How to control IoT devices: tips for seamless smart device management
May 13, 2024In today's interconnected digital world, the widespread adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has profoundly impacted various aspects of daily life. These devices range from smart home gadgets to industrial equipment, providing unprecedented convenience and efficiency. However, their ubiquity also requires the implementation of effective control mechanisms. Managing and controlling IoT devices is challenging, requiring attention to access control, data management, and network security.
This overview will look at approaches and technologies used to regulate IoT devices to maintain their functionality in remote control.
IoT device and management control
IoT device monitoring and control involves the seamless integration of interconnected smart devices into a network, enabling monitoring, controlling, and automatization. This process involves several key functions:
Monitoring and diagnostics
Regular monitoring and control allow users to monitor and troubleshoot individual IoT devices or systems, which is a crucial aspect of access control iot devices. For example, users can access detailed data such as home temperature or vibration levels, providing valuable insights. With effective monitoring, users can customize personalized settings to receive event notifications related to specific device issues, including security breaches and device damage.
Configuration and control
It's crucial to understand that devices and networks are continuously evolving entities. Configuration allows devices to move beyond the initial stage, while remote management increases the efficiency and intelligence of automation processes.
Software maintenance and updates
Another fundamental principle is daily software maintenance and updates. By proactively maintaining and updating the software of IoT devices, they can keep them safe, reliable, and up-to-date with the latest features and enhancements.
What types of IoT devices are there?
Despite the variety of functions, IoT devices follow fundamental operating principles. They are real, physical devices with internal components such as processors and network adapters, they are often connected to a server that uses a dynamic host configuration protocol to maintain communication. The IP address of the device is necessary for the network to function.
These devices are typically controlled by specialized software. For example, you can use a smartphone app to control the lights in your home. Some devices come with built-in web servers that simplify management and eliminate the need for additional software.
Home security systems
Modern smart and secure homes are built on the Internet of Things. A wide range of sensors, lights, alarms, and cameras are connected with IoT, enabling easy operation from a smartphone. Security monitoring is guaranteed around-the-clock thanks to its integration. Furthermore, cutting-edge IoT applications like smart water leak detection systems improve home security even more. These systems use sensors to find leaks and notify homeowners right away, preventing further damage and protecting property.
With KaaIoT Cloud, your water system is diligently monitored in real-time. In case of any detected water leaks, immediate alarms are triggered, ensuring prompt attention and mitigation of potential damage.
Activity trackers
Activity trackers are sensor-equipped gadgets that may transmit and monitor important health parameters in real-time. They give users the ability to keep an eye on and control some parameters, including oxygen levels, blood pressure, hunger, and physical activity. Furthermore, new developments such as air quality monitoring systems are a result of IoT technology breakthroughs. These systems use sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and contaminants in the air, giving customers useful information for keeping their interior spaces healthier. With the Kaa IoT platform, you can access an air quality monitoring solution, providing you with the following benefits:
- Observe key metrics including PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentration levels
- Check for nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and more
- Use a highly customizable dashboard with numerous widget options
- Create custom alarms and notifications linked with multiple devices
- Map areas according to air quality with an individualized color scheme
- Track all key metrics to a high degree of precision in real-time
Motion detection
Electronic gadgets called motion sensors may identify moving objects or persons nearby. They are frequently found in HVAC, automated lighting, and security systems. Passive infrared (PIR), ultrasonic, and microwave sensors are the most often utilized types of motion sensors.
PIR sensors measure variations in infrared radiation brought on by the heat released by moving objects, including people, vehicles, and animals. They are widely used in security alarm systems, occupancy detection, and automatic lighting.
IoT device remote control for industries
Logistics
There are many advantages to using IoT device remote control in the logistics sector. The enhanced visibility and tracking capabilities it offers are two important benefits. Logistics businesses can ensure efficient operations and timely deliveries by monitoring assets like trucks, containers, and shipments through real-time position tracking utilizing technologies like GPS and iBeacons. Furthermore, having remote monitoring capabilities for cargo parameters like temperature, humidity, and light exposure aids in preventing spoilage and preserving product quality through the supply chain.
