IoT Protocols =============== These protocols are optimized for constrained environments such as IoT devices, where low bandwidth, power, and processing capabilities are key considerations. .. toctree:: :maxdepth: 1 :hidden: :includehidden: CoAP LwM2M DDS 6LoWPAN Zigbee BLE Z_Wave LoRaWAN Thread NB_IoT Matter .. list-table:: :widths: 15 65 20 :header-rows: 1 * - Protocol - Description - Use Case * - CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol) - A lightweight protocol designed for use in resource-constrained environments. Built over UDP and uses a RESTful model similar to HTTP, optimized for low overhead communication. - Sensor data collection, remote monitoring, and IoT applications. * - LwM2M (Lightweight M2M) - A device management protocol built on CoAP, optimized for low-resource devices. Supports remote provisioning, configuration, and firmware updates. - Device management over-the-air in constrained environments. * - DDS (Data Distribution Service) - A real-time publish–subscribe middleware standard for distributed systems. Designed for high-performance, scalable, and real-time communication. - Industrial control systems, robotics, and mission-critical IoT environments. * - 6LoWPAN (IPv6 over Low-power Wireless Personal Area Networks) - Enables IPv6 packets to be transmitted over low-power, low-rate wireless networks (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4). Provides compression and fragmentation services. - IPv6 networking for constrained wireless sensor and actuator networks. * - Zigbee - A low-power, low-data-rate wireless mesh networking standard based on IEEE 802.15.4. Supports device-to-device communication in mesh topology. - Home automation, lighting, and sensor networks. * - BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) - A wireless personal area network technology focused on ultra-low power consumption. Optimized for short-range communication and intermittent data transfer. - Wearables, beacons, and sensor devices. * - Z-Wave - A wireless communication protocol optimized for smart home devices. Uses a mesh topology and operates in sub‑GHz band to reduce interference. - Smart-home automation—lighting, locks, thermostats. * - LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) - A low-power, wide-area (LPWA) network protocol using LoRa modulation in unlicensed spectrum. Enables long-range communication with minimal power usage. - Agricultural, remote monitoring, and IoT in rural/large-area deployments. * - Thread - An IPv6-based mesh network protocol optimized for home automation. Secure, low-power, and supports direct IPv6 addressing. - Smart home device mesh networking and IoT infrastructure. * - NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) - A cellular LPWAN technology using licensed spectrum for extended coverage and low power. Supports deep indoor penetration and massive device deployment. - Utility metering, smart city sensors, asset tracking. * - Matter - An IP-based, unified interoperability standard for smart-home devices. Supports secure communication across ecosystems (Wi‑Fi, Thread, Ethernet). - Seamless smart home device integration and control across brands. .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: CoAP **RFC:** RFC 7252 **Main Features:** - Lightweight protocol optimized for constrained devices and networks - Based on REST architecture; uses HTTP-like methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) - Operates over UDP (port 5683), supports multicast - Low overhead and efficient binary header format - Built-in reliability with retransmission and deduplication - DTLS support for secure communication **Use Cases:** - IoT sensor data collection and telemetry - Remote monitoring in constrained or battery-powered environments - Smart home or industrial control systems - Communication in LPWAN, 6LoWPAN, and other low-power networks **Alternative Protocols:** - MQTT – Lightweight publish-subscribe protocol over TCP - HTTP/HTTPS – RESTful communication in more capable devices - LwM2M – Device management built on top of CoAP - AMQP – Reliable messaging protocol for larger systems .