IoT (Internet of Things) relies on efficient networking and communication to connect devices, exchange data, and enable real-time processing. Key aspects include:

1. Network Protocols

IoT devices use specialized protocols to ensure lightweight, efficient communication:

• MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport): A lightweight protocol for low-bandwidth networks, ideal for remote sensors.
• CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol): Designed for resource-constrained devices, using a request-response model similar to HTTP.
• HTTP & WebSockets: Suitable for web-based IoT applications with real-time interactions.

2. Communication Technologies

IoT devices use different connectivity options depending on range, power consumption, and bandwidth needs:

• Short-Range: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Z-Wave for smart homes and wearables.
• Long-Range (LPWAN - Low Power Wide Area Networks): LoRaWAN and NB-IoT for smart cities, agriculture, and industrial IoT.
• Cellular (4G, 5G, LTE-M): High-speed, reliable connectivity for automotive and healthcare applications.

3. Cloud & Edge Computing

• Cloud Computing: IoT data is sent to cloud servers for processing, analysis, and storage.
• Edge Computing: Data is processed locally on the device or gateway, reducing latency and bandwidth usage.

4. Security & Privacy

• Encryption: Protects data transmission using TLS, SSL, and AES.
• Authentication: Secure access control through device identity verification.
• Data Integrity: Preventing data tampering via cryptographic techniques.

5. Interoperability & Standardization

IoT ecosystems involve diverse devices from different manufacturers. Common standards like OPC-UA, oneM2M, and IEEE 802.15.4 ensure seamless communication between devices.