Moreover, IoT remote control makes it possible to remotely monitor and operate fleet cars, machinery, and warehousing assets, which promotes optimal asset use.
For example, you are the logistics manager of a large online retailer that delivers thousands of parcels across the country every day. You have installed an IoT-based remote management system for your logistics network to manage your operations efficiently.
One day, while checking the dashboard of your Internet of Things remote management platform, you discovered that a shipment of high-value goods being sent to a large customer was experiencing strange temperature fluctuations. The IoT system's real-time monitoring features immediately alert you to the problem.
You quickly receive the shipment data and discover that the refrigeration unit is not working properly due to a mechanical problem with the lorry carrying the box. With no remote control capability, this problem may have gone unnoticed until the parcel reached its destination, potentially resulting in rejects and customer dissatisfaction.
Manufacturing
The use of remote control of IoT devices in the manufacturing sector helps with predictive maintenance techniques and real-time monitoring of equipment performance. Manufacturers can proactively address potential problems before they occur by collecting data on equipment performance using IoT sensors. In addition, IoT remote monitoring can improve product quality by continuously monitoring the production process. IoT remote monitoring can significantly improve the productivity and efficiency of manufacturing processes. Workers can focus on more important activities by automating repetitive operations such as data collection and analysis, increasing productivity and efficiency throughout the production process. This approach is increasingly being adopted by industrial IoT companies.
For example, as a production manager at a large electronics manufacturing plant that produces everything from smartphones to smart home appliances, you know how important it is to your company's success to maintain consistent product quality.
One day, while analyzing real-time data from an IoT-enabled production line, you notice that a certain smartphone model is being assembled with a higher-than-normal scrap rate. Investigate the problem as soon as possible using the remote control capabilities of the IoT-enabled system.
You can view a live video stream of the assembly line and monitor worker performance through a remote monitoring panel.
Agriculture
Remote control of IoT devices has brought huge benefits to the agricultural sector, significantly contributing to iot transforming the future of agriculture. An important benefit is improved crop monitoring and optimization. Farmers can now monitor various environmental parameters including soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and sunlight intensity in real-time by installing IoT sensors in their fields.
For example, the operator of a large orchard can use this data to fine-tune the irrigation system. An IoT-enabled smart irrigation system can change the water flow rate based on actual soil moisture levels and weather forecasts, rather than a set irrigation plan. This conserves valuable water resources and ensures fruit trees get the right moisture, resulting in healthier plants and higher yields.
Remote control of IoT devices has transformed animal care and monitoring. With IoT-enabled tags or collars, farmers can now monitor the location, health, and well-being of their livestock. In this way, they can improve animal welfare and productivity by monitoring animals remotely and promptly addressing problems such as disease or injury.
Ways how to control IoT devices remotely
How we interact with IoT devices is like giving them a separate character. Each device is a unique character with its traits and behavior. When developers create these devices, they are essentially designing their identities. Let’s look at common ways of remotely controlling IoT devices:
Web applications
Web applications play a fundamental role in the administration and monitoring of a fleet of enterprise IoT devices, especially in areas such as industrial and medical IoT. Unlike mobile apps that require installation on the device, these web apps are compatible with all modern browsers and can be used on any device, regardless of its operating system. System administrators and operators typically use these web applications to get real-time access to complete and up-to-date information about multiple machines. They use the program's expert tools to assess system health.
Think about having a range of IoT devices at home, including thermostats, smart lighting, and security cameras. You can use an online platform accessible through any web browser to easily control these devices from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Let's say you want to secure your home while you're away. After logging in, the web app displays a dashboard with the current status of all your IoT devices. You realize that the lights in the living room are still on. The smart lighting feature in the web app allows you to see which lights are on and remotely switch them off with a few clicks.
Mobile app
Controlling IoT devices via mobile apps offers a convenient and intuitive way to manage various devices within a connected ecosystem from anywhere, at any time. Mobile applications are specifically designed to interface with IoT devices through user-friendly dashboards, which can display real-time data, device status, and control options. These apps typically connect to IoT devices through local networks or over the internet, using communication protocols like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or even cellular connections. This connectivity enables users to perform tasks like adjusting thermostat settings, monitoring security cameras, or controlling smart lighting with just a few taps on their smartphone or tablet screens.
