Network Classification and IoT Communication Protocols

Defining Area Networks and Communication Ranges

Body Area Network (BAN)

This network utilizes wireless (radio) technology, specifically targeting operations on, in, and around the human body. It operates over a short range (< 10 m).

Personal Area Network (PAN)

A network used for communication among devices near a person. The devices do not necessarily need to be owned by that person. PANs can use either wireless or wired technology and operate over a short range (< 10 m).

Near-me Area Network (NAN)

A network enabling communication among wireless devices in close proximity. Devices are not required to be part of the same network; they can belong to different networks.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network of devices that are in proximity, typically covering a range of 10 to 1,000 meters. LANs are characterized by high data rates, wired or wireless connectivity, and generally high power consumption.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A combination of LANs that extends over a city. MANs serve as the backbone for LAN networks, offering high speed and high data rates.

Key Criteria for Network Selection

Different criteria must be considered when selecting the appropriate network technology:

• Range
• Throughput (Data rate)
• Energy (Power consumption)
• Scalability
• Capability
• Reliability (How important are the message exchanges?)
• Availability

Understanding the IoT Communication Stack

The Internet of Things (IoT) stack is structured into the following layers:

Application Layer

Handles user-facing applications and data presentation.

Service Layer

Protocols such as oneM2M and ETSI M2M.

Communication Layer

Protocols including HTTP, Web Socket, MQTT, and CoAP.

Transport Layer

Protocols such as TCP and UDP.

Network Layer

Protocols including IPv4 and IPv6.

Physical/MAC Layer

Technologies like 3G/4G and Wi-Fi.

Local Network Protocols (PAN/LAN)

ZigBee and Z-Wave

These protocols facilitate local communication among devices or with a central gateway. The gateway must choose a specific protocol for every layer of the stack to enable external communication.

Wi-Fi Communication

Wi-Fi requires the use of other layers in the stack to communicate with the gateway. The gateway only needs to choose a protocol for the Physical layer, allowing it to continue using standard protocols like HTTP/TCP for higher layers.

6LoWPAN Implementation

6LoWPAN (IPv6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Networks) requires the use of other layers to enable communication among devices or with the gateway. The gateway can switch from IPv6 to IPv4 if necessary regarding the network layer, and adopt any other protocol.

Metropolitan and Wide Area Network Protocols (MAN/WAN)

LoRaWAN Protocol

LoRaWAN is an open protocol with multiple implementations. LoRa nodes communicate with other LoRa nodes or remote services through a LoRa-enabled Gateway.

SigFox Protocol

SigFox uses a proprietary protocol and installs its own network (cellular for IoT). SigFox nodes communicate through a SigFox Gateway. SigFox Gateways connect to the SigFox cloud to enable communication across the SigFox MAN.

Comparison of LoRaWAN and SigFox

Both protocols cover the same primary purposes, focusing on:

• Small data packets
• Long distances
• Low power consumption