How to Control and Manage IoT Devices: Everything You Need to Know

The Internet of Things(IoT) enables users to control various aspects of their lives remotely at any time and location. IoT devices make people interact more conveniently and efficiently with electronic equipment.

Sometimes it takes work for users to control and manage IoT devices effectively. This guide explains the principle of controlling IoT devices, standard protocols, and the detailed step-by-step process you can follow.

Basics of IoT Devices

IoT devices are physical objects connected to the Internet that can collect and exchange data. These devices encompass many products, such as smart home devices (thermostats, TVs, light bulbs, speakers, etc.), wearable fitness trackers, and even connected cars. The critical feature of IoT devices lies in their seamless connectivity. By being connected to the Internet, these devices can be accessed and controlled remotely using smartphones, tablets, or computers.

To control IoT devices, users must have access to an Internet connection, whether for managing smart home devices, containing industrial equipment, or optimizing business processes. Because of this, a stable Internet connection is essential for managing IoT devices.

How do IoT Device Control and Management Work?

Controlling and managing IoT devices involves seamlessly integrating interconnected smart devices within a network that can be monitored, controlled, and automated. There are a few key functionalities included in this process:

• Provisioning and Authentication: In IoT devices, provisioning refers to setting up and configuring the devices to join the network and function properly. On the other hand, authentication is verifying an IoT device's or user's identity attempting to access the network or specific resources.
• Configuration and Control: It is important to remember that devices and networks are not static objects. They are constantly evolving. The configuration enables devices to advance beyond the initial provisioning phase, and remote control makes automation more efficient and intelligent.
• Monitoring and Diagnostics: Regular control and management allow users to monitor and diagnose the performance of individual devices or IoT devices. For example, users can gain more insights into the general data, like the temperature in their home or vibration. Effective monitoring can establish customized settings to trigger notifications of events associated with everyday issues of distinct devices. These issues can be security breaches and device damage.
• Software Maintenance and Updates: The daily maintenance and updating of software is another principle. By proactively maintaining and updating IoT devices' software, devices can remain secure, reliable, and up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.

Common Ways to Control and Manage IoT Devices

IoT devices have different ways to be controlled and managed, like mobile apps, voice control, NFC tags, and Bluetooth. You can also use web interfaces or remote control protocols. Certain IoT devices even offer physical controls, which make daily supervision and management easier.

Mobile Applications

Mobile applications are one of the most common and user-friendly ways to control IoT devices. Manufacturers often provide dedicated apps that allow users to interact with their devices using smartphones and tablets. Usually having an intuitive user interface, these apps enable users to manage device settings, monitor data, and execute commands remotely.

Voice Control

Voice-controlled assistants have become increasingly popular since they offer a hands-free way for users to interact with IoT devices. Being at the forefront of IoT devices, numerous smart home devices can seamlessly integrate with voice control platforms such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. With the help of these platforms or devices, users can control various functions simply by speaking commands. Voice control improves accessibility and convenience, making it an ideal choice for smart home applications.

Web Interfaces

Web interfaces provide another path to control IoT devices. Users can access the device's control panel through a web browser on their computer or mobile device. This method is beneficial when users are away from home or need a dedicated mobile app installed. Web interfaces typically offer a similar range of controls and functionalities as mobile apps.

Remote Control Protocol

Some remote control protocols facilitate the communication between IoT devices and their controllers. For example, MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) and CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol) enable efficient and lightweight data exchange. Developers can implement different protocols to create secure and reliable connections between devices and controllers.

NFC

Near Field Communication, also known as NFC, is a technology that allows devices to communicate when nearby. Often used for quick and straightforward interactions, such as pairing a smartphone with an IoT device or transferring data between devices, NFC technology provides secure and efficient control for specific use cases, especially in industrial or healthcare settings.

Bluetooth and BLE(Bluetooth Low Energy)

Bluetooth and BLE are wireless communication technologies commonly used for short-range interactions between IoT devices and controllers. Bluetooth connectivity lets users control them directly from their smartphones or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Compared to Bluetooth, BLE is more energy-efficient and suitable for devices that run on battery power.

Physical Controls

Some IoT devices allow physical controls for on-device management, such as buttons, switches, or touchscreens. These controls offer a convenient way to interact with the device without relying on external controllers or networks. Smart lighting systems or thermostats often use physical control.

List of IoT Device Management Platforms

Many users will choose a device management platform to manage and control IoT devices effectively. These platforms enable users to track, monitor, and manage physical IoT devices more effectively. Here is a list of some popular IoT device management platforms.

