IoT App Development: Architecture, Protocols, and Platforms

Do you want to develop an IoT app? Do you want to know the best architecture, protocols and platforms for IoT app development? Here’s your detailed article that answers all your questions. For effective app development you will need an IoT app builder. Let’s explore.

What is an IoT App?

IoT (internet of things) application is a software solution made to manage complex business operations by managing, processing and analyzing data from sensors and connected devices within an IoT ecosystem. Organizations gather and process real-time information by catering proper communication between devices, and transform the complex data into actionable insights. IoT applications integrate multiple data sources that help organizations optimize operations, automate tasks, and improve decision-making processes. The apps are versatile and can be customized according to specific needs of various sectors. It makes them a crucial component of the digital transformation strategies.

What is IoT App Development?

IoT app development is a process of building IoT applications. It is a long process that includes designing, coding, testing, deploying and maintaining the software that manages the generated data and powers IoT devices. IoT applications span everything that users interact with including embedded device firmware, mobile or web apps, cloud platforms, etc. IoT developers ensure scalability from day one, security and privacy, device and network diversity, real-time data processing, user experience and interoperability.

IoT Architecture

The use and demand of IoT (internet of things) is growing everyday because of its wide range of applications in diverse industries. It is the networking of physical devices containing electronics embedded architecture that caters communication and sense interactions. The entire architecture is divided into 4 layers – sensing layer, network layer, data processing layer, and application layer.

Sensing Layer

The first layer of IoT architecture aka the sensing layer that has sensors and actuators placed in the environment to collect data related to temperature, light, sound, humidity, and other physical parameters from various sources. These devices are connected to the network layer through wired or wireless communication.

Network Layer

After the sensing layer comes the network layer which is the second layer in the IoT architecture. It has the responsibility to communicate and connect the devices integrated to the IoT ecosystem. It includes technologies and protocols that ensure proper communication channels allowing devices to connect with each other with a wider internet. In some cases, the network layer also has routers and gateways between devices and the wider internet. Apart from that this layer also has security features like authentication and encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

Data Processing Layer

Now, it’s time to create the data processing layer which is also the third layer of the IoT architecture. It refers to the software and hardware components that collect, analyze and interpret datasets from IoT devices. The data processing layer receives raw data from IoT devices, processes it and makes it available for further action using a variety of tools and technologies such as analytics platform, data management systems, and machine learning algorithms.

Application Layer

Then at last comes the 4th and top most layer of the IoT architecture which is also the face of the IoT device that directly interacts with the end-user. It provides user-friendly interfaces and functionalities enabling users to get access to the IoT devices and control them. This layer includes a wide range of software and apps including web portals, mobile apps and other user interfaces designed to interact with IoT infrastructure. With the help of middleware services the application layer caters seamless communication and data sharing.

IoT Protocols

IoT protocols like MQTT, HTTP, Zigbee and LoRaWan represent a set of pre-defined rules and standards playing a crucial role in how internet of things (IoT) devices and systems interoperate, communicate and exchange data. They are essential for building connectivity, ensuring reliability and optimizing resource usage.

MQTT

MQTT is a lightweight messaging protocol that uses a subscribe/publish model which is optimized for low-power and low-bandwidth IoT devices. It is one of the most adopted protocols on IoT devices that caters real-time communication between cloud services and devices. It supports the quality of service levels to deliver messages and uses TLS encryption for secure communication.

HTTP

Hyper text transfer protocol (HTTP) used for web communication is a high level application layer protocol. It operates on IP/TCP networks and is different from WiFi which is a physical transmission protocol. HTTP interacts with cloud connected platforms and has a RESTful API for sending and receiving IoT data.

Zigbee

Zigbee is a low data rate and low power protocol that can operate on multiple frequencies like 868 MHz, 915 MHz, and 2.4 GHz. It uses a mesh network for expensive coverage and is short-range wireless communication. Along with that it also supports AES-128 encryption for enhanced security.

LoRaWan

LoRaWan is a protocol designed long-range and low-power application which makes it an ideal choice for agriculture, smart cities and supply chain management. It has excellent battery life and coverage up to 15 km in rural areas. Apart from that it also supports bidirectional communication.

IoT Platforms

IoT platforms are software frameworks built for connecting, managing and coordinating a network of IoT devices like actuators, user interfaces, and sensors to create a cohesive ecosystem. They integrate with existing systems and facilitate communication between devices and the internet. Here are some of the top IoT platforms.

Amazon Web Services

Amazon web services IoT core is a cloud based IoT platform that goes well with MQTT communication protocol. It has key features including programmable rules for messaging and end-to-end encryption. It is used for building autonomous vehicles.

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure IoT is a platform that supports cloud and edge computing that allows data sources to process real-time data without any latency issues. It has key features that automates decision-making and is used to track energy consumption in homes.

Conclusion

IoT application is a next-gen solution to business needs. Organizations require IoT application development solutions to develop their personalized IoT application that meets their needs and help them overcome challenges. The IoT development cost depends on various aspects including needs, architecture, protocols and platforms required.