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: Learn More About CoAP **Let us learn more about CoAP:** * :ref:`Learnings in this section ` * :ref:`Terminology ` * :ref:`Version Info ` * :ref:`CoAP Version&RFC Details ` * :ref:`CoAP Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 ` * :ref:`CoAP Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 ` * :ref:`CoAP Protocol Packet Details ` * :ref:`CoAP Usecases ` * :ref:`CoAP Basic Features ` * :ref:`CoAP Feature : Lightweight Protocol ` * :ref:`CoAP Feature : RESTful Architecture ` * :ref:`CoAP Feature : UDP Based Communication ` * :ref:`CoAP Feature : Asynchronous Messaging ` * :ref:`CoAP Feature : Bulit In Reliability ` * :ref:`CoAP Feature : Low Header Overhead ` * :ref:`CoAP Feature : Resource Discovery ` * :ref:`CoAP Feature : Multicast Support ` * :ref:`CoAP Feature : Observe Option ` * :ref:`CoAP Feature : Security Support ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./CoAP.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "CoAP" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: LwM2M **RFC / Specification:** OMA LwM2M standard (Open Mobile Alliance). **Main Features:** - Built on CoAP, optimized for constrained device management. - Supports resource‑oriented device modeling (objects/instances/resources). - Features device provisioning, firmware-over-the‑air (FOTA), and remote configuration. - Security via DTLS; lightweight and efficient binary encoding (TLV, JSON). **Use Cases:** - Remote management and diagnostics of IoT devices. - Firmware updates and configuration in field-deployed sensors/actuators. - Scalable device fleets in industrial or utility environments. **Alternative Protocols:** - CoAP – foundation for messaging; simpler scenarios. - MQTT – lightweight pub/sub without comprehensive management. - HTTP/REST – more verbose, less efficient for constrained setups. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: Learn More About LwM2M **Let us learn more about LwM2M:** * :ref:`Learnings in this section ` * :ref:`Terminology ` * :ref:`Version Info ` * :ref:`LwM2M Version&IEEE Details ` * :ref:`LwM2M Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 ` * :ref:`LwM2M Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 ` * :ref:`LwM2M Protocol Packet Details ` * :ref:`LwM2M Usecases ` * :ref:`LwM2M Basic Features ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./LwM2M.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "LwM2M" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: DDS **RFC / Specification:** OMG DDS (Data Distribution Service) standard. **Main Features:** - Real-time, high-performance publish–subscribe model. - Decentralized, broker-less architecture; supports Quality of Service (QoS) policies. - Configurable reliability, latency, durability, and resource limits. - Uses peer-to-peer or multicast transport; adaptable to varying topologies. **Use Cases:** - Industrial automation, robotics, avionics. - Edge computing and distributed control systems. - Real-time sensor fusion and data dissemination. **Alternative Protocols:** - MQTT – simpler pub/sub, broker-based. - AMQP – heavy, for enterprise messaging. - CoAP – lightweight but not optimized for real-time QoS control. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: Learn More About DDS **Let us learn more about DDS:** * :ref:`Learnings in this section ` * :ref:`Terminology ` * :ref:`Version Info ` * :ref:`DDS Version&IEEE Details ` * :ref:`DDS Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 ` * :ref:`DDS Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 ` * :ref:`DDS Protocol Packet Details ` * :ref:`DDS Usecases ` * :ref:`DDS Basic Features ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./DDS.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "DDS" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: 6LoWPAN **RFC / Specification:** RFC 6282, RFC 4944. **Main Features:** - IPv6 header compression and fragmentation for IEEE 802.15.4 networks. - Efficient transmission of IPv6 packets over low-rate wireless links. - Stateless header compression (HC1/HC2), fragmentation, mesh addressing. **Use Cases:** - IPv6 connectivity in wireless sensor networks. - Smart metering, home automation with low-power mesh networks. **Alternative Protocols:** - Zigbee – full mesh application layer. - Thread – includes IPv6 mesh with application layer. - 802.15.4 – raw physical layer without IP. