ISWE401L Embedded Systems &

IoT

1 ISWE401L Embedded Systems & IoT

 Module: 5 | Connecting Smart Objects
Communication Criteria – IoT Access Technologies – IEEE
802.15.4 – Low Rate Wireless Personal Area Networks (LR-
WPAN) – Long Range Wide Area Networks (LoRAWAN) –
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) – WiFi/802.11 – Z wave –
WirelessHART

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 IoT Access Technologies
• IoT Access technology refers to the various communication protocols that allow
IoT devices to connect to a network and exchange data with each other.
• Various IoT access technologies are:
– IEEE802.15.4
– LoRAWAN
– IEEE802.11/Wi-Fi
– LR-WPAN
– BLE
– Wireless HART

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 Cont…
• The following topics are addressed for each IoT access technology:
• Standardization and alliances: The standards bodies that maintain the
protocols for a technology
• Physical layer: The wired or wireless methods and relevant frequencies
• MAC layer: Considerations at the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, which
bridges the physical layer with data link control
• Topology: The topologies supported by the technology
• Security: Security aspects of the technology
• Competitive technologies: Other technologies that are similar and may be
suitable alternatives to the given technology

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 IEEE 802.15.4
• A Low-Cost, Low-Power Wireless Technology
– Low-Cost & Low Data Rate: Designed for inexpensive, low-data devices.
– Battery Efficient: Ideal for battery-powered devices with long battery life.
– Simple & Flexible: Easy to install and configure, with adaptable protocols.
• Common Applications:
– Smart Homes: Automating lights, thermostats, locks.
– Automotive: Vehicle sensor and safety systems.
– Industrial: Wireless sensor networks for monitoring.
– Toys/Remotes: Interactive toys, remote controls.
• Ideal for IoT devices in both consumer and business markets.
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 Standardization and Alliances
• IEEE 802.15.4 itself is not managed by a single alliance or promotion group.
• However, the physical and MAC (medium access control) layers defined by IEEE
802.15.4 serve as the foundation for many networking protocol stacks.
• These protocol stacks build on top of IEEE 802.15.4 and are promoted and
commercialized by different organizations.
• Examples of Protocol Stacks Based on IEEE 802.15.4
– These protocol stacks are used to handle higher layers of communication, while IEEE
802.15.4 handles the physical and link layers.
– Some well-known protocol stacks built on IEEE 802.15.4 include Zigbee, Thread, and
6LoWPAN.

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 Protocol Stacks Utilizing IEEE 802.15.4
Protocol Description
Promoted by the Zigbee Alliance, it defines upper-layer protocols for
Zigbee applications like home automation, security, and control. Focuses on low power,
low data rate, and reliable communication.
Allows IPv6 packets to be transmitted over IEEE 802.15.4 networks, enabling
6LoWPAN
easy internet connectivity for low-power IoT devices.
Extends Zigbee by adding IPv6 support for better network integration and
Zigbee IP
security in IoT systems.
Designed for industrial automation, it supports wireless sensor networks with
ISA100.11a
low power consumption, based on IEEE 802.15.4.
Aimed at industrial use, it enables self-organizing, self-healing, and reliable
WirelessHART
communication in harsh environments.
Focuses on creating reliable, secure, and low-power home automation
Thread
networks, using IPv6 for better connectivity.
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 ZigBee
• ZigBee was created in 2004 after a tech rulebook called IEEE
802.15.4.
• 400+ companies are part of the ZigBee Alliance, a group that makes
sure ZigBee works smoothly across different brands.
• ZigBee is made for devices that don’t need much power and don’t
send a lot of data like smart lights or sensors.
• The ZigBee Alliance makes sure that products from different
companies can work together, just like how the Wi-Fi Alliance does
for Wi-Fi devices.

