IoT Technologies – Networking in the Internet of Things

Discover the potential of different IoT technologies and their significance for various smart concepts.

IoT Technologies – Networking in the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) offers enormous potential for the automation of processes and thus also for increasing efficiency in a wide variety of areas from building optimization to healthcare. The basis for this is formed by special IoT technologies, which enable the networking of devices and systems .

IoT Technologies – how they work at a glance

What is the Internet of Things? The Internet of Things (IoT) connects physical devices and virtual systems, allowing them to communicate with each other, exchange data, and ultimately perform actions.

The technology behind the IoT consists of connected sensors, actuators, and other smart devices that are connected to each other via specific network technologies called IoT technologies. The IoT is already being used in a wide range of industries, including smart homes, smart metering and sub-metering, but also smart cities and industrial applications such as manufacturing and logistics.

Automation and Business Models – Potentials of IoT Technologies

In these areas, the Internet of Things can contribute to improved efficiency and productivity . Well-known examples of this are building automation or the automation of processes in an industrial production facility. In this way, processes can be optimized and costs reduced. In addition, IoT applications can lead to better control and optimization of resources for example in energy and water infrastructure. Through monitoring mechanisms, IoT applications can also help improve healthcare and public safety, for example by implementing them in hospitals or transport. 

Last but not least, IoT technologies open up numerous potentials for the creation of new business models and services. The basis for this is the collection and analysis of data that makes it possible to gain insights into the behaviour of customers and the performance of products and services. Based on this, companies can identify opportunities to create new offerings.

LoRaWAN and NB-IoT – the most popular LPWAN network protocols

A Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) is a wireless network protocol, specifically designed for low-bandwidth, low-power, long-range IoT applications. The LPWAN technologies LoRaWAN and NB-IoT are among the most widely used IoT  technologies.

LoRaWAN – Implement IoT applications easily and with little disruption

LoRaWAN is one of the most widely used network protocols for wireless IoT networks. It uses the license-free ISM band and enables data transmission with a particularly high range and penetration capability. Thanks to its low-power design and low latency LoRaWAN is ideal for use in intelligent building management (sub-metering) and smart metering. Smart city infrastructures, asset tracking and environmental monitoring are also typical applications of LoRaWAN.

NB-IoT – the reliable technology based on mobile communications

NB-IoT is a narrowband wireless technology for IoT applications. It is based on the mobile networks and offers a long range and high reliability with low power consumption. NB-IoT is particularly suitable for applications that require very high reliabilitysuch as smart energy and water meter reading in modern buildings. With an existing NB-IoT network of the mobile network provider, the solution can be deployed quickly and without spending a lot of time. A plug & play solution can thus be easily implemented, which means that the service technician on site does not need any special training for the administration of the gateways. 

From Wi-Fi to RFID – other IoT technologies

In addition to LPWAN technologies, there are numerous other technologies, that are used in IoT applications. The best-known examples of this are: 

• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), which provides high speed and wide coverage
• BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), a low-power version of Bluetooth for smart home devices and wearables
• Zigbee, a low-power wireless network protocol specifically designed for smart home devices
• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), a technology for tracking objects using radio waves.

In addition, there are sensor networks, that use various measuring devices to collect and transmit data. In order to store, process and analyze large amounts of data in the Internet of Things, cloud computing IoT technology is also used.

Discover IoT technologies at Elvaco

Elvaco has decades of experience in the field of the Internet of Things. In particular, we use the IoT technologies LoRaWAN and NB-IoT to build smart and automated infrastructures. Many customers rely on our broad portfolio of products, that are compatible with IoT technologies. Elvaco offers a variety of LoRaWAN-based products such as data collectors, gateways and sensors as well as various NB-IoT products to help you create smart, connected systems. 

When selecting the right IoT technology for a project, Elvaco proceeds according to the principle of technology openness. This means that the IoT technology that best meets the needs of the project is always used. 

If you are interested in our products or have any questions about IoT technologies, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experts. We look forward to your inquiry and will be happy to help you.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about IoT Technologies

What does the abbreviation IoT mean?

The abbreviation IoT stands for the English term "Internet of Things”. This refers to a networking of the physical world, which is detected by sensors and networked with a virtual system.

What IoT technologies are there?

There are various IoT technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, Sigfox, and more. Each technology has different characteristics and is suitable for different applications.

What are the benefits of IoT technologies?

IoT technologies offer a wide range of benefits, including improving efficiency, safety, and convenience in a wide variety of processes. They can also help reduce costs by collecting data and automating operations. In addition, new services and business models can be created on the basis of IoT technologies.