Although the economic impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic have had a substantial influence on global IoT expenditure, an IDC report suggests that it will grow at a CAGR of 11.3% from 2020 to 2024. Companies should start exploiting the huge business value that IoT app development companies can bring, as it is increasing dramatically year after year.
The internet of things, or IoT, is a network of interconnected desktop computers, mechanical and digital machinery, items, animals, and people with unique identities (UIDs) It has the capacity to transfer data without needing human-to-human or human-to-computer contact. The Internet of Things (IoT) begins with connectivity, but it is a vast and complex field. Digital transformation companies play an important role here as there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all connectivity solution in the case of IoT.
Wireless technology is a technique of connecting sensors, interfaces, routers, applications, and other systems inside an IoT system. Each choice involves trade-offs in terms of energy consumption, frequency band, and range. Standard wireless alternatives include cellular (3G, 4G, 5G) and WiFi, as well as long-range options like LoRaWAN and LPWAN. To pick the optimal wireless technology solution for their purposes, connected device firms need to understand the fundamentals of the major IoT technologies. Let’s take a look at six of the most prevalent IoT wireless technologies:
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CELLULAR (3G/4G/5G)
Cellular networks, which are well-established in the consumer mobile industry, provide a dependable broadband connection. That supports a variety of phone calls and video streaming apps. On the negative side, they have extremely high operating expenses and power needs. While cellular networks are not suitable for the bulk of IoT applications based on battery-powered sensor networks, they are ideal for linked automobiles and fleet management in logistics and distribution.
The future of autonomous cars and augmented reality is cellular next-generation 5G, which offers high-speed mobility and ultra-low latency. In the future, 5G is projected to provide real-time visual surveillance for public security, real-time mobile distribution of medical data sets for linked health, and a variety of time-critical industrial automation applications.
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BLUETOOTH AND BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY (BLE)
Bluetooth is a short-range communication technology that is widely utilized in the consumer sector for Wireless Personal Area Networks. The initial application goal was to replace cables for PC devices such as printers, mouse, and keyboards. Bluetooth Low-Energy, or BLE, is commonly used in the fitness and medical wearables, as well as Home Automation devices (such as door locks). BLE’s inherent low power architecture makes it a great candidate for these types of consumer applications, as does its compatibility with portable devices and gateways.
Because of their lower power consumption and longer range mode, the current versions of Bluetooth and BLE are appropriate for several industrial IoT applications. BluetoothTM 5/Bluetooth Low Energy works very well in circumstances where sensors must be deployed for an extended length of time and battery replacements must be avoided. The main benefit is significantly decreased power consumption and communication needs achieved by streamlining the protocols and allowing gadgets to bypass connection periods to preserve battery when not required. It is also one of the most affordable IoT technologies.
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WI-FI
Wi-Fi is unquestionably the most popular wireless technology today. Wi-Fi, like cellular and LPWANs, has several versions, including 802.11b, 802.11n, 802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11ac. In respect of signal interference from foreign factors, data speed, and cost, these standards differ greatly. One significant distinction between Wi-Fi and previous wireless technologies is that it broadcasts at considerably higher frequencies. This implies it can hold more information. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, has high power consumption and restricted coverage. Because of these concerns, as well as scalability limits, Wi-Fi is becoming less popular in the IoT arena.
The fundamental constraints of wifi in terms of coverage, scalability, and energy consumption make the technology far less widespread in the IoT arena. Wi-Fi is typically not a viable ideal for large networks of battery-operated IoT sensors. Particularly in industrial IoT and smart building applications, due to its high energy consumption. Such as smart home appliances, digital signs, and security cameras. Wi-Fi 6, the most recent Wi-Fi generation, adds much more network bandwidth (i.e. 9.6 Gbps) to enhance the data throughput per consumer in crowded areas.
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LPWAN
Low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN) use small, affordable batteries to offer long-range connectivity. By contrast, LPWANs can only transfer tiny data blocks at a slow rate. Today, there are technologies that operate in both the licensed (NB-IoT, LTE-M) and unregistered spectrums. With varying degrees of performance in critical network elements (e.g. MY THINGS, LoRa, Sigfox, etc.).
For example, whereas power consumption is a primary concern for cellular-based, licensed LPWANs, unlicensed alternatives prioritize Quality-of-Service and scalability. Standardization is another crucial consideration if you want to assure long-term dependability, security, and interoperability. Asset tracking in a manufacturing plant, environmental monitoring, and facility management can all benefit from them.
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ZIGBEE AND OTHER MESH PROTOCOLS
In mesh topologies, Zigbee is uses transmit sensor data across many sensor nodes to enhance coverage with low power consumption. In comparison to LPWAN, Zigbee offers better data throughput but lower power efficiency owing to the mesh design. Typically, Zigbee is a brilliant addition to Wi-Fi for numerous home automation use cases involving home sensor networks. Such as smart lighting, HVAC controls, security, and energy management.
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RFID
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to send tiny volumes of data from an RFID tag to a reader over a short distance. Until recently, technology has enabled a significant transformation in commerce and logistics.
Businesses may track their inventories and liabilities in real-time by attaching an RFID tag to a variety of items. Allowing for improved stock and production schedules as well as efficient supply chain management. Allowing new IoT applications such as smart shelving, self-checkout, and smart mirrors.
WHICH IOT WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY IS A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR PRODUCT?
Understanding the many IoT wireless choices available can help you decide which option(s) to pursue your firm. There is no one optimal solution; it all depends on your unique requirements. Consider the trade-offs between power consumption, bandwidth, and range and rank their relevance for your device. This research will take into account factors such as data range, battery capacity, expense, transmission distance.
