In today’s digital age, where connectivity and intelligence intertwine to redefine possibilities, the Internet of Things (IoT) emerges as the silent powerhouse reshaping our world. With an estimated 75 billion connected devices set to transform everyday life and industries by 2025, IoT stands at the frontier of an unprecedented technological revolution. At the helm of this transformation is Olivier Hersent, CEO of Actility and a renowned authority in LoRa and LoRaWAN technologies. His journey from the intricacies of electronic circuits to spearheading innovations in communication technologies underscores a relentless pursuit of improvement—making things work better, together. Olivier’s vision extends beyond technological advancement; it’s about fostering collaborations that drive genuine progress, whether through the flexibility of smart grids, the connectivity of electric vehicles, or the nuanced realms of Machine to Machine (M2M) communication.
Actility, under Olivier’s guidance, is not just participating in the IoT era; it is actively shaping its course—ensuring that as we advance into this interconnected world, we do so with solutions that are not only innovative but also inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with the goal of improving the way we live and work.
A mechanism that moves or controls a system or mechanism. Actuators in IoT devices act upon data received from sensors to physically change the environment. For example, an actuator might open a valve, turn on a light, or adjust a thermostat.
Example: In a manufacturing context, actuators are used in conjunction with sensors to maintain assembly line machinery. If a sensor detects a part out of alignment, an actuator might adjust the machinery automatically to correct the placement, ensuring the manufacturing process continues smoothly and efficiently.
A wireless communication protocol developed as part of the Bluetooth 4.0 standard, designed for low power consumption, which is critical in many IoT applications. BLE enables devices to exchange small amounts of data over short distances efficiently, making it widely used in wearable devices, health monitoring systems, and smart home applications.
Example: BLE is often used in retail environments with beacon technology to enhance customer experiences. When a customer with a BLE-enabled smartphone enters a store, beacons can detect their proximity and send tailored promotions, product information, or navigation assistance within the store. This efficient, low-power communication method creates an engaging shopping experience while using minimal device resources.
A web transfer protocol similar to HTTP but optimized for constrained environments typical in IoT devices. CoAP is designed for simplicity and low overhead, allowing effective operation even in networks with high packet loss rates and low bandwidth.
Example: CoAP is employed in smart city applications where sensors monitor things like traffic flow, street lighting, and public safety systems. Its efficient data transfer capabilities are ideal for the constrained network environments often found in densely populated urban areas.
The means by which IoT devices communicate with each other and with other parts of the network. This can include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, and other forms of wireless or wired connections.
Example: A wearable fitness tracker uses Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone. It collects data about your physical activities and transmits this information to an app on your phone, where it’s used to provide insights about your health and fitness trends.
Gateways serve as the bridge between IoT devices and the network to which data is sent. They collect data from various sensors across different protocols, process it as needed, and send it through to the cloud or a local network. In many cases, gateways provide additional processing power to handle tasks that are too resource-intensive for smaller, battery-powered sensors or actuators.
Example: In a smart agriculture setup, a LoRaWAN gateway collects data from a network of soil moisture sensors, weather stations, and crop health sensors deployed across a large farm. These sensors transmit data wirelessly over long distances using LoRaWAN. The gateway receives these signals, aggregates the data, and forwards it to a central server or cloud platform via cellular, Ethernet, or another backhaul connection. Farmers can then access real-time insights through dashboards or mobile apps, enabling precision irrigation, crop management, and more efficient resource allocation. The gateway acts as a crucial bridge between the low-power, long-range sensor network and centralized data processing systems.
Refers to the network of physical objects (« things ») embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. These objects range from ordinary household items like refrigerators and light bulbs to sophisticated industrial tools.
Example: A smart home thermostat learns your schedule and temperature preferences to adjust the heating and cooling systems automatically without manual input, saving energy and enhancing comfort. This device uses sensors to detect the temperature and occupancy of a room and an actuator to adjust the thermostat settings.
