartphones and play a key role in the Internet of Things (IoT). Sensors have existed for quite some time. Infrared sensors have been around since the late 1940s, while the first thermostat was launched in the late 1880s. The Internet of Things (IoT) and its industrial cousin, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), are taking sensor usage to new heights. Sensors, in general, are devices that detect and respond to changes in their surroundings. Light, temperature, motion, and pressure are all examples of possible inputs. Sensors produce useful data, which they can exchange with other connected devices and management systems if they are connected to a network. Sensors are vital to the success of many modern organizations. They can alert you to possible issues before they turn into major issues, allowing firms to do preventative maintenance and avoid costly downtime. A good sensor should have these three characteristics: - It needs to be attentive to the phenomenon it's tracking. - It shouldn't be affected by other bodily factors. - During the measuring procedure, it should not change the phenomenon being measured. We can use a variety of sensors to measure practically all of the physical properties around us. Thermometers, pressure sensors, light sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, motion sensors, gas sensors, and many other common sensors are widely used in everyday life. Several properties can be used to describe a sensor, the most essential of which is: - Range - The sensor's range refers to the phenomenon's highest and minimum values. - Sensitivity - Sensitivity is defined as the smallest change in the measured parameter that results in a noticeable change in the output signal. - Resolution - The sensor's resolution is the smallest change in the phenomenon it can detect. ### Sensor classification Several criteria can be used to classify sensors: - Passive or Active - Active sensors, on the other hand, require an external power source to monitor an environment, whereas passive sensors do not. - Another classification is dependent on how the property was detected and measured (mechanical, chemical, etc.). - Analog or Digital - Digital sensors produce a discrete signal, whereas analog sensors produce an analog, or continuous, signal. ### Types of sensors There are many different types of IoT sensors, as well as numerous applications and use cases. Here are ten of the most common types of IoT sensors, as well as some of their applications. - Temperature sensors - Temperature sensors detect temperature changes and translate them to data by measuring the quantity of heat energy present in a source. Manufacturing machinery frequently necessitates specific environmental and device temperatures. Similarly, soil temperature is an important determinant in crop growth in agriculture. - Humidity sensors - These sensors determine how much water vapor is present in the environment of air or other gases. Humidity sensors are often found in both industrial and domestic heating, venting, and air conditioning systems. They can also be found in a variety of different places, such as hospitals and meteorology stations, where they record and forecast weather. - Pressure sensors - Changes in gases and liquids are detected by a pressure sensor. The sensor monitors changes in pressure and conveys them to connected systems when they occur. Leak testing, which might occur as a result of degradation, is a common application case. Pressure sensors are also important in the manufacture of water systems since they can easily detect pressure variations or dips. - Proximity sensors - Proximity sensors are used to detect objects that are close to the sensor without having to touch them. Electromagnetic fields or beams of radiation, such as infrared, are frequently emitted by these sensors. Proximity sensors have a variety of applications. A proximity sensor in retail can detect motion between a customer and a product that piques his or her attention. Any discounts or special offers on products near the sensor might be notified to the user. Mall parking lots, stadium parking lots, and airport parking lots all use proximity sensors to signal parking availability. They can also be employed in production lines in the chemical, food, and a variety of other industries. - Level sensors - The level of substances such as liquids, powders, and granular materials is detected using level sensors. Level sensors are used in a variety of industries, including oil production, water treatment, and beverage and food manufacturing. Level sensors can measure the amount of rubbish in a garbage can or dumpster, which is a frequent use case for waste management systems. - Gyroscope sensors - Gyroscope sensors measure the angular rate or velocity, which is commonly defined as the speed and rotation around an axis. Automobiles, such as automobile navigation and electronic stability control (anti-skid) systems, are examples of use cases. Motion sensing for video games and camera shake detection systems are two other applications. - Gas sensors - These sensors track and detect changes in air quality, such as the presence of toxic, flammable, or dangerous gases. Mining, oil and gas, chemical research, and manufacturing are all industries that use gas sensors. Carbon dioxide detectors, which are found in many homes, are a common consumer use case. - Infrared sensors - By producing or detecting infrared radiation, these sensors detect features in their surroundings. They can also detect the heat that objects emit. Infrared sensors are employed in a range of