In two years, there will be billions of devices that will be connected to the Internet because of what we called “Future Technology” the Internet of Things. There are many things that can be benefited from IoT, either in homes, manufacture, industries and especially in businesses.
Connecting devices and gadgets to the Internet is a significant piece of the Internet of Things. Many may be aware of what IoT is and what devices are using this technology and some IoT protocols. However, when it comes to the network used in IoT, many will not be aware and will not have the slightest idea of what are those (except of course to those too technical people). There are many options, and we will discuss some of the networks used in the Internet of Things.
Types of the Internet of Things (IoT) Network
The competition in the IoT network is substantial and proliferates. There is three main kinds of networks when it comes to the Internet of Things, LAN (Local Area Network), Cellular LPWAN and LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network). Networks are categorized depending on the range or distance that they provide. Let’s discuss some of these.
Nanonetwork – this refers to the set of small devices that are interconnected. It is also called nanoscale. They perform a simple task such as storing, computing, sensing and systems that used this kind of network are those in biometrics and other nanotechnologies.
Near Field Communication (NFC) – NFC or Near field communication is a set of internet protocols between 2 electronic devices and is short-range wireless connectivity. It lets smartphones and other devices to communicate with another that is containing NFC tag.
Body Area Network (BAN) – if you are familiar with wearable devices, then this will be under BAN. It is a wireless network of the wearable computing device. These wireless devices can be placed in the human body in any position. Some of these are wearable devices used in fitness such as watches, glasses, and others.
Personal Area Network (PAN) – this network is the interconnection of devices within the span of a person, let’s say about ten meters. Let’s say, for example, a traveler with his laptop, portable printer or even PDA can be used without plugging anything in and will use a form of wireless technology. In other words, this kind of network can be connected without using the wires.
Local Area Network (LAN) – Typically when we hear about LAN or Local Area Network, it can be associated as the group of computers and devices that share a shared server. It can serve two or three users or a few like in a small office. Wi-fi and Ethernet cables are primary ways to enable Local Area Network connections.
Wide Area Network (WAN) – it is a network that covers a large area. Generally, it can cover cities, countries, or around the globe by using satellite links and telephone lines. Wide Area Networks are commonly connected through the Internet or other arrangements with the service provider or phone companies.
The network plays a vital role in IoT, and it will be the front and the center in the Internet of Things revolution. Choosing the proper connectivity is satisfied and with lots of IoT networks available, definitely, IoT will continue to evolve in the next years to come.