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: Learn More About 6LoWPAN **Let us learn more about 6LoWPAN:** * :ref:`Learnings in this section <6LoWPAN_step1>` * :ref:`Terminology <6LoWPAN_step2>` * :ref:`Version Info <6LoWPAN_step3>` * :ref:`6LoWPAN Version&IEEE Details <6LoWPAN_step5>` * :ref:`6LoWPAN Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 <6LoWPAN_step18>` * :ref:`6LoWPAN Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 <6LoWPAN_step19>` * :ref:`6LoWPAN Protocol Packet Details <6LoWPAN_step6>` * :ref:`6LoWPAN Usecases <6LoWPAN_step7>` * :ref:`6LoWPAN Basic Features <6LoWPAN_step8>` * :ref:`Reference links <6LoWPAN_step17>` .. button-link:: ./6LoWPAN.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "6LoWPAN" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Zigbee **RFC / Specification:** Based on IEEE 802.15.4; Zigbee specifications by the Zigbee Alliance (now connectivity standards organization). **Main Features:** - Low-power mesh networking with support for routing and security. - Application-layer profile definitions (e.g., home automation, lighting). - AES-128 encryption, device joining (touchlink, commissioning), cluster‑based model. **Use Cases:** - Smart lighting, building automation, sensor-actuator networks. - Low-power, self-healing mesh topologies. **Alternative Protocols:** - 6LoWPAN/Thread – IPv6-based alternatives. - Z-Wave – proprietary mesh in sub‑GHz band. - Bluetooth LE – point-to-point/mesh (in later versions). .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: Learn More About Zigbee **Let us learn more about Zigbee:** * :ref:`Learnings in this section ` * :ref:`Terminology ` * :ref:`Version Info ` * :ref:`Zigbee Version&IEEE Details ` * :ref:`Zigbee Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 ` * :ref:`Zigbee Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 ` * :ref:`Zigbee Protocol Packet Details ` * :ref:`Zigbee Usecases ` * :ref:`Zigbee Basic Features ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./Zigbee.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "Zigbee" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: BLE **RFC / Specification:** Bluetooth Core Specification, Bluetooth Low Energy. **Main Features:** - Ultra-low power wireless communication over short distances. - Profiles and GATT architecture for structured services and characteristics. - Secure pairing (LE Secure Connections), AES encryption, efficient advertising. - Flexible data rates and connection parameters. **Use Cases:** - Wearables, fitness trackers, proximity beacons. - Sensor monitoring and ad-hoc peer-to-peer communication. **Alternative Protocols:** - Zigbee – mesh topologies with routing. - Thread – IPv6 mesh with IP support. - Proprietary radio protocols – less interoperable. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: Learn More About BLE **Let us learn more about BLE:** * :ref:`Learnings in this section ` * :ref:`Terminology ` * :ref:`Version Info ` * :ref:`BLE Version&IEEE Details ` * :ref:`BLE Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 ` * :ref:`BLE Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 ` * :ref:`BLE Protocol Packet Details ` * :ref:`BLE Usecases ` * :ref:`BLE Basic Features ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./BLE.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "BLE" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Z-Wave **RFC / Specification:** Z-Wave specification by Z-Wave Alliance. **Main Features:** - Proprietary mesh networking protocol operating in sub‑GHz frequencies. - Low power consumption, reliable hopping mesh, and secure inclusion. - AES-128 security, S2 framework for secure device pairing. **Use Cases:** - Smart locks, lighting, home automation with high reliability and low interference. **Alternative Protocols:** - Zigbee – 2.4 GHz mesh with profiles. - Thread – IPv6-based mesh. - BLE Mesh – newer alternative for local area. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: Learn More About Z-Wave **Let us learn more about Z-Wave:** * :ref:`Learnings in this section ` * :ref:`Terminology ` * :ref:`Version Info ` * :ref:`Z-Wave Version&IEEE Details ` * :ref:`Z-Wave Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 ` * :ref:`Z-Wave Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 ` * :ref:`Z-Wave Protocol Packet Details ` * :ref:`Z-Wave Usecases ` * :ref:`Z-Wave Basic Features ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./Z_Wave.