IoT projects, including healthcare, because they make blood flow and blood pressure monitoring easier. Infrared sensors are used by televisions to decipher the signals supplied by a remote control. Art historians utilizing infrared sensors to observe hidden layers in paintings to assist establish whether a work of art is real or fake, or has been altered by a restoration technique, is another intriguing application. - Optical sensors - Optical sensors are devices that transform light beams into electrical impulses. Optical sensors have a wide range of applications and use cases. Vehicles in the automotive industry utilize optical sensors to detect signs, obstructions, and other objects that a driver might see while driving or parking. Optical sensors are crucial in the development of self-driving cars. Optical sensors are widely used in mobile phones. ### Key takeaway - Sensors can be found all over the place. They can be found in our homes and businesses, as well as retail malls and hospitals. - Sensors are vital to the success of many modern organizations. - Temperature sensors detect temperature changes and translate them to data by measuring the quantity of heat energy present in a source. - Humidity sensors are often found in both industrial and domestic heating, venting, and air conditioning systems. - Pressure sensors are also important in the manufacture of water systems since they can easily detect pressure variations or dips. - Proximity sensors are used to detect objects that are close to the sensor without having to touch them. - Optical sensors are devices that transform light beams into electrical impulses. ## 2.4 Actuation A physical object (“thing”) + controller (“brain”) + sensors + actuators + networks make up an IoT device (Internet). A machine component or system that moves or regulates a mechanism or system is known as an actuator. The device's sensors detect the surroundings, and control signals are sent to the actuators based on the activities required. An actuator is something like a servo motor. They can move to a defined angular or linear location and are either linear or rotatory actuators. For IoT applications, we can use servo motors and rotate them to 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and other angles as needed. The controller instructs the actuator to conduct the task depending on the sensor data, as shown in the diagram below. [Picture of a diagram] **Fig 2 : Use of actuations** Through the actuator, the control system affects the environment. It necessitates an energy supply as well as a control signal. It turns the source of energy into a mechanical operation when it gets a control signal. On this premise, on the form of energy it uses, it has different types given below. ### Types of Actuators - Hydraulic actuator - A hydraulic actuator is a mechanical device that employs hydraulic power to complete a task. A cylinder or a fluid motor drives them. According to the needs of the IoT device, mechanical motion is translated to rotary, linear, or oscillatory motion. Hydraulic actuators are used in construction equipment because they can create a considerable amount of force. - **Advantages** - Hydraulic actuators have the ability to generate significant amounts of force at a high rate. - Used in welding, clamping, and other applications. - In car transport carriers, it's used to lower or raise the vehicles. - **Disadvantages** - Leaks in hydraulic fluid can reduce performance and complicate cleanup. - Noise reduction equipment, heat exchangers, and high-maintenance systems are all required. - It is expensive. - Pneumatic Actuators - A pneumatic actuator converts energy created by vacuum or high-pressure compressed air into linear or rotary motion. For example, sensors that act like human fingers and are powered by compressed air are used in robotics. - **Advantages** - They are a low-cost solution that is employed in extreme temperatures where employing air rather than chemicals is a safer option. - They require little maintenance, are long-lasting, and have a lengthy service life. - It is quite quick to initiate and stop the action. - **Disadvantages** - It can become less efficient if there is a loss of pressure. - The air compressor should be turned on all the time. - It is possible for air to be polluted, and it must be maintained. - Electrical actuators - An electric actuator works by converting electrical energy into mechanical torque and is usually powered by a motor. A solenoid-based electric bell is an example of an electric actuator. - **Advantages** - It can automate industrial valves, which makes it useful in a variety of sectors. - It makes less noise and is completely safe to use because there are no fluid leaks. - It has the ability to be reprogrammed and delivers the highest level of control and precision positioning. - **Disadvantages** - It's not cheap. - It is highly dependent on the surrounding environment. ### Key takeaway - A physical object (“thing") + controller (“brain”) + sensors + actuators +networks make up an IoT device (Internet). - A machine component or system that moves or regulates a mechanism or system is known as an actuator. - A hydraulic actuator is a mechanical device that employs hydraulic power to complete a task. - A pneumatic actuator converts energy created by vacuum or high-pressure compressed air into linear or rotary motion. - An electric actuator works by converting electrical energy into mechanical torque and is usually powered by a motor. ## 2.5 I/O interfaces The Input Output Interface (IOI) is a technique for exchanging data between