An IoT Platform is a suite of software and services that enable the management, connectivity, and automation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It serves as the central hub that connects hardware (sensors and devices), network channels, and applications, allowing seamless communication, data storage, analysis, and control. IoT platforms often provide features like device management, data analytics, security, application development, and integration capabilities, making it easier to deploy and scale IoT solutions. They act as a bridge between the physical world (devices and sensors) and the digital realm (applications and data processing).
Example: In a smart building, an IoT platform connects sensors, lighting, security cameras, and HVAC systems. It collects data, enabling automatic adjustments like dimming lights or optimizing temperature based on occupancy. Facility managers use the platform’s dashboard for monitoring, control, and automation, improving efficiency and comfort.
A protocol for wireless battery-operated devices in a regional, national, or global network. LoRaWAN targets key IoT requirements such as bi-directional communication, end-to-end security, mobility, and localization services.
Example: LoRaWAN is extensively used in precision agriculture to connect sensors across vast farms. These sensors collect data on soil moisture levels, crop health, and weather conditions, which is then used to optimize farming practices, improve crop yields, and reduce waste.
A cellular-based wireless communication protocol that focuses on enabling IoT devices to transmit small amounts of data over long distances with extended battery life. NB-IoT operates in licensed spectrum and is particularly suited for applications requiring broad coverage and low power, such as smart metering, environmental monitoring, and industrial asset tracking.
Example: NB-IoT is widely employed in smart parking solutions where sensors installed in parking spaces detect and report occupancy status. The sensors use NB-IoT’s long-range and low-power capabilities to transmit data to a central management platform, helping drivers find available parking spots via real-time updates and allowing city operators to optimize traffic flows and reduce congestion.
These are compact integrated circuits designed to govern specific operations in an IoT device, acting as the brain of the operation. Microcontrollers run the software that makes decisions based on the data received from sensors and commands actuators to take action. They are optimized for applications requiring agile and responsive control.
Example: A microcontroller serves as the “brain” of a smart thermostat, processing inputs from temperature sensors, user settings, and external weather data. It uses this information to control the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system efficiently. By adjusting the temperature automatically based on user preferences and occupancy, the microcontroller helps optimize energy usage, resulting in a more comfortable and cost-effective indoor environment. Additionally, it can connect with home automation systems via wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi or Zigbee, enabling remote control through smartphones or voice assistants.
A lightweight messaging protocol designed for limited bandwidth and device resources, making it ideal for many IoT scenarios. MQTT is based on a publish-subscribe model, which allows devices to send (publish) information to a server that other devices can subscribe to, thereby receiving updates automatically.
Example: IIn a smart home environment, MQTT can be used to connect various home appliances—such as refrigerators, washing machines, and HVAC systems—to a central home automation controller. This setup enables the user to control all connected devices through a single interface.
A device that detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it. In IoT, sensors collect data from the environment, which can be anything from temperature to motion or air quality, providing critical data points for automated systems.
Example: In agricultural IoT applications, moisture sensors placed in the soil help farmers determine the optimal irrigation schedule for crops. The data collected by these sensors can be used to automate watering systems, ensuring plants receive the precise amount of water at the right times.
A specification for a suite of high-level communication protocols using low-power digital radios based on an IEEE 802.15.4 standard. Zigbee is commonly employed in applications requiring secure, reliable wireless networks, such as home automation, smart energy, and industrial IoT. Its mesh networking capability enables nodes to relay data through intermediate devices, thereby extending communication range and network robustness.
Example: Zigbee is often utilized in smart home security systems, such as interconnected door locks, motion sensors, and cameras. These devices communicate reliably over a Zigbee network, enabling homeowners to monitor and control their security system through a central hub or mobile app. Zigbee’s mesh networking ensures that even if one node fails, data is rerouted through other devices, maintaining a secure and stable network connection.
© 2024 Actility’s All Rights Reserved