• Azure IoT Hub: Azure IoT Hub is a versatile and scalable cloud platform (IoT PaaS) that caters to multiple tenants. It comprises an IoT device registry, data storage, and robust security features. It also offers a service interface to facilitate IoT application development.
• Emnify: emnify is a company that provides a cloud-based connectivity management platform for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices. This platform offers remote SIM provisioning, real-time data monitoring, secure connectivity, and integration with various IoT applications and services.
• Hologram: Hologram provides cellular SIM cards and an easy-to-use monitoring dashboard for users to manage their IoT devices. The pricing plan of this platform is flexible and affordable.
• AWS IoT Device Management: Provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS), this platform aims to facilitate the secure and efficient management of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It offers tools and features to simplify the onboarding, organization, monitoring, and updating of IoT devices at scale.
• Exosite ExoSense IoT: ExoSense is a remote condition monitoring application designed for quick deployment. This platform allows organizations to easily aggregate and visualize sensor data and receive timely alerts for critical operating conditions. This application also empowers users to predict maintenance needs, optimize processes, and explore opportunities to deliver enhanced functionality and services to customers.
• Google Cloud IoT Core: Developed by Google, this platform provides a fully managed service and allows easy and secure connection, management, and data ingestion from globally dispersed devices.
• Datablaze Voyager: Voyager by Datablaze is a versatile solution ideal for SMBs and large enterprises seeking efficient management of their IoT deployments. The platform's real-time IoT data dashboard boasts robust features like data connection determination, user identification, and real-time tracking.
• IBM Watson IoT Platform: This comprehensive, cloud-hosted service is created to extract value from your devices easily. It offers various capabilities, including device registration, connectivity, control, rapid visualization, and storage of IoT data.
• ArborXR: As an AR & VR device management platform, this platform allows users to manage their VR & AR fleets. Within this platform, users can also deploy content and updates remotely and control what others can see and do in the headset.

Controlling IoT Devices: A Step-By-Step Guide

Still, need to learn how to control and manage your IoT devices more effectively? Here is a step-by-step guide for your reference.

1. Choose IoT Devices

The first step you need to do is to select the IoT devices that suit your needs. These devices could be smart bulbs, plugs, smart thermostats, smart speakers, or any other IoT-enabled device you wish to control.

2. Setup IoT Hub

Many IoT devices require a central hub or gateway to connect and manage them. Set up the IoT hub following the manufacturer's instructions. This hub acts as a bridge between your devices and your smartphone or home network.

3. Connect IoT Devices

Follow the specific instructions for each IoT device to connect them to the IoT hub or directly to your home WiFi network. This step may require the manufacturer's mobile app or a web interface to link the devices.

4. Install Mobile App

After connecting all devices, download and install the corresponding mobile app provided by the manufacturer for your IoT devices. Most IoT devices can be managed through dedicated apps available for iOS and Android platforms.

5. Create Accounts

Create accounts or sign in to the app using your credentials. This step is essential to sync your devices across multiple devices or access them remotely.

6. Pair, Name, and Group Devices

Use the app to pair each IoT device with the hub or your smartphone by scanning QR codes or following on-screen instructions. And then assign a name to each IoT device for easy identification. You may also group devices based on rooms or functionalities to control them collectively.

7. Control and Test

If you have finished all the steps above, it's time to control and test your devices. You can turn on certain buttons and activate voice control to ensure all IoT devices are connected and correctly respond to commands through the mobile app or voice assistant.

Protocols for IoT Devices Remote Control and Management

The IoT (Internet of Things) control protocol refers to the communication protocol used to enable the interaction and control of IoT devices and services. Here are some standard IoT control protocols.

MQTT

MQTT, short for Message Queuing Telemetry Transport, is a lightweight, publish-subscribe messaging protocol designed for low-bandwidth and unreliable networks. It can be used for IoT applications with limited resources, like remote monitoring and telemetry.

CoAP

Also known as Constrained Application Protocol, CoAP is designed for resource-constrained IoT devices, especially those operating in constrained networks like IoT deployments with low-power sensors and actuators.

HTTP/HTTPS(Hypertext Transfer Protocol/Secure)

As traditional web protocols are used for communication between web applications and IoT devices, HTTP/HTTPS is often used in IoT deployments that interact with web servers or cloud platforms.

AMQP

Short for Advanced Message Queuing Protocol, AMQP is the upgraded version of MQTT. It supports robust message queuing and broker-based communication and is suitable for more complex IoT applications that require reliable communication and message processing.

DDS

DDS refers to Data Distribution Service. It's a protocol for real-time communication and data distribution among IoT devices. Common application scenarios of this protocol include industrial IoT applications and complex systems that require high-performance and low-latency data exchange.

