IoT / Lightweight Protocols
These protocols are optimized for constrained environments such as IoT devices, where low bandwidth, power, and processing capabilities are key considerations.
Protocol |
Description |
Use Case |
|---|---|---|
CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol) |
A lightweight protocol designed for use in resource-constrained environments. Built over UDP and uses a RESTful model similar to HTTP, optimized for low overhead communication. |
Sensor data collection, remote monitoring, and IoT applications. |
RFC: RFC 7252
Main Features:
Lightweight protocol optimized for constrained devices and networks
Based on REST architecture; uses HTTP-like methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
Operates over UDP (port 5683), supports multicast
Low overhead and efficient binary header format
Built-in reliability with retransmission and deduplication
DTLS support for secure communication
Use Cases:
IoT sensor data collection and telemetry
Remote monitoring in constrained or battery-powered environments
Smart home or industrial control systems
Communication in LPWAN, 6LoWPAN, and other low-power networks
Alternative Protocols:
MQTT – Lightweight publish-subscribe protocol over TCP
HTTP/HTTPS – RESTful communication in more capable devices
LwM2M – Device management built on top of CoAP
AMQP – Reliable messaging protocol for larger systems
Let us learn more about CoAP: