Communication Protocols for Connected Systems
Understanding Protocol Choices for Connected Systems Communication protocols are the rules that let devices exchange data. In connected systems, the protocol you choose affects energy use, reliability, and security. The right fit depends on device power, message frequency, and how quickly you need a response. Common protocol families help different needs: MQTT: lightweight and publish/subscribe. A broker moves data between devices, which helps with erratic networks and distant clouds. Use short, stable topics and keep messages small to save bandwidth. CoAP: designed for constrained devices and smart gateways. It runs over UDP and supports simple REST-like requests. CoAP shines in local networks or edge setups with limited power. HTTP/HTTPS: broad compatibility and strong cloud integration. It carries REST, JSON, and robust TLS protection. It is heavier, but easy to scale with web services. Security is essential. Encrypt connections with TLS for MQTT and HTTP. CoAP uses DTLS. Use authentication, access control, and keep firmware updated to reduce risks. ...