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IoT (Internet of Things) Tutorial
IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.15.4e, and 802.11ah for IoT
By Shahnail Khan Last updated : November 21, 2023
IoT devices communicate with each other and with the internet using a variety of wireless protocols. Some of the most common IoT data communication protocols include IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.15.4e, and 802.11ah.
In this tutorial, we will discuss the features of each of these protocols and how they are used in IoT applications.
IEEE 802.15.4
IEEE 802.15.4 is a low-power, wireless personal area network (WPAN) standard. It is designed for short-range communication between devices, typically within 10 meters. IEEE 802.15.4 is a popular choice for IoT applications because it is low-cost, energy-efficient, and easy to implement.
Features of IEEE 802.15.4
- Low power consumption
- Low data rate (up to 250 kbps)
- Short range (up to 10 meters)
- Support for multiple topologies (star, mesh, cluster)
- Simple to implement
Applications of IEEE 802.15.4
- Smart home devices (e.g., thermostats, light bulbs, sensors)
- Industrial automation (e.g., factory sensors, machine controllers)
- Wearable devices (e.g., fitness trackers, smartwatches)
IEEE 802.15.4e
IEEE 802.15.4e is an amendment to the IEEE 802.15.4 standard that was published in 2012. It adds several new features to the protocol, including:
- Support for time-slotted channel access (TSCH)
- Multichannel operation
- Enhanced security
TSCH allows devices to coordinate their transmissions to avoid collisions and improve reliability. Multichannel operation allows devices to communicate on multiple channels simultaneously, which can increase throughput and range. Enhanced security features include support for AES-128 encryption and message authentication codes (MACs).
Features of IEEE 802.15.4e
- All of the features of IEEE 802.15.4
- Time-slotted channel access (TSCH)
- Multichannel operation
- Enhanced security
Applications of IEEE 802.15.4e
802.11ah
802.11ah is a low-power, wide-area (LPWA) Wi-Fi standard that was published in 2017. It is designed for communication between devices that are several kilometres apart. 802.11ah is a good choice for IoT applications that require long-range communication and low power consumption.
Features of 802.11ah
- Low power consumption
- Medium data rate (up to 86.7 kbps)
- Long range (up to several kilometres)
- Support for multiple topologies (star, mesh, cluster)
- Compatible with existing Wi-Fi infrastructure
Applications of 802.11ah
- Smart cities (e.g., street lights, air quality sensors)
- Agriculture (e.g., crop monitoring, irrigation control)
- Industrial automation (e.g., remote monitoring of assets)
Differences between the IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.15.4e, and 802.11ah
The table given below summarizes the key differences between the IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.15.4e, and 802.11ah protocols -
| Protocols | IEEE 802.15.4 | IEEE 802.15.4e | 802.11ah |
| Range | Up to 10 meters | Up to several kilometres | Up to several kilometres |
| Data rate | Up to 250 kbps | Up to 250 kbps | Up to 86.7 kbps |
| Power consumption | Low | Low | Low |
| Security | Basic | Enhanced | Enhanced |
| Support for multiple topologies | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility with existing Wi-Fi infrastructure | No | No | Yes |
Conclusion
IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.15.4e, and 802.11ah are three of the most popular IoT data communication protocols. They offer a variety of features, such as low power consumption, long-range, and support for different topologies. The best protocol to choose for a particular IoT application will depend on the specific requirements of that application.