Internet of Things (IoT) is all about connecting, interacting, and exchanging data through a network. Things within an IoT ecosystem are devices, home appliances, software, gadgets, electronics, machines, etc., which can connect to a network and communicate with each other.

Protocols are technologies that facilitate easy network/communications between things. With the increasing need and possibility of connecting things everywhere in the world, the concept of IoT has grown up rapidly, covering a huge range of industries. Today, many standard and customized, short distance and long-distance, specific layers (network and data) or industry-specific protocols are being developed, depending upon the demand, working functionality, and use cases of end-user products. At the same time, many organizations are forming alliances in the hope of unifying the IoT landscape.

While there are many customized and industry/domain-specific protocols, we have listed down a few that are quite popular.

Although the primary objective of these protocols is to connect, interact, and exchange data between things, the choice of a protocol to be used/enabled on a device depends upon the specifications.

To explain the difference in the protocol’s specifications, we have picked a few short distances and the most widely used network protocols.

While there are numerous different protocols posing challenges with compatibility, stability, complexity, and security issues, the alliances continue to work on standardizing these protocols and make a better and organic IoT landscape. Knowing these protocols has become a prerequisite for any company before developing an IoT solution as they are responsible for speed, volume, and data transmission range.

If you are looking for an IoT testing partner, ZenQ can be your preferred choice. ZenQ’s team of skilled IoT testers have in-depth experience in using various IoT protocols. We have been helping clients to overcome their IoT testing challenges, select and use the right IoT protocols, and make effective business decisions in their digital journey.