Common words, phrases and brands, and what they mean.
- 6LoWPAN
6LoPWAN is a protocol that combines LPWAN with the new IPv6 (the latest version of internet protocols). Through this, even the smallest of devices with limited capabilities due to its battery can connect using internet protocols.
- Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
AES is an encryption standard that was created in 2001. It was created by the US and was made to protect electronic data. It is also the standard layer of security for IoT devices.
- Application Program Interface (API)
An API is the programming that exists that makes it easier for devices to ‘talk’ to each other. APIs make it possible for devices to be able to transmit and understand messages between each other.
- Big Data
Big Data is what it sounds like - it is a large sum of raw data supplied by devices. Analyzing this data moves companies away from blind/instinct and now they are able to make decisions based on information.
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
BLE is a low cost, short range connectivity protocol.
- Cloud Computing
The ‘cloud’ is software infrastructure in which data can be stored and analysed. The front-end allows access via internet protocols for data storage, analysis and computer processing. The back-end consists of servers, databases and all other hardware and software responsible for securely storing and processing the data - enabling the computing processors.
- Embedded Software
Embedded software is the core programming of an embedded system (a device’s firmware) that performs specific, low-level functions. The embedded system the software is a part of collects data.
- Edge Computing
Edge Computing is doing or managing assets at the local level i.e. making/taking most of the decisions at the asset level, with only a few significant pieces of data being sent to the Cloud for monitoring and Control. In the future, edge computing will make full IoT automation a possibility. This means very limited human intervention unless there is a breakdown.
- Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA)
FOTA enables device owners to fix bugs and upgrade their hardwares’ firmware and software without having to physically be at the device.
- Gateway
Gateways are responsible for wirelessly linking two dissimilar systems, enabling them to transmit messages or data packets. They filter information from the devices, and send through anly the relevant and required data to the application.
- General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
GPRS is an internet protocol that is standard in 2G and 3G.
- Industrial IoT (IIoT)
Communications between machines with the intention of better understanding the machines’ efficiency and maintenance needs through productivity trends.
- Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) Band
The ISM Band is an unlicensed spectrum and thus in most countries you do not need to register - get a license - to use it. It exists at 915MHz, 2.4GHZ, and 5.5GHZ, and is used for transmitting general purpose data.
- Link Budget
A link budget is an accounting of all losses that have surmounted within a wireless network.
- Low-Power Wide Area (LPWA)
LPWA is a connectivity network that is used for long-ange, low power consumption data transmissions. Only small transmissions can be sent.
- Low-Power Wireless Sensor Network
A group of spread-out devices that collect data using minimal power. This is the same as any other solution based on multiple sensors, however it is specifically designed for low power consumption.
- LoRa Protocol (LoRaWAN)
LoRaWAN is a LPWA network technology that carries small data packages across multiple frequencies in order to avoid signal interference. It also supports bi-directional control.
- Long Term Evolution for Machines (LTE-M)
LTE-M is a low-cost, LPWA network protocol capable of transmitting large bandwidths of data in real-time.
- Machine to Machine (M2M)
Devices connecting and exchanging information between themselves without human interaction.
- Migration
Migration is the transfer of a contract or prepaid SIM from one service provider to another.
- Media Access Control (MAC)
MAC is a policy that exists as a sub-layer in a network connection between two terminals (devices). MAC ensures that that there is no data collision - when two terminals send a transmission simultaneously leading to a network breakdown.
- Mote
Another name for an endpoint of an IoT solution - either a sensor or field device.
- NB-IoT
NB-IoT is a LPWA network protocol that uses the GSM standard and is available where GSM infrastructure already exists. NB-IoT can only send small data packets and it operates on 4G coverage.
- Near-Field Communication (NFC)
Near - Field Communication (NFC) is a set of communication protocols that allow short-range, two-way radio communication between endpoints. The communication's range is about 4cm and is relatively slow. However, it requires a simple setup and is often in conjunction with IoT solutions requiring other communication technologies. NFC allows information transfer without a physical device connection.
- Quality of Service (QoS)
QoS is the use of technologies to ensure that critical applications are operating. This is done by monitoring and managing transmission traffic for resource-intensive solutions.
- Radio Frequency (RF)
The term “radio frequency” is used interchangeably with “wireless connectivity” when discussing IoT solutions.
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
RFID tags are used to make short range wireless communications. RFID was one of the first uses of IoT.
- RF Geolocation
This is the term that refers to finding a radio frequency receiver. GPS is an example of this.
- Repeater
Repeaters receive and subsequently retransmit a transmission received. This is to extend the range of a network.
- Smart Meter
A device that monitors and records the flow of something (gas, water, electricity) and reports that data to the company and/or consumer.
- Software-Defined Network (SDN)
An SDN is an approach to connectivity that allows you to control or ‘program’ the network for increased customizability and control over your connection and data transfers.
- Structure Attenuation
A decrease in the strength or intensity of a connection due to a medium (brick walls in cities are an example).
- Tandem
Tandem was created to advance device management capabilities. It is a device management app that runs in parallel with a client application. It makes remote device management on a MobiPrint 4+ possible.
- Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
TCP/IP is the core of all internet based communications. TCP/IP is the set of protocols responsible for transmitting data/information/commands/ via the internet.
- Ultra-Wide Band (UWB)
UWB is a short range, low power network protocol that operates at a very high frequency and is used to gather spatial and directional data. It sends out signals across a broad spectrum and can locate and communicate with an object it comes into contact with.
- ZigBee/Z-Wave
ZigBee and Z-Wave are both short-range, low power network protocols that are typically used in home networks such as home security. Information and data can ‘hop’ from one sensor to another as a path to getting to the gateway.