internal and external storage and I/O devices. The Input-Output Interface (I/O) is a means for moving data between internal storage devices, such as memory, and external peripheral devices. A peripheral device, often known as an input-output device, is a device that provides input and output for a computer. Consider the following scenario: Input devices, such as a keyboard and mouse, offer input to the computer, and output devices, such as a monitor and printer, provide output to the computer. In addition to external hard drives, several peripheral devices that can provide both input and output are also available. For peripherals connected to a computer to communicate with the central processing unit, special communication cables are required. The communication link's aim is to reconcile the disparities between the central computer and each peripheral. The following are the main differences: 1. Electronic devices are CPU and memory, whereas electromechanical and electromagnetic devices are peripherals. As a result, signal values may need to be converted. 2. Because peripheral data transfer rates are typically slower than CPU data transfer rates, a synchronization mechanism may be required. 3. The word format in the CPU and RAM differs from the data codes and formats in the peripherals. 4. Peripheral operating modes differ from one another and must be managed so as not to interfere with the operation of other peripherals attached to the CPU. Computer systems include additional hardware components between the CPU and peripherals to supervise and synchronize all input and out transfers in order to resolve these mismatches. - Because they connect the CPU bus to peripheral devices, these components are known as Interface Units. ### Functions - It's utilized to keep the CPU's operating speed in sync with the input-output devices. - It chooses the input-output device that is best suited for the input-output device's interpretation. - It can send out signals such as control and timing signals. - Data buffering is possible through the data bus in this case. - There are several types of error detectors. - Serial data is converted to parallel data and vice versa. - It can also convert digital data to analog signals and the other way around. ## 2.6 Software Components- Programming API's (using Python / Node.js /Arduino) for Communication The Arduino Rest API is a way for Arduino and other external systems to communicate data. It is possible to operate Arduino from afar using the Arduino Rest API framework. The confluence of APIs and IoT creates new integration possibilities. The creation of an API ecosystem is a fascinating topic, and the way we use APIs to access IoT services exposed by remote IoT boards is a difficult component. In greater detail, a client application uses the Arduino Rest API to read or transmit data to the Arduino board. An external system or application that retrieves sensor values is a common use case for HTTP Rest API. When different systems and boards are connected and share information, the Arduino Rest API framework can be used in IoT projects. The Arduino Rest API is used by IoT cloud companies as well. This type of method is used when an external application (client) submits a request to Arduino, and Arduino responds with data. Because the Arduino Rest API uses the HTTP protocol, these queries are synchronous. Other protocols, like as MQTT, can be utilized in IoT applications. When Arduino is acting as a server in a client-server scenario, the Arduino API over HTTP plays a critical role. MQTT, for example, employs a structure known as publish-subscribe. ### Arduino rest framework There is an intriguing library called aRest that may be used to construct a Rest API architecture. This library is a framework for Restful services that includes a number of useful features. This library works with a variety of development boards, including Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ES8266. More information is available on the aRest website. This library is easy to use and may be acquired from the Arduino library directly through the Arduino IDE. We can implement the API using this library because it supports aRest: - Reading pin values in rest style - Writing pin values in rest style - Remote sketch function call ### Arduino implementations Now that we've covered the fundamentals of Arduino and how to utilize it to connect it to an external system, we'll go through how to put it into reality. We'll use Rest API requests to control an LED strip in this example. Because we need to concentrate on the Arduino Rest API, the sketch is straightforward. The LED strip is a Neopixels RGB Stick Board, and it is able to select a single RGB led color using the Adafruit library. The following sketch demonstrates how to connect it to an Arduino UNO. [Picture of a diagram] **Fig 3: Arduino UNO** The Neopixel components in this image are different, but the connections are the same. We want to change the color of the led strip using a Rest JSON API call. The color is supplied as a HEX parameter to the sketch function. This sample exemplifies the library's versatility. The Arduino code is straightforward: ``` // Create aREST instance AREST rest = aREST(); // NeoPixel Init Adafruit_NeoPixel pixels = Adafruit_NeoPixel(NUMPIXELS, PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800); Void setup() { Serial.begin(115200); // Register RGB function Rest.function("rgb", setPixelColor); Serial.println("Try DHCP..."); If (Ethernet.begin(macAdd) == 0) { Serial.println("DHCP FAIL...Static IP"); Ethernet.begin(macAdd, ip, myDns, myGateway) ; } Server.begin(); Serial.print("server IP: "); Serial.println(Ethernet.localIP()); Pixels.begin(); Serial.println("Setup complete.