The integration of mobile apps with IoT devices not only enhances user convenience but also provides a layer of flexibility and customization. Users can configure settings, schedule operations, and even automate tasks based on their preferences or external inputs, such as weather conditions. For example, a smart home app might automatically adjust heating and cooling based on the ambient temperature or time of day. Moreover, many of these apps include features like notifications and alerts, which can inform users about unusual activities, maintenance needs, or energy consumption statistics, helping to improve efficiency and ensure safety.
Developers continually evolve the functionality of IoT mobile applications by incorporating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technologies enable smarter decision-making by learning from user behavior and optimizing device performance accordingly. Additionally, security within these apps is paramount, as IoT devices can be vulnerable to cyber threats. Robust security measures such as encryption, secure login procedures, and regular updates are crucial to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access. This ensures that the control of IoT devices via mobile apps remains both effective and secure, addressing key IoT security challenges.
Voice assistant
Voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant are extremely popular because people communicate verbally so easily. These user-friendly platforms facilitate information access and media content management, they interact seamlessly with smart home ecosystems. It provides customers with quick access to complex operations and is extremely efficient and easy to use. Alternatively, voice commands are processed directly by the device or a separate IoT platform. However, devices with microphones and speakers are required to record and transmit audio feedback. This method can be used, but it tends to be more complex and expensive, which limits its use in most cases.
Phone calls and SMS
Phone calls for remote control were a common way of doing things before the IoT gained popularity. Gate or barrier controllers are a common example of when people have to call a certain number to enter a building. If the caller's number was on the allowlist, the controller recognized it and allowed access. While online services are becoming more common, classic controllers with SIM cards were utilized in the beginning. Users still employ the same principle of calling a pre-designated number to operate the device. Control capabilities are significantly improved, though, by using third-party services in place of actual controllers.
Controlling devices through text works in the same way as controlling them through a phone. If the IoT platform allows connectivity, users can control a gadget by texting a specified number.
While SMS and phone call controls may seem archaic, they are still useful in some situations. For example, they are still useful when consumers experience unstable mobile internet or cannot connect to Wi-Fi at their current location.
What are interaction and remote control in IoT?
IoT interaction refers to the ability of users or systems to interact with IoT devices. This interaction includes various forms:
User-initiated actions
People can interact with IoT devices through various interfaces such as mobile apps, web portals, voice commands, or physical controls. For example, a user can adjust the temperature of a smart thermostat using a mobile app.
Automated interaction
IoT devices can also interact with each other or with systems autonomously, based on predefined rules or triggers. For example, a motion sensor can prompt a smart light fixture to light up by detecting movement in a room.
Remote control is controlling IoT devices from a distance, usually over the Internet. This allows users to monitor and control their devices regardless of their physical location. The main aspects of remote control in IoT include:
Access and authentication
Secure access to IoT devices is required, which is typically provided through authentication methods such as passwords, biometrics, or cryptographic keys.
Communication protocols
Effective remote control depends on communication protocols that facilitate communication between devices and control interfaces. Commonly used protocols include MQTT, HTTP, CoAP, and WebSocket.
Real-time feedback
Remote control interfaces often provide users with immediate feedback, allowing them to determine the current status of devices and ensure that commands are successfully executed.
IoT device management platforms
Many users choose to employ device management solutions to monitor and manage IoT devices efficiently. Users may effectively track, monitor, and manage their physical IoT devices with the help of these platforms. We've prepared a comprehensive comparison guide for KaaIoT, Azure, and AWS. Here's a brief overview:
KaaIoT Cloud platform
The KaaIoT Cloud platform is a user-friendly PaaS and SaaS solution for IoT development. It offers a cloud environment powered by the Kaa IoT platform, allowing customers to connect their devices to the cloud quickly, track and analyze data, control device status, and activity, and much more. The KaaIoT Cloud reduces setup, hosting, and configuration problems, resulting in faster time-to-market for IoT projects and proof-of-concepts.
