What Is an IoT Network and How Does It Work?

Do you often ask yourself, “What is IoT network?” The Internet of Things is a modern technology that is changing lives at home and beyond. With IoT, billions of devices can stay online, communicating with each other and sharing data via multiple sensors. IoT automates work environments and industries, reducing human involvement and error.  

Understanding how these complex networks run is crucial for homeowners, IT engineers, chief executives, and cybersecurity specialists. This post defines an IoT network and explains how it works in depth. Keep on reading to discover the types of IoT, their benefits, and future trends. 

What is IoT Network? – Overview 

What is IoT network all about? An IoT network is a complex digital ecosystem with multiple, interconnected devices and sensors. These systems communicate and exchange information without human intervention. 

They do not require much human-to-computer or human-to-human intervention to run seamlessly. An Internet of Things network works autonomously using embedded sensors and actuators, gateways, and cloud-based platforms. 

Sensors and actuators are hardware tools that can collect and share data about their surroundings. Gateways link connected devices to the cloud. Cloud platforms or servers do data processing with AI. 

IoT networks consist of every day-use devices such as CCTV cameras, thermostats, and industrial robots. It connects these devices to the internet to enable automation and data analytics. IoT is spreading like wildfire across industries and home environments, increasing efficiency, convenience, and creativity. 

How Do IoT Networks Work?

What is IoT network and how does it run itself? An Internet of Things network works harmoniously via embedded sensors, actuators, gateways, cloud computing, and machine learning.  It all starts with sensors and devices that collect data from given sources or surroundings. 

Then, they transmit this data to the cloud computing platforms for processing via gateways. Wireless connections ensure seamless data transmission between devices and cloud platforms. To understand how an IoT network operates, you should first know its components. What is IoT network, and how does it work with various components? This is how:

• Data Collection – The fundamentals of any IoT network are IoT devices with embedded components such as sensors and actuators. Ranging from household appliances to industrial machinery, these devices use sensors and actuators to gather and transmit data in real-time.  In a home setting, a thermostat may use sensors to monitor temperature and automatically adjust it according to its findings. The strategically placed sensors collect accurate data, letting IoT devices use it with little or no human interaction. 
• Data Transmission – What is IoT network, and how does it transmit data from sensors to the cloud servers? Gateways bridge the two sides, allowing flawless data transmission and processing. The interconnected IoT devices use a range of wireless networks to transmit data. Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections are ideal for applications with high bandwidth requirements.  Applications with low-energy and short-range requirements often use Bluetooth and Zigbee connectivity. For low-power and long-distance applications, the NB-IoT, LTE-M, and LoRaWan protocols work best. 
• Data Analytics – What is IoT network, and how does it analyze data?  Data analytics include turning raw sensor information into valuable insights for decision-making. Data from sensors reaches the centralized cloud processors via encrypted channels.  The most popular data transfer protocols are MQTT, IETF’s Constrained Application Protocol, and ZeroMQ. Once the data reaches the cloud platforms, the processing and analysis begin. ML (machine learning) and AI (artificial Intelligence) technologies are essential for data analysis within an IoT network. 

After data analysis and processing, the system automatically transmits response alerts back to actuators. To guard against known IoT-specific cyber threats, a network must employ a robust authentication protocol, such as WPA3/WPA2 encryption, and use updates such as OTA. 

Types of IoT Networks

What is IoT network, and which type is best? There are four types of Internet of Things networks, including: 

• LTE-M and NB-IoT – Simply put, LTE-M and NB-IoT are cellular networks suitable for LPWAN (Low-Power Wide-Area Network) applications. LTE-M (Long Term Evolution Machine) is a reliable IoT-specific connectivity that enables devices to transmit a lot of data without draining the battery. One can choose between Cat-M1 and Cat-M2 LTE-M types. LTE-M offers the Power Saving Mode that allows them to sleep when not in use. It also includes the extended Discontinuous Reception feature that further reduces power consumption. As for data speed, LTE-M is faster than 2 G and 3 G networks and even NB-IoT.  LTE-M’s latency ranges from 10 to 15 milliseconds, making it ideal for mobile IoT applications such as fleet management devices. IoT devices connected via LTE-M can download key security updates without depleting the battery. The NB-IoT (Narrowband-IoT) is an LPWAN for IoT devices only. It is perfect for IoT devices that carry small data packets over long distances while consuming low energy.  It uses licensed mobile RFs (radio frequencies) to transmit data even in underground areas. NB-IoT uses different frequency bands depending on the region. 
• LoRaWan and Sigfox  – Other common IoT networks include LoRaWan and Sigfox. Ideal for low-power wide-area applications, these networks can connect IoT sensors over long distances without draining electricity. For instance, LoRaWAN offers a range of fifteen kilometers and a battery life of ten years. If you need an LPWAN with low maintenance costs and long life, this may suit you best. Sigfox uses ISM frequency bands to cover 30 to 50 kilometers. If you need to track your IoT assets remotely, Sigfox may be ideal. These two LPWAN options provide low data rate, reduced power consumption, and extensive coverage.
• LAN and PAN IoT Networks – Another type of IoT network is the Local Area Network (LAN) and Personal Area Network (PAN). Applications that require short-distance connectivity use LAN or PAN. For instance, most smart home devices connect to the internet via Wi-Fi. Smart watches, fitness trackers, and related devices use Bluetooth connectivity to exchange real-time data over short distances. LAN and PAN networks are reliable only over short distances and offer limited scalability compared to LPWANs. However, they are easier to deploy and good for applications that require minimal coverage and low data rates. 
• Mesh Networks – Mesh networks are wireless systems with many nodes that transmit and route data across. A mesh network can heal itself if a node fails and blocks data transmission. It will automatically find another path for the data to flow through. A good example of a mesh network is Zigbee or RFID. Zigbee, a packet-based network protocol, is ideal for affordable, battery-powered IoT devices. Using the IEEE 802.15.4 specification, Zigbee allows communication between nodes using limited energy.  Its global availability and unlicensed usage make Zigbee easier to deploy.  On the other hand, RFID is ideal for remote asset tracking, inventory control, and related activities. Any IoT application that requires robust internet connectivity, reliable data transfer, and accuracy may require mesh networks.

IoT Network Advantages

What is IoT network, and is it advantageous to have one? Many benefits of IoT networks exist, including their ability to collect, transmit, and analyze data. In the manufacturing sector, IoT networks allow users to monitor equipment performance and predict the best time for repairs and maintenance. 

They prevent frequent downtimes that might interrupt and ruin delicate manufacturing processes. In agriculture, IoT networks allow farmers to automate activities such as planting, irrigation, pest control, livestock location, and livestock breeding seasons. At home, IoT sensors enable users to track and control their smart devices, which ensure their safety and comfort and reduces energy bills.

Retail shops can use IoT sensors for inventory tracking, evaluating consumer behavior, and making data-driven decisions. In hospitals, IoT networks simplify patient monitoring, reduce hospital visits, and improve health outcomes. 

What is the Future of IoT Networks? 

Now you can answer this question: What is IoT network? Next, you may want to know what the future of these networks is. The future of IoT will depend on emerging technologies, such as the 5G network. 

The integration of this network will allow faster data transfers and more robust connectivity. Thus, you can expect IoT networks to support many devices regardless of their latency and bandwidth levels. This will extend IoT to several other industries and enhance usage where it already exists.

Final Thoughts

What is IoT network? It is an ecosystem with multiple devices that drive big transformations in residential and industrial settings. From Agriculture to healthcare to industrial applications, IoT networks are a global necessity. They automate communication between devices, reducing human intervention and error.