When you’re first entering the world of the internet of things (IoT), you will likely encounter a variety of unfamiliar terms. One such term being an IoT platform. This is a technology framework that enables the connection, management, and operation of various IoT-enabled devices over the internet.
An IoT platform allows different devices to communicate with each other and share real-time data. It is essentially an ecosystem that connects all the devices inside it. However, exactly the process of connecting them can get a bit tricky.
These platforms can connect devices either to a centralized server, like the cloud, or by establishing direct peer-to-peer (P2P) connections “at the edge,” where data is processed locally on, or near, the devices themselves. For our purposes, we will focus mostly on P2P connections and the use cases for this approach.
Let’s dive deeper into how IoT platforms function and why they might be the best option for certain applications.
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How does it work?
An IoT platform acts as the central hub that enables IoT devices, such as cameras or smart appliances, to connect through various communication methods like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks. Once connected, each device receives a unique identifier, allowing the platform to manage and interact with them individually.
As these devices operate, they continuously collect data from their environment, whether it’s temperature readings, motion detection, or user inputs. This data then transmits to the IoT platform, which can occur directly over the internet or through intermediate gateways that may perform initial filtering or processing.
But whether this processing takes place in the cloud or at the edge can significantly impact the efficiency, latency, and overall performance of the IoT system.
Let’s take a look at the difference.
Cloud versus edge
Again, the primary distinction between cloud-based IoT platforms and P2P connections at the edge is the location of data processing, storage, and device management. While most platforms operate in the cloud, edge computing is essential for organizations that manage remote assets.
Cloud
In cloud-based IoT platforms, data from IoT devices is sent to remote servers – the cloud – where it is processed, analyzed, and stored. The cloud platform manages the devices, runs analytics, and provides users with access to data and control interfaces via the internet. This centralized approach offers robust computational power, making it ideal for large-scale data analysis and complex machine learning tasks.
However, the reliance on remote servers can introduce latency, especially when real-time data processing is critical. Cloud platforms are generally favored in applications in which global accessibility, extensive data storage, and powerful analytics are required. For example, smart cities or connected health care systems often rely on cloud IoT platforms to manage vast amounts of data from a dispersed array of sensors and devices.
P2P
In contrast, P2P platforms operate by processing data locally, closer to where it is generated – either on the devices themselves or on nearby local servers. Devices communicate directly with each other (i.e. peer to peer), reducing the need to send data to a central cloud server. This approach leverages edge computing, in which computational tasks are handled by the devices or edge nodes rather than relying on centralized cloud servers.
Edge computing is especially useful in scenarios in which low latency, real-time processing, or offline capabilities are essential. For instance, in video surveillance or smart doorbell systems, the ability to process data locally means that actions such as motion detection or doorbell activation can occur almost instantaneously, without the delays that might arise if data had to travel to a distant cloud server and back.
This makes P2P platforms ideal for applications that require rapid, real-time responses, such as in security systems, industrial automation, and autonomous vehicles. The reduced dependency on external networks also enhances reliability, particularly in environments with unstable or limited internet connectivity.
Industrial IoT platforms
In selecting an IoT platform, developers must consider the platform’s capabilities, connectivity, integration, and application development. Here are some of the leading options.
Microsoft Azure IoT Edge
Microsoft Azure IoT Edge is a powerful hybrid solution that extends the capabilities of Microsoft’s cloud-based IoT suite to the edge, enabling real-time data processing on-site while still benefiting from the robust analytics and storage capacities of the cloud. This dual capability is particularly advantageous in industrial settings in which both immediate, on-site decision-making and long-term data analysis are required.
Amazon Web Services IoT
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a comprehensive suite of IoT services known as AWS IoT, designed to enable secure, scalable, and efficient connectivity, management, and analysis of IoT devices and the data they generate. AWS IoT is broadly applicable across various industries but particularly strong in industrial, logistics, and retail sectors. It integrates with other AWS services like Amazon S3, Lambda, and Kinesis, making it ideal for businesses already using the AWS cloud for storage and analytics.
IBM Edge
IBM Edge Application Manager is designed to meet the demanding needs of industrial environments, offering a highly scalable and autonomous platform for managing edge devices. This platform excels in scenarios in which large-scale deployment and management of thousands of edge devices are required, such as in smart factories, energy grids, and large-scale IoT networks.
Nabto Edge
Nabto Edge distinguishes itself by enabling direct peer-to-peer (P2P) connections for low-latency applications, such as live streaming in smart security cameras. This platform is specifically designed for scenarios in which real-time responsiveness is paramount, making it an ideal choice for security-focused IoT deployments.
In industrial settings, Nabto Edge’s low-latency capabilities can be particularly valuable in applications that require instantaneous data transmission and response, such as surveillance systems, alarm systems, and other safety-critical applications. By enabling P2P connectivity, Nabto Edge minimizes the typical latency in cloud-based processing, ensuring that data is processed and acted upon almost immediately.
Final thoughts
As the IoT ecosystem continues to expand, the choice of platform becomes increasingly important. Whether you opt for a cloud-based IoT platform or a P2P edge solution depends on your specific needs, including the nature of your application, the required response times, and the environment in which your devices operate.
Understanding these differences will help you make informed decisions when building or expanding your IoT infrastructure, ensuring that your system is functional and well-equipped for whatever your use case happens to be.
Read our other resources
We’ve published a range of resources for our community, including:
- Video streaming protocols for IoT, which explains how to establish P2P connections in video streaming
- Understanding WebRTC IoT in 2024, which explains the use of WebRTC in the IoT landscape
- Our comprehensive guide to industrial IoT boards
