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11 • Simple, out-of-the-box RF communications, no configuration needed • Point-to-multipoint network topology • 2.4GHz for worldwide deployment LEARN MORE 4 • Programmable versions with on-board microprocessor enable custom ZigBee application development • Through-hole and surface mount form factors enable flexible design options • Link budgets of 110dB for Digi XBee ™ and 119dB for Digi XBee-PRO ™ LEARN MORE 4 Digi XBee ™ 802.15.4 Module Digi XBee ™ Zigbee Module Enabling IoT Short-range Solutions The information gathered by IoT devices must be aggregated, processed, and analyzed locally and over a greater distance to access the cloud. Information gathered via wireless-enabled sensors may be small, and, except for Wi-Fi, all short-range IoT connectivity options incorporate a variety of networking capabilities. Mesh networking is best suited for devices that communicate without data passing through a router or gateway hub. Power Consumption: A Critical Factor In home automation systems, power delivery can occur through 120VAC coin cells or small batteries in indoor devices, and potentially solar cells for outdoor devices. The majority of IoT devices must be battery powered, with connectivity solutions designed accordingly. It isn't just the power source, it's the product's expectation for power that is important. Devices themselves consume little power, and the network must use communication techniques based on low data rates and minimal sensor radio-frequency (RF) transmit power. While constant communication is typically not an issue, IoT devices need to be able to receive a command from an external source, such as a long-range communication system, and from the components involved. This is accomplished via sleep mode, whereby functions awake to detect activity from the component the sensor serves or the network. Except for Wi-Fi, each IoT connectivity solution is designed to meet this requirement. Security Multiple types of security ranging from Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption to high levels of authentication are in use in IoT devices. The reality is that each type of communication network is, on some level, vulnerable. This will be even more challenging when tens of thousands of sensors define a single network. All participants in IoT development are working toward providing greater end-to-end security. Simplicity and Low Cost Hardware is coming down in price, and more resources are available to help designers enable connectivity. Every silicon vendor now provides an impressive array of tools that allows the incorporation of their products into a system with low difficulty. Complete ecosystems also exist, which range from design resources to complete system descriptions, incorporating virtually all major considerations. The cost of IoT devices is rapidly declining as volumes increase. IPv6 Capability Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) is the technology that enables devices to connect to the web. Used since 1983, it has now run out of public IPv4 address blocks globally. Europe's Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) Réseaux IP Européens (RIPE) associated its last block. IPv6 will provide enough global address blocks for a long time, but implementing it rather than IPv4 in each IoT system is not simple. Requiring significant changes to many types of software and exchanging data between these protocols depends upon special gateways. All current connectivity solutions either natively employ IPv6 or can be configured to do so. Major IoT Connectivity Solutions Compared The major connectivity solutions available today are shown in Table 1. Wi-Fi, in existence longer than other short-range technologies, is fundamentally different. It was never intended to deal with tiny, power-stripping devices like IoT sensors, as the goal was to provide high-speed data and replace wired networks. Wi-Fi is power hungry and depends on fairly expensive components. However, its throughput ensures its appeal as an adjunct to connect low-power solutions, such as video surveillance to the Internet. Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth are further along in their development than others, and Zigbee is in use by most IoT applications. Thread is increasing in popularity with nearly 100 members, while ANT+1 is somewhat popular in Europe. However, a complete discussion of IoT connectivity requires mention of competitors that are typically dedicated to specific use cases.

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