The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the way we interact with technology, creating an interconnected world where devices communicate and share data seamlessly. This revolution is largely powered by IoT networks, which are the backbone of IoT systems. As a reference for this blog, the key will be based on the various IoT networks, their descriptions, and application areas to ensure it serves as good reference material for anyone who wants to know more about basics of networking in iot.
Fundamental of Networking in IoT
The basics of networking in iot is the framework of interconnections that allows them to transfer information to and from other gadgets. IoT networks have particular needs because of differences in the connected objects from small sensors to large and complicated equipment. Key considerations include:
- Connectivity: The IoT devices require a dependable and persistent connection, frequently in the contexts that are unfriendly to wireless communication.
- Scalability: A desirable IoT network has to support a vast number of devices; maybe in millions at any one time.
- Latency: It is easier to process real-time data in execution in areas such as automatic cars and industrial processes using low latency.
- Security: Security, especially of important information, as well as the confidentiality of users’ communication, is critical for IoT networks.
They affect the design and choice of IoT network, resulting in creation of several kinds of network to meet the various application needs.
Types of IoT Networks
IoT networks can be categorized based on range, power consumption, and data transmission capabilities and all these factors are included in the. Here, we’ll discuss the main types of IoT networks:
1. Personal Area Networks (PAN):
Overview: PANs are for very short distance interactions, normally measured in meters, or at most, several meters. They synchronize, thus link smart wristbands, mobile phones or tablets, and hub devices such as lights and cubes.
Technologies Used: Bluetooth, ZigBee and Z-Wave are technologies often used in PANs.
Use Cases: PANs are well suited for smart home Systems, fitness track Ind devices, and personal Health Monitoring Systems.
2. Local Area Networks (LAN):
Overview: LANs are restricted to a geographical area like in a home, office or factory. They offer higher data rates than do PANs, and they are also rather more reliable.
Technologies Used: Internet is the dominant technology implemented in the LAN and it provides high-speed connection out of all the technologies existing.
Use Cases: Some of the applications that use LANs include smart buildings, industrial processes, and home security.
3. Wide Area Networks (WAN):
Overview: LANs cover much smaller areas than WANs, as they connect the devices within a city, region or country only. They are suitable to be used in applications that involve transmission of long distances.
Technologies Used: 3G, 4G, 5G, LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network), LoRaWAN, Sigfox and NB-IoT are some of the WAN technologies.
Use Cases: WANs are important in the development of smart city applications, monitoring of environment and management of fleet services.
4. Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN)
Overview: LPWANs are established for communicating over long distances while at the same time consuming low energy. These networks are very suitable for the use of the IoT devices that require sending limited information over a large area.
Technologies Used: The most commonly used LPWAN technology is LoRaWAN, followed by Sigfox and NB-IoT.
Use Cases: The applications of LPWANs include the usage of asset tracking and monitoring, smart agriculture and use of machines in the monitoring of utilities such as water and gas.
5. Mesh Networks:
Overview: A mesh network is one of the most distributed types of connections where the nodes themselves connect and transmit information to other nodes. This architecture increases the dependability of the links and the extent of the service area.
Technologies Used: Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Thread are very popular mesh network protocols and standards.
Use Cases: Examples of Mesh networks are smart lighting networks/or smart lighting systems in homes and industries, industrial IoT applications and home automation systems.
6. Satellite Networks:
Overview: Satellite is global in access hence ensuring IoT access to areas that are difficult to access. These networks are (suitable for applications where it is impossible to use land-based networks).
Technologies Used: Communication satellites are used for IoT applications and there are varieties of satellites in different bands such as L-band, S-band, and Ku-band.
Use Cases: Maritime Internet of Things, remote environment, and asset tracking are a few applications of satellite networks.
7. Cellular IoT Networks:
Overview: cellular IoT networks utilize to facilitate the connection of the IoT devices. These networks are characterized by higher speed, low latency, and massive connectivity of devices due to the implementation of 5G.
Technologies Used: Main cellular IoT technologies are 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G NR.
Use Cases: Smart vehicles, healthcare IoT, and big-industrial scale M2M communication use Cellular IoT networks.
Use Cases of IoT Networks
IoT networks enable a wide range of applications across various industries. Here are some notable examples:
1. Smart Cities:
Application: The IoT networks are involved in regulation of traffic, controlling of air quality, controlling of energy consumption and even enhancing safety in the society.
Network Type: WAN and LPWAN are used for city-wide IoT applications in the examined countries.
2. Healthcare:
Application: The IoT is used to link medical apparatuses to patients, check patient’s conditions, and regulate healthcare information.
Network Type: In healthcare IoT, Popular types of networks are Personal Area Networks (PAN) and Cellular IoT networks.
3. Industrial Automation:
Application: IoT networks are used in monitoring and controlling industrial operations including; monitoring, maintenance and automation.
Network Type: Industries IoT (IIoT) utilizes Local Area Networks (LAN) and Mesh Networks.
4. Agriculture:
Application: Big data networks enable smart homes, traffic management, industrial applications, vehicle management and even precision farming systems.
Network Type: Thus, Low Power Wide Area Networks are perfect for agricultural IoT devices.
5. Transportation and Logistics:
Application: The IoT plays an important role in the management of transportation companies’ fleets, assets, and maintenance predictions.
Network Type: WAN as well as Cellular IoT networks are used in this sector.
Conclusion
Selecting the correct network as the IoT industry progresses remains critical in the modern world. Today’s IoT networks come in many flavours with varying characteristics and indicators designed to meet specific needs and application requirements ranging from personal area networks to satellite networks. It is essential for companies and developers interested in designing efficient IoT networks to comprehend some fundamental notions regarding IoT networking and the capabilities/weaknesses of the several networks.
This is why at Monarch Innovation, we acknowledge the importance of IoT networks fostering the next generation of connected solutions. We can assist you whether you are developing new Smart City applications, improving industrial/internet automation, or coming up with state-of-art healthcare devices through our solutions on IoT Networking.
