Top 6 Most Common Connectivity Technologies in IoT: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Use Cases

Connectivity lies at the core of the Internet of Things. Due to this, smart devices and sensors can share data with processing modules and perform their intended functions. With over 29 billion such connections projected by 2027, IoT connectivity technologies thrive.

Just imagine your smart thermostat adjusting the temperature based on weather forecasts or your fitness tracker seamlessly syncing with your smartphone. All of this and even more is possible with connectivity technologies for IoT.

Today, WebbyLab will explain the six most popular connectivity technologies. Using our expertise in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular, and other technologies acquired during such projects as the 2Smart Standalone, MyBox, and Propuskator, we’ll also overview their advantages, disadvantages, and real-world applications.

6 Top Connectivity Technologies for IoT

Choosing the right way to connect devices in an IoT ecosystem may be confusing with so many options out there. Whether short-range or long-range, wired or wireless, we’re here to help you better understand IoT connectivity technologies. Here’s an overview of the most popular technologies for connecting IoT devices:

1. Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, stands for 31% of all connections in the Internet of Things. It’s a convenient connectivity option that allows devices to transmit data over the internet without physical cables. Owing to that, it’s also fast to implement in IoT environments.

Pros of Wi-Fi:

• High-speed data transfer
• Widespread availability in homes, offices, or public spaces
• Ease of use and setup
• Strong compatibility
• Relatively low cost

Cons of Wi-Fi:

• High power consumption
• Limited range, up to around 35m
• Network congestion and Wi-Fi source dependency

Owing to Wi-Fi’s practicality, WebbyLab experts consider it the first connectivity option for our IoT projects. We typically use this technology in various smart home devices like lamps, LED strips, relays, and beyond. We also leverage it in IoT device development, particularly when creating firmware for Espressif’s ESP chips with built-in WiFi modules.

Other use cases of Wi-Fi beyond smart homes include:

• Using Wi-Fi for inventory tracking
• Leveraging Wi-Fi for IoT medical devices
• Installing Wi-Fi-connected sensors and equipment in manufacturing plants

2. Bluetooth

Bluetooth, a short-range wireless technology, makes up 27% of all Internet of Things connection technologies. It’s perfect for linking devices in close proximity, like smartphones with fitness trackers or tablets with other IoT gadgets.

Pros of Bluetooth:

• Low power consumption
• Cost-effective implementation
• Ease of use and setup

Cons of Bluetooth:

• Low bandwidth
• Slower data transfer, compared to Wi-Fi
• Short range, up to 35 m in home environments without additional enhancements
• Higher latency

Despite its limitations, Bluetooth has found applications in various areas, especially those requiring short-range, energy-efficient connections. Here are just several examples:

• Using Bluetooth in smart home devices like smart locks, speakers, and lighting systems
• Leveraging Bluetooth in wearables like fitness trackers and health monitors
• Using Bluetooth in beacon technology
• Deploying Bluetooth connections for asset tracking

3. Cellular Networks

Cellular networks (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT) constitute around 20% of all IoT connections. The emerging 5G showed a 200% compound annual growth rate between 2021 and 2022. Both of these best Internet of Things connectivity technologies are crucial. They are reliable and offer a wide-range, almost global coverage.

Pros of cellular networks:

• Widespread coverage, including urban, suburban, and rural areas, as well as remote locations
• High reliability
• High speed and bandwidth
• Scalability
• Robust security features

Cons of cellular networks:

• Usually high cost
• High power consumption
• Latency, though 5G reduces delays significantly

WebbyLab specialists typically leverage cellular connections when devices are deployed in remote cities, far from the primary infrastructure, or when using Wi-Fi or Ethernet is impossible. In such cases, we install GSM modules with SIM card support to provide the device with internet connectivity. Such a module can be a backup solution alongside the primary Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

For example, we have a version of the transmitter controller that primarily operates via Wi-Fi but automatically switches to GSM should any issues arise with the Wi-Fi connection or if it’s unavailable. In case of disruptions, this transition from Wi-Fi to GSM is a reliable solution. We’ve encountered scenarios, such as elevator equipment installation, where no internet connectivity was initially available, making a GSM module the most suitable choice.

