Top 9 IoT Communication Protocols & Their Features in 2024

The backbone of IoT ecosystem is connectivity. IoT devices can connect and exchange data with each other via communication protocols.

You need to know what the top IoT protocols are, and how they work if you are looking to establish an IoT system in your organization. In this article, we will list the top 10 IoT communication protocols and their characteristics.

What are IoT communication protocols?

IoT communication protocols, also called IoT protocols, are sets of wireless networks and rules that interconnect IoT devices. IoT protocols allow IoT devices to exchange data with each other.

What’s the best IoT communication protocol?

The best IoT communication protocol depends on the specific requirements and constraints of a given system. Factors that plays a role in choosing IoT protocols are:

• Geographic locations: These is physical distances between the two or more devices that form an ecosystem
• Power consumption needs: This is the amount of time for which the IoT devices are stayed on
• Physical barriers: These are the barriers that exist between the devices within the IoT ecosystem (e.g. walls, mountains, skyscrapers, etc.)
• Overall budget: Different protocols cost differently

Note that the IoT data protocols we list in this article are in no particular order.

Summarized table

Table Source: Hash Studioz

1. Wifi

It is one of the IoT communication protocols, best suitable for LAN — a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area — environments, allowing for fast data transfer. It uses internet protocols (IP) to communicate between endpoint devices.

2. Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a protocol used for short-range communication and exchanging of small amounts of data for personal products like smartwatches or wireless speakers.

3. Zigbee

Zigbee’s advantage comes from low power consumption, wireless control, security, and scalability. Applications such as wireless thermostats and lighting systems are examples of devices using Zigbee for connection.

4. MQTT

MQTT handles the transfer of light and simple data from sensors to applications and middleware. It offers a reliable connection and is bandwidth-friendly.

5. Z Wave

Z wave is based on low-power radio frequency (RF) communication technology. It’s highly preferable for smart home products such as lamp controllers, door locks, electronic kettles, etc.

Image source: Qubino

6. Cellular data

Cellular networks are capable of handling large flows of data. Its high connectivity range makes it a good choice for connecting objects distanced from one another.

7. NFC (Near Field Communication)

NFC uses electromagnetic communication between the antennas of two devices that are located next to each other. NFC is the technology used in contactless payment at shops today.

8. LoRaWAN

Lora is a long-range, radio-wide network that has low power consumption and is capable of handling large networks consisting of multiple devices.

Image source: Aydinlatma Portali

9. Sigfox

Sigfox is a long-range network for machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, with less power consumption than others. That makes it a good choice for connecting remote devices that have to run on batteries for long periods without charging batteries.

For more on the Internet of things

To learn more about the Internet of Things and its use cases in different sectors, read:

• In-Depth Guide to IoT Monitoring: Pros, Cons, & Importance
• Ultimate Guide to IoT Security: Challenges & Tools to Tackle them
• Edge Computing: A Better Alternative Than Cloud for IoT

If you believe your business will benefit from an IoT solution, feel free to check our data-driven hub of IoT solutions and tools.

And we can guide you through the process of choosing the best vendor for your business:

This article was originally written by former AIMultiple industry analyst Bardia Eshghi and reviewed by Cem Dilmegani.