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 ZigBee Use Cases & Protocols
• ZigBee Pro (2007) added clusters, special tools that help ZigBee devices do
specific jobs like measuring electricity, controlling temperature, or adjusting
lighting.
• Key Uses:
– Home Automation: ZigBee can control things like lights, thermostats, and security in your
home.
– Smart Energy: Smart meters use ZigBee to help monitor and control energy usage (like for
electricity or water).
– Commercial Automation: ZigBee helps businesses track things like temperature, humidity,
and assets.
• ZigBee is built on IEEE 802.15.4, which is like the foundation for how devices
connect and talk to each other.

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High-Level ZigBee Protocol Stack

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 ZigBee IP
• ZigBee IP is like an upgrade to the older ZigBee tech.
• It still uses the IEEE 802.15.4 foundation but now can talk using IP, TCP/UDP,
and other open internet rules.
• ZigBee can now work more easily with smart devices on the internet.
• Super important for things like smart meters and energy management in homes,
which is part of Smart Energy Profile 2.0.
• Made especially for smart energy, but it can also be used for other devices that
want to work with the internet in a simple and energy-efficient way.

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ZigBee IP Protocol Stack

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 Physical Layer (PHY) in IEEE 802.15.4
• Responsible for the actual transmission and reception of data over the wireless
medium.
• It defines the radio frequencies, modulation techniques, and how the data is
transmitted as signals across the air.
• Radio Frequency (RF) Communication: The PHY layer specifies which radio
frequencies can be used for communication.
• IEEE 802.15.4 supports different frequencies, like:
– 2.4 GHz (worldwide)
– 868 MHz (used mainly in Europe)
– 915 MHz (used mainly in North and South America)

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 Cont…
• Modulation: The PHY layer also defines how data is turned into signals that can
be transmitted through the air.
• This is done using different modulation techniques, such as:
– DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum): Spreads the signal over a wider frequency band to
reduce interference and improve reliability.
– OQPSK (Offset Quadrature Phase Shift Keying): A technique used to encode data more
efficiently for better reliability.
– BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying) and ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying): Other modulation
methods used to encode data with phase shifts or amplitude changes.
• Data Rates: The PHY layer also defines how fast data can be transmitted.
• For example:
– 250 kbps at 2.4 GHz
– 40 kbps at 915 MHz
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– 20 kbps at 868 MHz
IEEE 802.15.4 PHY Format

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 Cont…
• Frame Structure: The PHY layer defines how the data is
packaged into frames. These frames contain:
– Preamble: A pattern that helps synchronize the receiver with the
sender.
– Start of Frame Delimiter (SFD): Marks the start of the actual
data.

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 MAC Layer in IEEE 802.15.4
• Manages how devices access and share the wireless channel (PHY).
• Ensures that devices in the same network can communicate with each other in an organized way.
• Key Tasks of the MAC Layer:
• Network Beaconing:
– Devices acting as coordinators send beacons to allow new devices to join the network.
– These beacons help devices synchronize and identify which network they belong to.
• PAN Association/Disassociation:
– Devices can join or leave a network (Personal Area Network - PAN) by associating or disassociating
from a PAN coordinator.
• Device Security:
– Ensures secure communication between devices, protecting data from unauthorized access.
• Reliable Link Communications:
– Guarantees reliable communication between devices, ensuring that data is sent and received correctly.

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 MAC Layer Frame Types
• The MAC layer uses four types of frames to manage communication:
• Data Frame: Transmits the actual data between devices.
• Beacon Frame: Used by PAN coordinators to send beacons, helping devices join
or synchronize with the network.
• Acknowledgement Frame: Confirms successful reception of a data frame.
• MAC Command Frame: Controls communication and network management
tasks between devices.
• Each frame type has a specific format, broken down into three parts:
– MAC Header: Contains the necessary info for frame identification and routing.
– MAC Payload: Carries the data or control information.
– MAC Footer: Contains any additional information needed for the frame.