\n"); } Void loop() { // listen for incoming clients EthernetClient client = server.available(); Rest.handle(client); Wdt_reset(); } Int setPixelColor(String hexColor) { HexColor="0x" + hexColor; Serial.println("Hex color " + hexColor); Long n = strtol( &hexColor[0], NULL, 16); Serial.println("N :" + String(n)); Long r = n << 16; Long g = n << 8 && 0xFF; Long b = n && 0xFF; // set single pixel color Return 1; } ``` SetColor is the Arduino function that we'd like to make available via an Arduino HTTP Rest API. As a result, the sketch registers it as rgb at line 36. ## 2.7 Protocols-MQTT MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is an IBM-developed lightweight messaging protocol that was initially introduced in 1999. It interprets communications between devices, servers, and applications using the pub/sub pattern. The MQTT protocol was established with the goal of connecting sensors on oil pipelines to communications satellites with the least amount of battery loss and bandwidth use possible. MQTT has been evolving since its creation, with version 5.0 being released in May 2018. Version 3.1.1 was accepted as an ISO standard after being submitted to the OASIS consortium in 2013. ### Advantages The following are some of the advantages of MQTT: - Lightweight code footprint - The MQTT protocol requires only a few lines of code to get up and running on devices. - Minimized data packets - MQTT is a low-energy protocol. If a device is battery-powered or has a low CPU, this is ideal. - Speed - Outside of QoS, MQTT functions in real time with no delays. - Ease of Implementation - MQTT includes libraries in a number of programming languages, including Elixir and Python. - Last will and testament - If a client disconnects abruptly, you can send a message to all subscribers with information on how to fix the problem. - Retained messages - When a client subscribes to a topic, it will automatically get one retained message for that subject (like a pinned post on social media). ### MQTT architecture In the MQTT protocol, connected devices are known as "clients," and they communicate with a server known as the "broker." Data communication between clients is handled by the broker. When a customer (known as a "publisher") wants to disseminate information, it publishes to a specific topic, which the broker then distributes to any clients who have subscribed to that topic (known as "subscribers"). The publisher does not require information on the number of subscribers or their locations. As a result, subscribers do not require any information about the publisher. Any client can be both a publisher and a subscriber. The clients are usually unaware of each other and are only aware of the broker who acts as an intermediary. The “pub/sub model” is a popular term for this structure. [Picture of a diagram] **Fig 4: MQTT workflow** ### MQTT messages A “publish” occurs when a customer wishes to submit data to the broker. A client will "subscribe" to a subject or topics if they desire to get data from the broker. When a client subscribes to a topic, it will get all future messages that are published on that subject. The publisher additionally sends a QoS (Quality of Service) level along with the message. This level specifies the message's delivery guarantee. The following are the levels of QoS: - At most once - The broker will only get the message "at most once" after it is published. This level should not be utilized for mission-critical information since it increases the danger of the message not being received by the intended recipients. - At least once - The publisher will continue to resend the message until it obtains a response from the broker on the specific message. In other words, ensuring that the message is received is more critical than ensuring that it is only received once. This is most likely the most used QoS level. - Exactly once The publisher and the broker collaborate to ensure that the broker receives and acts on messages only once. This necessitates some more effort in the form of a four-part handshake. This is the safest QoS level, but it's also the slowest, therefore it's only used when absolutely required. ### Key takeaway - MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is an IBM-developed lightweight messaging protocol that was initially introduced in 1999. - The MQTT protocol was established with the goal of connecting sensors on oil pipelines to communications satellites with the least amount of battery loss and bandwidth use possible. ## 2.8 ZigBee Zigbee is a standards-based wireless technology that enables low-cost, low-power wireless M2M and internet of things (IoT) networks. Zigbee is an open standard for low-data-rate, low-power applications. This allows for the mixing of implementations from different manufacturers in theory, but in practice, vendors have expanded and personalized Zigbee devices, resulting in interoperability concerns. Unlike Wi-Fi networks, which employ a mesh networking protocol to avoid hub devices and establish a self-healing design, Zigbee networks support significantly lower data rates and utilize a mesh networking protocol to avoid hub devices and build a self-healing architecture. Furthermore, these mesh networks self-configure when devices are added or withdrawn, and their interconnection allows for a greater coverage range than competitors like Bluetooth Low Energy. Despite this, Zigbee remains a low-range communication standard, with a coverage range