Challenges for IoT Devices Control and Management

While remote control and management of IoT devices offer numerous benefits to users, they also bring various challenges that must be considered. Here are some aspects to take into account.

• Interoperability Issues: Some devices may face compatibility issues with the centralized platform in a diverse IoT ecosystem. Always check for device compatibility before making a purchase.
• Connectivity Problems: Every IoT device has communication technologies to operate with other devices. Choosing the right technology is essential. For instance, if an IoT device frequently disconnects from the network, try moving the device closer to the router or consider using WiFi extenders to improve the signal.
• Data Privacy Concerns: IoT devices can be vulnerable to cyberattacks and invasion. One effective way to protect your security is to review the privacy policy of the centralized platform and the manufacturers regularly to understand how your data is being used and stored.

Bonus Tips: How to Connect IoT Devices to the Internet

Before controlling your IoT devices, connect them to a stable Internet. You can apply the following methods.

1. Select the Right Communication Technology

Standard options of communication technologies include WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Cellular (3G/4G/5G), LPWAN (Low-Power Wide Area Network), and Ethernet. When building a unified system, it's essential to choose suitable protocols.

2.Configure Network Settings

Remember to set up network parameters on the IoT devices, such as IP addresses, subnet masks, gateway addresses, and DNS servers. These parameters enable devices to communicate within the local network and access the Internet through the gateway.

3. Security and Authentication

Network connectivity can also bring numerous hazards and potential threats. Implement proper security measures to protect the devices and data. For example, you can use secure authentication mechanisms, encryption, and communication protocols like TLS/SSL.

TLS(Transport Layer Security): a widely adopted security protocol designed to facilitate privacy and data security for communications over the Internet.
SSL(Secure Sockets Layer): a protocol for establishing secure links between networked computers. Its current iteration is called TLS.

4. Gateway or Hub Setup

Some IoT ecosystems require a gateway or hub to act as an intermediary between the IoT devices and the Internet. This central device can handle data aggregation, protocol translation, and cloud communication.

5. Internet Access Point

Internet access points bridge the devices and the network, allowing them to send and receive data, browse the web, and interact with online services. Ensure the local network where the IoT devices are connected has Internet access. The network's router or modem should be connected to the Internet service provider (ISP).

6. Test and Monitor

After connecting the IoT devices to the Internet, test their communication capabilities to verify that they can transmit and receive data properly. You can achieve this by implementing monitoring solutions to track device performance.

FAQs

Can I control IoT devices while traveling?

The answer is yes. Most IoT devices allow remote access control. While traveling, you can conveniently access and control your devices remotely from anywhere using mobile apps or web interfaces, as long as your location has an active Internet connection.

Are IoT devices easy to set up?

It may depend on the different types of devices you are using. Most IoT devices are easy to set up thanks to their user-friendly interfaces and detailed instructions manufacturers provide. For example, some IoT devices can be set up within a few steps, like connecting to a WiFi network, scanning QR codes, or pressing buttons on the device.

Some devices require additional configuration, such as custom settings or integrations with other smart home devices or services. The setup of these devices may involve a more significant investment of time and effort compared to others.

How can I connect an IoT device to the Internet?

In short, the process includes the following steps:

1. Ensure the IoT device is compatible with WiFi or other internet connectivity options.
2. Access the device's settings or configuration mode through the manufacturer's mobile app or web interface.
3. Select your WiFi network from the list of available networks and enter the correct network password when prompted.
4. The IoT device will attempt to connect to the Internet using the provided credentials. Once clicked, it will receive an IP address to access the Internet.
5. Verify the connection by checking the device's status on the mobile app or web interface, ensuring it is online and ready for use.

Is it safe to control IoT devices from public WiFi networks?

For the safety of your devices, it's better not to control them from public WiFi networks. Because when you control IoT devices over public WiFi, you may expose sensitive information, such as login credentials and device commands to potential threats. If you have to access these devices via public WiFi, It's advisable to use a virtual private network (VPN) or install a firewall for added protection.

Conclusion

Controlling IoT devices has never been more accessible and versatile. With the advent of different methods and technologies, users can manage their IoT devices effortlessly from anywhere in the world. Some professional IoT device management platforms can help you to control and manage your devices more effectively.

Multiple protocols make the remote control and management of IoT devices possible. But when controlling devices, it's essential to consider security issues. How do you usually control and manage your IoT devices? Do you have your way to maximize their effectiveness? Please share this article with your friends, and tell us your ideas in the comments section below!