IoT refers to internet of things. It is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical/digital machines, objects, animals or people.
The IoT is the connection of vehicles, home appliances, medicinal equipment using embedded electronics, microchips, and a lot more. This technology allows the user to control devices remotely over a network.
Benefits Of IoT
The internet of things has several benefits. Among these benefits are:
- monitor their overall business processes;
- improve the customer experience;
- save time and money;
- enhance employee productivity;
- integrate and adapt business models;
- make better business decisions; and
- generate more revenue.
Steps In Developing IoT Hardware Products
- Firmware is written on an IoT prototype, and idea is validated
- Firmware, BOM and hardware design specs are generated and sent to a manufacturer
- Sample hardware is built and tested to see if it is working
- Revised specs are sent for mass production
Challenges In IoT Testing
A tester’s challenge is that there are too many IoT platforms to test. Every IoT device has its own hardware. Thus it relies on software to drive it. Application software will also integrate with IoT devices, hence, issuing commands to the device and analyzing data gathered by the device.
Many IoT Communications Protocols To Test
IoT devices today use many different communications protocols to interact with controllers, and with each other. Protocols such as Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT), Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) and Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) are common, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. But MQTT, which performs well in high latency and low bandwidth situations, is the most popular.
New Attack Surfaces And Other IoT Security Threats On The Rise
With more than 70% of IoT devices currently vulnerable to security issues, testing for security holes is a critical activity. Hence, IoT device testers should pay particular attention to the device’s password policy.
IoT App, Device Diversity A Challenge
Testers must have a strong test strategy, have a good understanding of the architecture, and ensure that the devices and software under test are always configured with the correct version. Hence, if the system depends on third-party services, tests may fail if that third-party service changes. In other words, automated tests that run as part of a continuous testing pipeline will detect this very quickly.
Fast-Moving Data And Increased Load Take A Toll
Connected IoT devices rely on fast communication. Consequently, network status can have a significant effect on device performance. Hence, smart devices often experience problems with network infrastructure, such as overburdened WiFi channels, unreliable network hardware, and slow or inconsistent Internet connections. Hence, IoT devices and applications must be tested across these different conditions. Thus ensuring that they respond correctly without losing data.
With IoT Complexity Comes Opportunity
While the IoT brings a new level of complexity to performance monitoring and testing, the business opportunities that the devices present nevertheless offer an exciting new frontier.
Thus, testers must adapt to new platforms and techniques. Hence to ensure that they are able to address the challenges of testing IoT devices and applications. Thus delivering the best experience to the end user. Nevertheless, improvements to network infrastructure and testing tools will continue to make the process easier over time.
In Closing
Internet of things is everywhere. With the innovation of technology, encountering it is unavoidable. Thus, it is close to impossible to ignore them.
The best thing for us to do is to embrace technology and co-exist with it. Remember, they are there to help make our lives easier.