Azure IoT hub
Microsoft offers a completely managed cloud service called Azure IoT Hub that lets businesses manage, track, and control IoT devices. It serves as a central messaging hub for communication and is intended to provide dependable and secure bidirectional communication. Azure IoT Hub allows you to connect devices using a variety of protocols, such as HTTPS, AMQP, AMQP over WebSockets, MQTT, and MQTT over WebSockets.
AWS IoT
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers the AWS IoT platform, a cloud service that connects devices to AWS services and allows for safe data flows and processing. The AWS IoT device facilitates connecting hardware devices or mobile applications to AWS IoT via protocols such as MQTT, HTTP, or WebSockets. AWS IoT Core also provides services for evaluating IoT devices during development, and support for LoRaWAN technology, which allows wireless devices to connect more effectively.
Emnify
Emnify is a key cloud-building element for cellular communications in the IoT stack, connecting millions of devices worldwide. The company specializes in cloud-native IoT connection solutions that allow for smooth communication between devices and the cloud. Emnify's IoT SuperNetwork is a ground-breaking cloud-native solution that simplifies IoT cellular connectivity, giving users access to over 540 networks in 180 countries.
IoT device remote control protocols
An IoT management protocol is a communication protocol used to communicate and manage IoT devices and services. Read some common IoT management protocols:
DDS
Display Data Channel, or DDC for short, is an interface that allows data to be sent between a computer and a monitor. It enables the communication between various devices to make tasks easier, such as modifying resolution, display settings, and other monitor-related parameters.
SSH
A cryptographic network protocol called Secure Shell (SSH) makes it possible to run network services securely over insecure networks. Using the client-server architecture, SSH connects users to an SSH daemon (like sshd), which is a remote connection acceptor, using an SSH client application. Most contemporary operating systems include Linux distributions, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, Solaris, and OpenVMS.
VPN
A technique known as a virtual private network, or VPN, establishes a safe, encrypted connection over a less secure network, like the Internet. VPNs are frequently used while connecting remotely to business networks or when using the internet from public Wi-Fi networks to safeguard confidential information, preserve privacy, and guarantee secure communication. VPNs assist users in preserving their anonymity, getting around geo-restrictions, and improving security when using online services or browsing the web by encrypting data and directing it through a secure server.
RDP
RDP is a remote desktop protocol created by Microsoft that allows remote access to a virtual machine or Windows-based computer. With RDP, users may establish a connection to a distant system and engage with it just like they would if they were in front of the computer. This protocol is widely used by businesses, individuals, and system administrators to remotely manage servers, access apps, and perform remote work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, technological developments have made operating IoT devices more convenient and accessible. Users may easily manage their IoT devices from any location with an internet connection, using voice commands, online interfaces, or mobile apps. The possibilities for remote control and automation are endless as IoT develops, providing customers with never-before-seen flexibility and convenience when it comes to managing their connected devices.
FAQ
How do I control a device in IoT?
To control a device in IoT, you typically use a mobile app, web interface, or voice commands to interact with the device remotely. This involves sending commands over a network to the device, which then executes the desired actions, such as turning on/off or adjusting settings.
What controllers are used in IoT?
Controllers in IoT include microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi), gateways (e.g., Zigbee, Z-Wave), and cloud-based platforms (e.g., Kaa IoT, Azure IoT). These manage device communication, data processing, and connectivity within IoT systems.
Which industry sector uses iot to remotely control energy-consuming devices?
The energy and utilities sector extensively uses IoT to remotely control energy-consuming devices, optimizing energy distribution and management for enhanced efficiency and reduced costs.
What is the role of the controller in IoT?
The controller in IoT manages device communication, data processing, and connectivity. It coordinates interactions between devices, processes sensor data, and executes commands, enabling efficient operation of IoT systems.
What is IoT remote monitoring?
IoT remote monitoring involves observing and tracking IoT devices and systems from a distance. It allows users to monitor device status, performance metrics, and data remotely, enabling timely insights and proactive management.