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "Z‑Wave" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: LoRaWAN **RFC / Specification:** LoRaWAN specification by LoRa Alliance. **Main Features:** - Low-power wide-area network using LoRa modulation in unlicensed bands. - Supports adaptive data rates (ADR), secure AES-128 encryption. - Star-of-stars topology with gateways and network servers. **Use Cases:** - Long-range IoT applications, agriculture, smart metering, urban sensors. **Alternative Protocols:** - NB-IoT – licensed cellular LPWAN. - Sigfox – proprietary LPWAN. - Weightless‑P – alternative open LPWAN. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: Learn More About LoRaWAN **Let us learn more about LoRaWAN:** * :ref:`Learnings in this section ` * :ref:`Terminology ` * :ref:`Version Info ` * :ref:`LoRaWAN Version&IEEE Details ` * :ref:`LoRaWAN Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 ` * :ref:`LoRaWAN Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 ` * :ref:`LoRaWAN Protocol Packet Details ` * :ref:`LoRaWAN Usecases ` * :ref:`LoRaWAN Basic Features ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./LoRaWAN.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "LoRaWAN" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Thread **RFC / Specification:** Thread Group specifications. **Main Features:** - IPv6-based secure mesh networking protocol. - Low power, supports device-to-device routing, secure commissioning (Thread Border Router). - AES encryption, low-latency communication. **Use Cases:** - Home automation mesh networks with IP-based interoperability. **Alternative Protocols:** - Zigbee – similar mesh but non‑IP. - 6LoWPAN – basic IPv6 adaptation, needs higher‑level protocol. - Matter – uses Thread as a networking layer. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: Learn More About Thread **Let us learn more about Thread:** * :ref:`Learnings in this section ` * :ref:`Terminology ` * :ref:`Version Info ` * :ref:`Thread Version&IEEE Details ` * :ref:`Thread Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 ` * :ref:`Thread Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 ` * :ref:`Thread Protocol Packet Details ` * :ref:`Thread Usecases ` * :ref:`Thread Basic Features ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./Thread.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "Thread" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: NB-IoT **RFC / Specification:** 3GPP specifications for NB‑IoT (e.g., Release 13/14). **Main Features:** - Cellular LPWAN using licensed spectrum (LTE‑based). - Low power, deep indoor penetration, extended coverage. - Supports massive device density with optimized CIoT EPS enhancements. **Use Cases:** - Utility metering, environmental sensors, smart city infrastructure. **Alternative Protocols:** - LoRaWAN – unlicensed LPWAN. - LTE‑M – higher bandwidth but similar. - Sigfox – proprietary. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: Learn More About NB‑IoT **Let us learn more about NB‑IoT:** * :ref:`Learnings in this section ` * :ref:`Terminology ` * :ref:`Version Info ` * :ref:`NB-IoT Version&IEEE Details ` * :ref:`NB-IoT Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 ` * :ref:`NB-IoT Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 ` * :ref:`NB-IoT Protocol Packet Details ` * :ref:`NB-IoT Usecases ` * :ref:`NB-IoT Basic Features ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./NB_IoT.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "NB‑IoT" .. tab-set:: .. tab-item:: Matter **RFC / Specification:** Connectivity Standards Alliance Matter specification. **Main Features:** - IP-based interoperability standard for smart-home devices. - Secure authentication and communication across Wi‑Fi, Thread, Ethernet. - Unified data model, supports commissioning with QR codes, over-the-air updates. **Use Cases:** - Seamless smart home device integration across ecosystems (Amazon, Google, Apple). **Alternative Protocols:** - Zigbee / Z‑Wave – older, proprietary ecosystems. - Thread – network layer for Matter devices. - Bluetooth – short‑range, non‑mesh support. .. panels:: :container: container pb-4 :column: col-lg-12 p-2 :card: Learn More About Matter **Let us learn more about Matter:** * :ref:`Learnings in this section ` * :ref:`Terminology ` * :ref:`Version Info ` * :ref:`Matter Version&IEEE Details ` * :ref:`Matter Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv4 ` * :ref:`Matter Basic Setup on Ubuntu using IPv6 ` * :ref:`Matter Protocol Packet Details ` * :ref:`Matter Usecases ` * :ref:`Matter Basic Features ` * :ref:`Reference links ` .. button-link:: ./Matter.html :color: primary :shadow: :expand: Jump to "Matter"