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IEEE 802.15.4 MAC Format

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 Topology in IEEE 802.15.4
• IEEE 802.15.4 networks can be set up in three topologies: star, peer-to-peer, and
mesh.
• Star: Central coordinator manages devices.
• Peer-to-Peer: Devices talk directly to each other.
• Mesh: Devices use intermediary nodes to communicate over longer distances.
• Devices in a PAN use a unique PAN ID.
• FFD devices can communicate with all devices, while RFD devices only
communicate with FFD devices.
• Path selection can be done via Mesh-Under (Layer 2) or Mesh-Over (Layer 3,
with RPL (Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy Networks)).
Where, FFD (Full-Function Devices & RFD (Reduced-Function Devices)

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Sample Mesh Network Topology

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 Security in IEEE 802.15.4
• AES 128-bit encryption is used for securing data in IEEE
802.15.4.
• MIC (Message Integrity Code) ensures data integrity and
prevents tampering.
• To enable security, the Security Enabled bit in the Frame
Control header is set to 1, adding an Auxiliary Security
Header to the frame.

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Frame Format with the Auxiliary Security Header Field
for 802.15.4

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 Competing Technology
• IEEE 802.15.4 serves as the foundation for many IoT
protocols.
• DASH7 is a competing technology focused on industrial
communications, originally used for active RFID.
• It offers low power, long range, and AES encryption, and has
evolved into a wireless sensor network technology.

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 LoRaWAN – A Leading LPWA Technology
• In recent years, Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) wireless technologies have gained significant
attention from both industry and media.
• LPWA technologies are optimized for long-range communication and battery-powered
endpoints.
• These technologies enable new IoT business opportunities for service providers and enterprises.
• LoRaWAN is an example of an unlicensed-band LPWA technology that has achieved wide
industry adoption.
• The LoRa Alliance supports LoRaWAN, backed by a substantial number of global companies.
• Other LPWA alternatives, such as NB-IoT and LTE variations, operate in licensed frequency
bands and are standardized by 3GPP.
• The LPWA domain continues to evolve, but LoRaWAN stands out as one of the most established
and widely supported options.

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 LoRaWAN Standardization and Industry
Alliances
• Origin: LoRa began as a Layer 1 (physical layer) modulation technology developed by Cycleo, a French
company later acquired by Semtech.
• Evolution: Designed for long-range, low-power, two-way communications, LoRa expanded beyond Layer 1
with the creation of the LoRa Alliance.
• LoRa Alliance:
– A global, non-profit association with hundreds of member organizations.
– Publishes open LoRaWAN specifications, available at [Link].
• Technology Layers:
– Semtech manages the PHY (Physical) layer.
– The LoRa Alliance oversees the MAC layer and regional frequency bands.
• LoRa vs. LoRaWAN:
– LoRa → Physical layer modulation (hardware level).
– LoRaWAN → Network architecture and end-to-end communication protocol.
• Alliance Responsibilities:
– Defines and maintains the LoRaWAN roadmap and specifications.
– Manages device certification programs.
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– Promotes technology adoption through marketing and certification committees.
 Cont…

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 LoRaWAN Physical Layer
• Modulation Technology • Adaptive Data Rate (ADR)
– Uses Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) developed by Semtech. – Optimizes data rate, power, and reliability for each
– Offers long-range, low-power communication by trading data endpoint.
rate for sensitivity. – Closer nodes: higher data rate, lower power.
– Can demodulate below the noise floor and handle multiple – Farther nodes: lower data rate, higher power.
channels simultaneously. – Recommended for fixed endpoints; fixed rate for
• Frequency Bands (LoRaWAN 1.0.2) mobile nodes.
– Operates in unlicensed sub-GHz bands: 433 MHz, 779–787 MHz, • Spreading Factor (SF)
863–870 MHz, and 902–928 MHz. – Controls the range–speed trade-off.
– Regional profiles: Australia (915–928 MHz), South Korea (920– – Lower SF → higher data rate, shorter range.
923 MHz), Japan (920–928 MHz). – Higher SF → lower data rate, longer range.
– Additional bands (e.g., 169 MHz) are under consideration by the – Example: SF 12 ≈ 250 bps; SF 7 ≈ 5470 bps.
LoRa Alliance.
– Wider bandwidths (125/250/500 kHz) provide
• LoRa Gateways faster data rates.
– Function as central hubs in a star topology.
– Contain multiple transceivers, enabling parallel demodulation
across several channels.
– Act as transparent bridges between endpoints and the network
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server.
 LoRaWAN MAC Layer
• Overview
– Defined in the LoRaWAN specification, the MAC layer leverages the LoRa physical layer to manage
device classes, optimize battery life, and ensure bidirectional communication between endpoints and
gateways.
• Device Classes
– Class A (Default):
• Optimized for battery-powered nodes.
• Bidirectional — endpoints can receive after each transmission.
• Two receive windows open after every uplink.
– Class B:
• Provides additional receive windows through time-synchronized beacons from gateways.
• Initially marked as experimental in LoRaWAN 1.0.1.
– Class C:
• Designed for mains-powered devices.
• Continuously listens except during transmission.

