Summary

This chapter has covered the first step in delivering IoT data from devices to the internet. The first step in connecting billions of devices is using the correct communication medium to reach sensors, objects, and actuators to cause some action. This is the role of the wireless personal area network. We have explored the basis of the unlicensed spectrum and how as an architect we will measure the performance and behavior of a WPAN. The chapter went deep into the new Bluetooth 5 protocol and compared it to other standards such as the IEEE 802.15.4 basis protocol, Zigbee, and Z-Wave. We explored beaconing, various packet and protocol structures, and mesh architectures. An architect should have an understanding of how these architectures compare and contrast at this point.

The next chapter will explore IP-based PAN and LAN networks such as the ubiquitous 802.11 Wi-Fi network, Thread, and 6LoWPAN, as well as future Wi-Fi communication standards. These networking chapters exploring WPAN, WLAN, and WAN architectures will routinely go back to the fundamentals, such as signal strength measures and range equations taught early in this chapter, and should be used as a reference going forward.