Uploaded on Dec 31, 2025
In this episode, Zuri Njoku breaks down six essential IoT protocols in a simple and easy-to-understand way. Learn how devices communicate, why different protocols are used, and where each one fits best in real-world IoT systems. This podcast is ideal for beginners, students, and professionals exploring IoT fundamentals.
Zuri Njoku Explains 6 Essential IoT Protocols You Should Understand
Zuri Njoku
Explains 6
Essential IoT
Protocols You
Should
Understand
The Internet of Things (IoT) allows
devices like sensors, machines, and
smart appliances to communicate with
each other. For this communication to
work properly, IoT systems rely on
protocols. Protocols are sets of rules that
tell devices how to send and receive
data.
Zuri Njoku explains six important IoT
protocols that help make IoT systems
reliable, efficient, and easy to manage.
1. MQTT (Message
Queuing Telemetry
Transport)
MQTT is a lightweight protocol designed for
devices that use little power and work on
slow or unstable networks. It uses a
publish–subscribe system, where devices
send data to a central server called a
broker.
This protocol is commonly used in smart
homes, remote sensors, and industrial
monitoring because it saves bandwidth and
battery life.
2. CoAP (Constrained Application
Protocol)
CoAP is made for small devices
with limited memory and
processing power. It works in a
similar way to HTTP but is much
simpler and faster.
CoAP is often used in smart
lighting, environmental sensors,
and machine-to-machine
communication where
efficiency is important.
3. HTTP/HTTPS
HTTP and HTTPS are well-known
internet protocols and are still used
in many IoT systems. They are
mostly used when IoT devices
communicate with cloud platforms
or dashboards.
While HTTP is not ideal for very
small devices, it is easy to use,
secure, and works well with web
applications and APIs.
4. AMQP (Advanced
Message Queuing
Protocol)
AMQP is a reliable messaging protocol that
ensures data is delivered correctly. It
supports message storage, routing, and
confirmation that messages have been
received.
This protocol is often used in enterprise and
industrial IoT systems where losing data is
not acceptable.
5. DDS (Data
Distribution Service)
DDS is designed for real-time
communication. It allows devices to
share data directly with very low
delay and high reliability.
DDS is used in systems like
robotics, autonomous vehicles, and
industrial automation where fast
and accurate data delivery is
critical.
6. LwM2M (Lightweight
Machine-to-Machine)
LwM2M focuses on managing IoT
devices rather than just sending data. It
helps with tasks such as device setup,
monitoring, and software updates.
This protocol is useful for large IoT
networks where many devices need to
be managed remotely and efficiently.
Thank You
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