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 Cont…
• MAC Frame Structure
– PHY payload includes:
• MAC Header (1 byte)
• MAC Payload (variable length)
• Message Integrity Code (MIC – 4 bytes)
– Payload size:
• 59–230 bytes (863–870 MHz band)
• 19–250 bytes (902–928 MHz band)

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 Cont…
• Message Types (LoRaWAN v1.0.x)
– Join Request / Join Accept – for over-the-air (OTA) activation.
– Unconfirmed Data Up / Down – no acknowledgment required.
– Confirmed Data Up / Down – acknowledgment required.
– Uplink: Endpoint → Gateway → Network Server.
– Downlink: Network Server → Gateway → Endpoint.
– Multicast support is planned for future versions.
• Device Addressing
– DevEUI: Unique IEEE EUI-64 identifier for each device.
– AppEUI: Unique IEEE EUI-64 identifier for the application provider.
– DevAddr: 32-bit device address:
• 7 MSBs: Network Identifier (NwkID)
• 25 LSBs: Network Address (NwkAddr)
– The LoRa Alliance manages and allocates NwkIDs and future NetID fields in upcoming specifications.
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 LoRaWAN Topology – “Star of Stars”
• Network Structure
– LoRaWAN uses a “star of stars” topology:
• Endpoints communicate with gateways.
• Gateways act as bridges to a central network server via standard IP connections.
• Network server manages data rates, RF settings, and deduplication of packets.
• Data Flow
– Endpoints transmit application data over the LoRaWAN MAC layer on supported PHY
frequencies.
– Upper-layer protocols (optional) may include:
• ZigBee Control Layer (ZCL)
• CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol)
• MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport)
• With or without IPv6/6LoWPAN layers

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 Cont…
• Gateways
– Relay data from multiple endpoints to network
servers.
– Can receive duplicate packets, which are
deduplicated by the network server.
– Version 2 gateways include geolocation support
using TDoA (Time Differential of Arrival)
algorithms.
• Network Server Functions
– Executes Adaptive Data Rate (ADR) for optimal
performance and battery life.
– Forwards application data to application servers.
– Future LoRaWAN versions will support roaming
between network servers for mobile endpoints.
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 LoRaWAN Security
• Security Layers
– Network Security (MAC layer)
• Ensures endpoint authentication by the network server.
• Encrypts LoRaWAN packets using AES-128.
• Uses Network Session Key (NwkSKey) for:
– Message Integrity Code (MIC) verification
– MAC payload encryption/decryption
– Application Security
• Encrypts/decrypts data between endpoint and application server.
• Uses Application Session Key (AppSKey) for MIC verification.
• Ensures service provider cannot access application payload without permission.
• AppKey is derived from a root key controlled by the application provider.

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 Cont…
• Gateway Security
– Protected for traffic and network management using VPN/IPsec.
– Additional security features under evaluation by LoRaWAN Alliance.
• Endpoint Registration & Authentication
– Activation by Personalization (ABP): Preconfigured DevAddr, NwkSKey, AppSKey.
– Over-the-Air Activation (OTAA):
• Dynamic join procedure with join request/accept messages.
• Derives NwkSKey and AppSKey from AppKey during session setup.

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 Competitive Technologies & LoRaWAN
Overview
• Key competitive technologies for LoRaWAN:
– NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT)
– LTE-M (Cat-M1)
– Sigfox
– Wi-SUN
– Weightless-P

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 Cont…
• LPWA Market Segmentation
– Licensed-band: Used by mobile service providers with spectrum licenses (covered in 3GPP/NB-IoT).
– Unlicensed-band: Targets enterprises and private networks, competing with LoRaWAN.
– LPWA market is rapidly evolving, with multiple vendors providing diverse options.
• LoRaWAN Highlights
– LoRa: PHY layer modulation for long-range, low-power communication.
– LoRaWAN: Architecture, MAC layer, and unified standard ensuring interoperability.
– Gateways: Bridge endpoints to network servers, enabling “star-of-stars” topology.
– Adaptive Data Rate (ADR): Optimizes coverage, battery life, and network performance.
– Security: AES encryption and authentication at network and application layers.
• Advantages & Opportunities
– Supports private enterprise, broadcasters, smart cities, and mobile/non-mobile providers.
– Growing ecosystem of endpoints enhances IoT adoption and interoperability.
– Potential for roaming between private and public LPWA infrastructures, similar to Wi-Fi deployments.
– LPWA technologies, including LoRaWAN, address a critical IoT need and are expected to expand as
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 Other IoT Access Technologies
LR-WPAN (IEEE BLE (Bluetooth Low
Feature IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) Z-Wave WirelessHART
802.15.4) Energy)
Used for small, low-power Used for fitness bands, Used for smart home
Used for fast internet like Used in factories to make
gadgets like sensors and smartwatches, and control, like turning
Purpose the Wi-Fi you use at home, machines talk to each other
smart lights that don’t send Bluetooth devices that on lights or locking
school, or offices. safely and reliably.
much data. need very little power. doors.
Made by IEEE 802.11
Made by IEEE 802.15.4 Managed by the HART
Standardization group; Wi-Fi Alliance Managed by Bluetooth SIG Controlled by the Z-
group; base for Zigbee, Communication Foundation
and Alliances makes sure devices work since version 4.0 (BLE). Wave Alliance.
Thread, and WirelessHART. for industrial automation.
together.
Works on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, Uses sub-GHz (~900
Works on 2.4 GHz or sub- Works on 2.4 GHz; 1–2 Uses 2.4 GHz; not very fast
Physical Layer or 6 GHz; very fast (up to MHz); slower but
GHz; slower (250 kbps); Mbps speed; range 10–100 but super reliable; range
(Radio part) gigabits); covers around stable; range about 30
range 10–100 meters. meters. about 100 meters.
30–100 meters indoors. meters indoors.
Uses CSMA/CA to avoid
Uses low power, allows Uses mesh
MAC Layer (How signal clashes; supports Uses master-slave setup; Uses time slots and channel
star or mesh setups; can networking with
devices share the quality of service, sleep very power-efficient for hopping for no interference
send data occasionally to reliable message
air) modes, and multi-user short connections. and reliable timing.
save battery. delivery.
data.
Usually a star (via Wi-Fi Usually star (one phone or Fully mesh network Mesh network that
Topology Can form star, tree, or
router) but can do mesh hub connects to many — devices can relay organizes itself and has
(Network shape) mesh networks.
too. devices). data. backups if one path fails.
Very strong: WPA2/WPA3, AES-128 encryption, uses AES-128 encryption, secure
AES-128 encryption for AES-128 encryption
Security AES encryption, password pairing and bonding for key sharing, and
safe messages. with safe pairing.
or enterprise login. secure links. authentication.
Competes with Zigbee, Competes with Zigbee, Competes with ISA100.11a
Competitive Competes with BLE, Competes with Wi-Fi,
Thread, ISWE401LBLE,
Embedded Systems & IoT Thread, and other and other industrial
39
Technologies Zigbee, LoRa, NB-IoT. Zigbee, Thread.
WirelessHART. smart-home systems. wireless options.
 THANK YOU

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