IoT Access Technologies: Powering the Connected World
Aastha Thakker
Cyber security enthusiast | SOC analyst | Digital Forensics | Blogs & Articles | THM - Documentation Team Lead | Gujarat University
Welcome back to our continuing exploration of IoT! In our previous sessions, we’ve covered the fundamentals of IoT, including its core concepts, digitization, and various architectures. We’ve also seen the basics of sensors and actuators, which form the backbone of IoT systems .
Today, we’re shifting our focus to IoT access technologies. These are the critical communication methods and protocols that enable IoT devices to connect, interact, and share data effectively. In this part we will be learning IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.11ah, and LoRaWAN, along with a brief look at 6LoWPAN.
IEEE 802.15.4
The naming convention for IEEE 802.15.4 follows a specific pattern used by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for their standards. Let’s break it down:
So, IEEE 802.15.4 is the fourth standard developed by IEEE for Wireless Personal Area Networks. It defines the physical layer and media access control for low-rate wireless personal area networks (LR-WPANs).
This standard is particularly important for IoT because it forms the basis for several popular IoT protocols, including ZigBee, Thread, and WirelessHART.
IEEE 802.15.4 is a wireless access technology for low-cost and low-data-rate devices that are powered or run on batteries. This access technology enables easy installation using a compact protocol stack while remaining both simple and flexible.
You’ll often find IEEE 802.15.4 technology powering smart home and building systems, Industrial wireless sensor networks, automotive networks, and even interactive toys and remote controls.
Physical Layer
The IEEE 802.15.4 standard supports multiple physical layer (PHY) options for different frequencies in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) bands.
Later versions introduced additional PHY options, including:
MAC Layer
The Media Access Control (MAC) layer in IEEE 802.15.4 manages channel access and coordinates data frame routing. Key functions include:
The MAC layer uses four frame types:
Network Topology
IEEE 802.15.4 networks can be structured in three main ways:
In an IEEE 802.15.4 network, every Personal Area Network (PAN) must have a unique PAN ID, which all nodes in that network must use. For example, if a network has a PAN ID of 1, all nodes in that network should be configured to use this ID. An FFD can communicate with any other device in the network, whereas an RFD can only communicate with FFDs
These networks consist of Full-Function Devices (FFDs) and Reduced-Function Devices (RFDs), with at least one FFD serving as the PAN (Personal Area Network) coordinator which helps other devices join the network and facilitates communication.
In mesh networks, the IEEE 802.15.4 standard doesn’t specify how to choose communication paths (called path selection) within the MAC layer. This can be managed at using standard routing protocols like the IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy Networks (RPL).
Security
IEEE 802.15.4 employs the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a 128-bit key for data security. It not only encrypts data but also validates it using a Message Integrity Code (MIC).
To enable AES encryption in IEEE 802.15.4, the frame format is slightly altered, and part of the payload is used for security features. This is done by setting the Security Enabled field in the Frame Control section of the 802.15.4 header to 1. This single-bit field indicates that security features, including AES encryption, are enabled for the frame
IEEE 802.11ah: Wi-Fi for IoT
IEEE 802.11ah, also known as Wi-Fi HaLow, is a version of Wi-Fi tailored for IoT applications. It operates in sub-GHz frequency bands, offering extended range and lower power consumption compared to traditional Wi-Fi. It connects high-data-rate devices like fog computing nodes, sensors, and audio or video analytics devices. It also supports Wi-Fi backhaul infrastructures in various environments like smart cities and industrial areas.
IEEE 802.11ah is designed for three main use cases:
Physical Layer
IEEE 802.11ah uses Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) modulation with channel widths of 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 MHz. These channels are narrower than those used in IEEE 802.11ac, which operates at 5 GHz with channel widths up to 160 MHz. As a result, 802.11ah channels offer about one-tenth the data rates of 802.11ac. The sub-GHz frequency bands (not licensed) used vary by region:
MAC Layer Enhancements
IEEE 802.11ah introduces several MAC layer improvements to support IoT applications:
Topology
IEEE 802.11ah uses a star network topology with a central access point. It includes a relay function to extend range. This means one device can act as a relay to pass data to another device further away, similar to a mesh network. The clients, not the AP, manage this relay function. Usually, it involves two hops. Devices closer to the AP use higher transmission rates, while those further away use lower rates. This keeps the system efficient and ensures that close devices don’t experience slow communication.
Sectorization helps manage interference and reduce collisions in areas with many clients. It divides the coverage area into sectors using an antenna array and beam-forming techniques. This way, each sector has less interference, making communication smoother and more reliable, especially in large coverage areas with multiple access points.
LoRaWAN: Long Range, Low Power
LoRaWAN is a Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) technology designed for long-range, battery-powered devices. It’s particularly well-established & supported by a substantial industry alliance for IoT solutions requiring extended coverage.
Physical Layer
LoRaWAN Frequencies:
LoRa Gateways:
Adaptive Data Rate (ADR):
Remember, LoRa is all about long-range, low-power communication. It sacrifices speed for distance and efficiency, making it perfect for IoT devices that need to send small amounts of data over long distances while preserving battery life.
MAC Layer
LoRaWAN Device Classes:
2. Class B (Beacon):
3. Class C (Continuous):
Key points to remember:
Network Topology
LoRaWAN Network Topology: “Star of Stars”
2. Key Components:
3. Communication:
4. Unique Features:
5. Data Handling:
6. Network Server Role:
Security
6LoWPAN: Bridging IPv6 and Low-Power Networks
6LoWPAN (IPv6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Networks) is a protocol that enables the transmission of IPv6 packets over IEEE 802.15.4 networks. It’s crucial for integrating small, low-power devices into the broader Internet of Things ecosystem.
Key features of 6LoWPAN include:
6LoWPAN networks consist of:
6LoWPAN: Advantages and Challenges
Advantages:
Challenges:
Comparison of IoT Access Technologies
To help you better understand the differences and similarities between these technologies, here’s a comparison table summarizing their key features:
See you next Thursday, till then digest this knowledge.