Industrial IoT has inaugurated a sea change in the way industries collect, organize, and store real-time data to make data-driven business decisions. Industrial IoT connectivity protocols and standards are essential for seamless communication between devices and to enhance security and interoperability.
In this article, we will deep dive into the key differences between IIoT standards and IIoT protocols, the current and emerging industrial IoT connectivity standards and protocols, and the top challenges in implementing them.
What Is the Difference between IIoT Standards and IIoT Protocols?
IIoT protocols are pre-set rules that govern how data is transmitted from IoT devices over the IoT network. It helps regulate data transmission, security, and connectivity of Industrial IoT devices in the network.
IIoT standards are usually industry-wide standards on various requirements for IoT devices and systems. They cover a wide range of interoperability requirements, frameworks, and guidelines. These standards are set by international organizations like Connectivity Standards Alliance, International Electrotechnical Commission, and Industrial IoT Consortium.
IIoT standards often recommend certain protocols as the preferred method of communication to ensure consistency and compatibility for IIoT networks. Together Industrial IoT protocols and standards are complementary aspects of a robust IIoT network.
Current Industrial IoT Standards and Protocols
The current industrial IoT space has seen numerous popular IoT standards and protocols. Each layer of the standard five-layer network architecture (often referred to as the “TCP/IP model“) features IoT standards and protocols that are a part of the larger network.
For example, the application layer protocols include Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) and Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP). And the network layer protocols can include Wi-fi and Zigbee. Any protocol from a particular layer should ideally be compatible with any other protocol. Let us look at some of them in detail.
Popular IoT Data Protocols
- Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP): CoAP is designed for use with devices with limited resources and constraints. It is easy to deploy and has low overheads.
- Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT): MQTT is a lightweight data protocol that is ideal for environments with a low bandwidth. However, it does not feature a defined data representation or device structure management mode. So, these two aspects are entirely based on the IoT platform or your IoT vendor.
- Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP): AMQP is best suited for environments that require server-based analytics. It is not a lightweight option, so it is not well suited for IoT devices with limited memory.
Popular IoT Network Protocols
- Lightweight M2M (LWM2M): LWM2M facilitates lightweight communication and enables long-distance, remote connectivity between devices in the IoT network. It is ideal for networks that need a central server with minimal energy consumption.
- ZigBee: ZigBee is like Bluetooth in adoption rates but has a longer communication range. It is lightweight and can easily scale thousands of nodes with minimal power consumption. It is ideal for sensors and microcontrollers with smaller requirements.
- Thread: Thread is like Wi-fi and ZigBee but reduces power consumption. It is a self-healing network, where other devices can act as routers in the event of a breakdown. It is ideal for networks that need low power consumption over a small area.
These are just some of the most popular industrial IoT protocols in the landscape today.
Emerging Standards and Protocols for 2025
By 2025, 25% of industrial companies will have already invested in an Industrial IoT platform to achieve a digital transformation, according to Gartner. In the rapidly evolving industrial IoT market, here are some standards and protocols expected to gain traction in 2025.
Rise of 5G
The growing significance of 5G is set to create a significant change across industries like healthcare and OEM. 5G promises ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and massive machine-type communication (mMTC), which will further improve the accuracy of remote monitoring solutions.
LPWAN
LPWAN stands for low power wide area networks, which improves Industrial IoT connectivity. In addition, LoRaWAN and Sigfox are also designed for long-range communication which is expected to further bolster IIoT networks of the future.
Impact of Industry 5.0
Industry 5.0 is expected to emerge as a trend in 2025 and beyond. Unlike Industry 4.0 which emphasized digital transformation and technology, Industry 5.0 goes a step further with a focus on human-machine integration and sustainable practices. This trend is expected to drive protocols with low-power consumption and renewable energy consumption.
Challenges in Adopting New IIoT Standards
Some of the challenges in adopting new IIoT standards include legacy systems that may not be able to incorporate new standards and protocols, the cost to transition a new IIoT standard, data management, regulatory compliance, and device security.
Implementing a phased transition to the latest IIoT standards and protocols is a solution to these problems. Collaborating with the right partners can also help scale the transition.
Traditonal data management systems may be overwhelmed by the massive volume of data collected in an IIoT ecosystem. Scalability and flexibility can help resolve these data management concerns. In order to remain compliant, especially in strictly regulated industries, adherence to guidelines such as the GDPR and HIPPA are critical. Additional safety regulations and compliance may also challenge the adoption of new IIoT Standards.
Capitalize on Opportunities with the Right Partner
The future of IIoT looks bright, with several new avenues and the right partner will help you understand the current trends and optimize for future developments and trends.
At Bridgera, we bring over 8 years of expertise in helping companies with remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, digital twins, and a range of Industrial IoT solutions. Bridgera complies with ISO 27002:2022 security standards. We conduct regular penetration and vulnerability testing alongside an annual ISO audit.
Bridgera offers a white-label solution, fully customized for you. We’ll deliver our Proof-of-Concept in just two weeks so you can start small and scale fast. Get in touch with our experts for a free consultation today!
About Bridgera: Bridgera effortlessly combines innovation and expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions using connected intelligence. We engineer experiences that go beyond expectations, equipping our clients with the tools they need to excel in an increasingly interconnected world. Since our establishment in 2015, Bridgera, headquartered in Raleigh, NC, has specialized in crafting and managing tailored SaaS solutions for web, mobile, and IoT applications across North America.
About the Author: Krishna Varma is a writer and researcher, who enjoys writing about technology, IoT, and lifestyle. When she isn’t writing and reading, you’ll find her relaxing with a quiet cup of tea over the weekends.