of up to 100 meters. As a result, it's an excellent solution for personal spaces such as smart homes or in-building operations. A coordinator, a router, and a device make up a Zigbee network. The coordinator serves as the network's hub, connecting all of its components and managing data transfer and storage. The routers in the network support Zigbee coordinators. These are data-transfer devices that send and receive data from a variety of devices, including televisions, doors, cameras, and thermostats. Zigbee is known for its secure connections, which is why it's often the chosen choice for personal area networks, particularly in corporate networks with sensitive data. Because of its low power consumption, Zigbee is a better choice for IoT connectivity than Wifi. It's utilized for a variety of tasks, such as smart building automation, temperature management, and more. Zigbee is an ideal partner for any business where little amounts of data are exchanged rarely, such as remote monitoring or in-building applications. ### Finding ZigBee's place in the industrial IoT The properties of ZigBee set it unique from other conceivable IoT protocols, allowing it to carve out its own niche in the market. Because of its mesh topography, it can handle longer distances than Bluetooth Low Energy, and its extremely low energy consumption makes it more IoT-friendly than Wi-Fi. According to Gigaom, after the chips are extensively utilized in houses, the next stage will be to include a ZigBee chip in cellphones. Because the homeowner's primary method of communicating with sensors in the home is through their smartphone or tablet, having such a chip built inside would put it in the hands of millions of smartphone owners who could turn it on at the touch of a button. ZigBee radios are currently installed in homes via a hub, router, or set-top box, making their adoption by homeowners reliant on service providers and early adopters of products such as the Almond Router, SmartThings hub, or Revolv hub. ### Challenges and Shortcoming In the battle to become an internationally acknowledged IIoT standard, Zigbee has its work cut out for it. The space to become the solution to future IoT solutions is increasingly competitive, with established competitors such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as newcomers Thread. | | Z-Wave | ZigBee | WeMo | Thread | |--------------------|--------|--------|----------------|-----------------| | Operating range | 100 feet | 35 feet | 100 feet | 100 feet (theoretical) | | Max no. devices | 232 | 65,000 | Router-dependent | 250-300 | | Data rate | 9.6-100 kbps | 40-250 kbps | Router-dependent | 250 kbps | | Frequency | 908/916 MHz (U.S.) | 915 MHz/2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz | | Network type | Mesh | Mesh | Star | Mesh | | Needs hub? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | However, ZigBee already has a considerable presence in the market. In fact, if you have a Nest thermostat, Comcast's new router, or a Hue lighting, you already have ZigBee chips. Unfortunately, the specification has had several difficulties in recent years, with interoperability issues highlighting much of its content. The issue is that the standard is more than simply a wireless transport method; it also includes a layer of software that can build profiles that conflict with other ZigBee profiles. So, unlike Wi-Fi, it's possible that two ZigBee-enabled devices won't be able to communicate with one another. Another obstacle that ZigBee must overcome is Z-Wave, its closest competitor. According to Gigaom, nine out of ten sensors use the proprietary Z-wave protocol instead of ZigBee, and more startups are releasing Bluetooth Low Energy devices that can talk with smartphones. ### Key takeaway - Zigbee is a standards-based wireless technology that enables low-cost, low-power wireless M2M and internet of things (IoT) networks. - Zigbee is an open standard for low-data-rate, low-power applications. ## 2.9 Bluetooth Bluetooth was created by Ericsson in 1994 to provide wireless headsets. Bluetooth has since evolved into a wide range of products, including Bluetooth headsets, speakers, printers, game controllers, and much more. Bluetooth is particularly vital for the Internet of Things, which includes smart homes and industrial applications, which is quickly developing. It's a low-power, low-range, high-bandwidth solution for connectivity. When Bluetooth devices (for example, your phone and your wireless speaker) connect, the parent-child paradigm is used, with one device acting as the parent and the others as the children. The parent communicates with the child, and the youngster listens for the parent to communicate with him or her. Because a Bluetooth parent can have up to seven children, your computer can connect to several devices through Bluetooth at the same time. A "piconet" is a Bluetooth connection between two or more devices. A device can be a parent in one piconet and a kid in another at the same time, and the parent-child relationship can also change. When you put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode to connect it, it becomes the parent for a short time in order to establish a connection before connecting as the child. Bluetooth, unlike WiFi, which we discussed in the previous chapter, was designed for portable devices and related applications, so it excels when you need to connect two devices with minimal configuration. Furthermore, because Bluetooth uses weak signals, there is less interference, and devices may interact even in noisy surroundings. Machines sending short bursts of