Using cellular networks is also viable in the following fields:

• Deploying cellular-connected sensors in agriculture for weather, soil conditions, or water usage monitoring
• Using cellular GPS trackers for fleet management 
• Leveraging cellular connectivity in mobile health devices like ECG monitors
• Applying cellular networks in smart city ecosystems for traffic management or environmental monitoring

4. Zigbee

Zigbee, an IoT connectivity technology worth $3.84 billion, is known for its low-power mesh networking. It creates a network of IoT devices that help each other transmit data efficiently. This network comprises three key components:

• A Zigbee coordinator (ZC), which serves as the network’s central hub and stores essential information
• Zigbee routers or repeaters (ZR), responsible for transmitting messages between devices and an app
• Zigbee end devices (ZEDs), representing the actual IoT devices

Pros of Zigbee:

• Low power consumption
• Reliability
• Resistance to other wireless devices’ interference
• Scalability

Cons of Zigbee:

• Limited range, from 10 to 100 meters
• Potential compatibility issues
• Low bandwidth
• Relatively complex to set up for a regular user

Zigbee and other mesh protocols like Z-Wave are IoT-centered. That’s why WebbyLab experts frequently use them. These connectivity technologies for Internet of Things perform well on battery-powered devices, giving them extended operational lifespans.

Zigbee or Z-Wave connections are typical in smart home sensor applications. Notably, these protocols require an additional component, known as a gateway, which communicates with Zigbee or Z-Wave devices and subsequently transfers data to the cloud or a local server. Alternatively, the gateway can establish a direct connection to the server, for instance, through USB. We have significant expertise integrating Zigbee devices into our 2Smart Standalone automation platform.

Other examples of implementing Zigbee include the following:

• Using Zigbee for industrial process automation and equipment monitoring
• Leveraging this protocol for tracking medical equipment
• Deploying Zigbee networks for environmental monitoring
• Using Zigbee in agriculture for monitoring soil conditions, crop health, and irrigation systems

5. LoRaWAN

LoRaWAN is one of the low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technologies. It stands for Long Range Wide Area Network and, as its name suggests, facilitates long-range communication between IoT devices and base stations. This solution is commonly used alongside other LPWANs like Sigfox and Ingenu.

Pros of LoRaWAN:

• Remarkable range, up to 15 km
• Low power consumption
• Low cost

Cons of LoRaWAN:

• Low bandwidth, as LoRaWAN prioritizes long-range communication over high data speeds
• High latency
• Infrastructure requirements

Despite the above drawbacks of using LoRaWAN, LoRaWAN is a good choice for the following businesses and niches:

• Leveraging LoRaWAN for tracking assets like shipping containers or small vehicles
• Using LoRaWAN to build smart urban infrastructure with waste management and IOT based parking management system
• Implementing LoRaWAN to gather data from remote sensors in forests, oceans, and wildlife habitats for environmental monitoring
• Deploying LoRaWAN in agricultural facilities for field monitoring

6. Ethernet

The core wired connectivity technology, Ethernet, is one of the most reliable ways to link IoT devices. It’s exactly how your computer connects to the internet using an Ethernet cable. This solution offers high-speed data transfer with no or little lag.

Pros of Ethernet:

• Reliability, particularly in complex settings
• High-speed data transmission, real-time communication
• Noise resistance
• Unmatched security

Cons of Ethernet:

• Cable dependence, range limited to wire length
• Installation complexity
• Relatively costly

WebbyLab experts consider Ethernet viable when other connectivity options cannot be implemented. This is the case in challenging Wi-Fi signal penetration in residential complexes with thick walls or under other adverse conditions. Ethernet offers enhanced stability and the potential to utilize Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, enabling both online connectivity and device powering over the same twisted pair cable.

