{"id":17961,"date":"2025-03-10T09:18:29","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T09:18:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/amsiot.com\/?p=17961"},"modified":"2025-03-10T09:18:34","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T09:18:34","slug":"iot-protocols","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/amsiot.com\/blog\/iot-protocols\/","title":{"rendered":"IoT Protocols \u2013 Your Must Read Guide to Master IoT Communication in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

2025\u2019s Most Advanced IoT Protocols \u2013 The Complete List for Smarter Internet of Things Networks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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IoT protocols<\/strong> are sets of instructions\/rules for IoT devices to be able to send data over the internet. These IoT protocols are how both devices\/gateways understand each other and are able to communicate. We can think of it as a common language understood on both sides. All industries are adopting IoT technology as they don’t want to stay behind in the fourth industrial revolution. But it’s not as simple as it sounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Selecting the right communication protocol is not an easy selection as it depends on the use case. It depends on power consumption, latency, security, and sometimes various tradeoffs. For example, between MQTT, CoAP, LoRaWAN, Zigbee, and NB-IoT, the choice can only be made after discussing bandwidth efficiency, network coverage, processing needs, and the use case. Understanding these differences will help you implement the right IoT solution.<\/a> Before discussing the differences, first understand what Internet of Things protocols are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>What Are IoT Protocols?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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IoT communication protocols are the rules and industry standards. They guide on how devices interact with each other over the cloud. These IoT protocols become mediums of data transmission across networks doesn’t matter which device manufacturer or platform. IoT communication protocols are designed to support machine-to-machine \/ M2M connections without a support team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IoT technology is now in smart homes and healthcare to industrial automation and smart cities<\/strong>. generally, no two use cases are the same. Protocols must accommodate different power requirements, network ranges, and data transfer needs<\/strong>. It’s hard to select just one. The right protocol depends on the use case and that IoT systems remain efficient, scalable, and secure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>How are IoT Protocols different from Conventional Internet Protocols?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Traditional Internet protocols HTTP, FTP, and TCP\/IP are for general web applications. They prioritize high-speed connection communication and are not suitable for low-power long ranges or big continuous data exchange. IoT protocols are specifically optimized for these unique requirements of IoT devices. Like many IoT devices operate on battery power and they may be put in areas with less constant internet connectivity<\/strong>. This means they need to be energy efficient<\/strong> and use the right communication protocols<\/strong> to send the data back whenever they get connected to the network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IoT data transmission can be connection-oriented<\/strong> or connectionless<\/strong> communication. Connection-oriented protocols mean establishing a dedicated link before transferring data. This is how to ensure connection reliability with higher latency and energy use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whereas connectionless protocols send data without staying connected all the time. Engineers prefer this for faster and more efficient data transfer in real and resource-limited use cases. The table below compares these two approaches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Connection-Oriented vs. Connectionless Communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Feature<\/strong><\/td>Connection-Oriented (e.g., TCP)<\/strong><\/td>Connectionless (e.g., UDP, CoAP)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
IoT Protocols<\/strong><\/td>TCP, MQTT (with QoS 1 & 2), AMQP<\/td>UDP, CoAP, MQTT (QoS 0), LoRaWAN<\/td><\/tr>
Setup<\/strong><\/td>Requires a dedicated connection before data transfer.<\/td>Sends data without prior connection.<\/td><\/tr>
Reliability<\/strong><\/td>Guaranteed delivery with error correction.<\/td>No guarantee; some data may be lost.<\/td><\/tr>
Latency<\/strong><\/td>Higher; keeps the connection active.<\/td>Lower; data is sent instantly.<\/td><\/tr>
Overhead<\/strong><\/td>Higher; keeps the connection active.<\/td>Low, reducing resource usage.<\/td><\/tr>
Energy Use<\/strong><\/td>Higher; keeps connection active.<\/td>Lower; sends data intermittently.<\/td><\/tr>
Scalability<\/strong><\/td>Limited for large networks.<\/td>Efficient for massive IoT deployments.<\/td><\/tr>
Use Cases<\/strong><\/td>Higher; keeps the connection active.<\/td>Smart meters, environmental sensors.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Layered Architecture & the Basis of Data Transfer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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IoT communication protocol follows a layered architecture model that helps understand how data moves across different protocols because it’s possible we want to send data to a device that is working on a different communication protocol currently. So understanding the network architecture comes in handy. Each layer in the architecture has a specific role. Layers ensure smooth information flow between devices\/networks\/gateways and applications. This setup helps IoT systems handle the sending of data, its processing, and user interaction efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When IoT devices exchange data, it goes through multiple layers before reaching its destination as mentioned previously. Each layer connects with the ones above and below it. The connection is a must for seamless communication while maintaining performance and security in complex IoT environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>The infamous Layer Model for Data Transmission: The OSI Model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model<\/strong> is the most widely used framework for structuring IoT communication. We have read about it in high schools and universities time and again. It has seven layers<\/strong>. Each layer with a specific role in transmitting, processing, and managing data<\/strong> across an IoT network. Let\u2019s discuss the layers first from a communication point of view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Physical Layer:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Physical layer is the lowest layer in the model. It is responsible for physically connecting devices and transmitting raw data as electrical, radio, or optical signals. In simplest words, wires!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Data Link Layer:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Data Link layer ensures error-free data transmission over a physical medium. It also manages device addresses and network access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Network Layer:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Network layer determines the best path for data packets. It makes sure data packets reach the correct destination within the network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        1. Transport Layer:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Transmission layer controls the end-to-end transmission of data. Its responsibility is that packets are delivered in order and without errors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          1. Session Layer:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Session layer manages communication sessions. This means ensuring that devices can start, maintain, and end data exchanges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            1. Presentation Layer:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Presentation layer translates data into a standardized format. This layer makes sure different devices\/applications understand and process the information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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              1. Application Layer:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Application layer is the highest layer. It is responsible for user interaction and application-specific functions. It includes web services, messaging, cloud integration, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Is a 7-layer OSI Model a Necessity?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                No, we use simplified layer models in IoT applications as well. We don’t always need the complexity of the 7-layer OSI Model. We sometimes drop\/merge a few layers as well. This reduces complexity by grouping multiple OSI layers into fewer categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n