In our experience, we offer an Ethernet version of the transmitter controller, along with a dedicated expansion module for connecting devices via Ethernet in charging stations for electric cars MyBox and Propuskator access control system. While this option delivers high reliability, it does involve additional equipment costs, the installation of Ethernet wiring on-site, and the need for routers.

Other potential IoT use cases for Ethernet include the following:

• Using Ethernet in manufacturing plants to connect industrial machines and sensors for precise control and monitoring of production processes
• Leveraging Ethernet in smart grid systems to connect meters and energy management devices
• Deploying Ethernet in the data center networks, ensuring fast and reliable data transfer among servers and storage systems
• Using Ethernet in security systems to connect cameras, access control devices, and alarms for efficient surveillance

Speaking of the above technologies for IoT connectivity, WebbyLab’s primary focus lies in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and cellular connections, primarily due to their immediate internet connectivity capabilities. These solutions eliminate the need for an intermediary IoT gateway in most cases.

However, a gateway device comes into play when exploring alternative options, such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, LoRaWAN, or Bluetooth. These gateways facilitate communication between end devices and the cloud, either via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular, or the reverse data flow, ensuring seamless connectivity.

Choosing the Right Connectivity Technology in IoT

Having explored the various connectivity technologies for IoT, you may be wondering which one is best for your project. Consider the following factors:

• Coverage. Ensure that the chosen network type is available in the geographic area where you plan to deploy your IoT devices. Verify you get the necessary coverage, especially in remote or challenging environments, and, most importantly, consider using a backup technology.
• Bandwidth. Assess whether the selected IoT connectivity tech can handle the volume and types of data transmissions your devices require. Make sure it can support the bandwidth needs of your IoT applications.
• Power consumption. Evaluate how much power your IoT devices will consume while transferring or receiving data. Choose the IoT connectivity standard that corresponds to your power usage requirements, which is especially critical for battery-operated devices.
• Cost. Consider the overall cost of deploying the chosen technology, including infrastructure setup costs, required components, and ongoing data expenses. Compare different connectivity options to find a cost-effective solution. Enterprise IoT solutions can significantly enhance operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making for large corporations.
• Data throughput. Determine if the network type can support the data throughput required for your IoT applications. Some apps may demand higher data speeds (streaming or real-time data transfer) than others, so choose accordingly.
• Mobility. If your IoT devices need to operate while in motion, assess whether the chosen connectivity technology supports mobility and at what speed. Some technologies suit mobile applications better than others.
• Latency. Understand the latency between data transmissions when using a specific technology. Low-latency solutions are crucial for real-time use cases like autonomous vehicles.
• Indoor penetration. Consider how well the signal of the chosen technology penetrates indoor or underground environments. It’s particularly crucial for deployments in dense buildings or subterranean settings.
• Security. Analyze the security features provided by the network. Determine whether it enhances or diminishes your protection against misuse and unauthorized access, and implement additional security measures if necessary.
• Redundancy. Explore backup options and redundancy measures available with the chosen connectivity type. Such mechanisms can ensure the continuity of your IoT operations should the network fail.

Make sure to consider the above factors when selecting a connectivity technology for your IoT project. It’s how to make things work properly in your particular settings and following your requirements.

Ensure Connectivity with WebbyLab

If you want to combine your devices into a single system where data flows seamlessly, you cannot do without connectivity technologies in IoT. And choosing the right solution is critical for your project’s success.

We’ve explored several options — Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, and Ethernet, each with unique pros, cons, and use cases. Ensuring a perfect match for your IoT system largely relies on considering your coverage, bandwidth, power consumption, cost, and security requirements beforehand.

At WebbyLab, we know that the ultimate choice may not always be straightforward. The good news is that we’re here to assist you on this journey. Our team can study your IoT system requirements and come up with the most suitable connectivity solution. So don’t hesitate and contact our company to discuss your project in greater detail.