IoT Devices
What Are IoT Devices?
IoT devices are pieces of hardware; such as sensors, actuators, gadgets, appliances, or machines; that are programmed for specific applications and can transmit data over the internet or other networks. They can be embedded into mobile devices, industrial equipment, environmental sensors, medical devices, and more.
In industrial deployments, IoT devices typically include:
- Wireless sensors
- LoRaWAN end devices
- Industrial gateways
- Cellular routers
- Embedded communication modules
- Edge computing devices
IoT (Internet of Things) devices extend internet connectivity beyond traditional computing hardware like laptops and smartphones. By embedding sensors, processors, and network adapters into everyday objects, IoT technology enables these objects to collect data, communicate over networks, and be remotely monitored and controlled — all while continuing to deliver their primary function.
Why IoT Devices Matter
IoT devices are increasingly using AI and machine learning to bring intelligence and autonomy to systems and processes; from autonomous driving and industrial smart manufacturing to medical equipment and home automation. Many of these devices are small, power-constrained, microcontroller-based systems that demand more on-device processing rather than relying on cloud-based approaches.
For businesses, IoT devices deliver operational data that drives efficiency, reduces downtime through predictive maintenance, and enables entirely new service models. Delivering value through rolling less trucks to monitoring multiple facilities to track power, water, leak detection and more.
3 Primary device categories: Consumer IoT Devices, Enterprise IoT Devices and Industrial IoT Devices. Key growth areas are emerging in AI (Artificial Intelligence) where IoT Devices add a real world layer of environmental knowledge. Learn more about how MultiTech Makes AI Sense. MultiTech focuses on the two below manufacturing IoT Devices and Gateways.
Enterprise IoT
Industrial IoT (IIoT)
Sensors and actuators that monitor manufacturing processes, predict when parts need replacement, and prevent unexpected downtime. Often enhanced with AI integration.
Common Examples of IoT Devices
IoT sensors detect physical conditions and convert them into digital data. Connecting devices form an ecosystem where every device communicates with other related devices to automate tasks across facilities, enterprise, and in industrial environments.
How Do IoT Devices Work?
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SenseThe device uses embedded sensors to detect conditions in its environment; temperature, motion, pressure, light, or other physical signals.
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ConnectAn integrated network adapter (LoRaWAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, or Ethernet) connects the device to the network and acquires an IP address via DHCP.
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TransmitSensor data is streamed outbound; to an IoT gateway, edge device, or directly to the cloud. Most IoT traffic flows outward from the device.
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Process & ActData is analyzed locally at the edge or in the cloud. Insights trigger actions, alerts, automated responses, firmware updates, or commands sent back to the device.
The Role of IoT Gateways
IoT gateways serve as the bridge between devices and the cloud. Operating like network routers, they move data bidirectionally: outbound data goes to the cloud, while incoming traffic handles administrative tasks like firmware updates. Intelligent gateways can also preprocess data at the network edge before sending it to the cloud, handle multiple IoT protocols, and perform local computing tasks.
Industrial IoT gateways provide:
Protocol translation (e.g., LoRaWAN to IP)
Secure backhaul via Ethernet or cellular
Local data processing (edge computing)
Integration with BACnet, Modbus, MQTT, or REST APIs
IoT Sensors vs IoT Gateways: What’s the Difference?
| IoT Sensor | IoT Gateway |
|---|---|
| Collects physical data | Aggregates sensor data |
| Battery-powered | Line-powered or industrial-grade |
| Communicates via LPWAN or short-range | Connects to cloud or enterprise systems |
| Deployed in large quantities | Deployed strategically per site |
Sensors create data. Gateways enable connectivity.
IoT Connectivity & Protocols
The networking and communication protocols used with IoT devices depend on the specific application. Each protocol involves tradeoffs in power consumption, range, and bandwidth that must be considered when designing an IoT solution.
Protocol / Technology | Type | Range | Power Profile | Best For | Where It Makes the Most Sense |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LoRaWAN® | LPWAN Wireless | Long-range (miles/km) | Ultra-low power (5–10+ year battery life) | Distributed sensors, large facilities, campuses, utilities | ✔ Smart buildings ✔ Energy monitoring ✔ Leak detection ✔ Utility metering ✔ Large-scale sensor networks |
Cellular (LTE Cat 1, LTE-M, NB-IoT, 5G) | Wide-Area Wireless | Nationwide / Global | Moderate to higher power | Remote assets, mobile equipment, primary or backup WAN | ✔ Remote infrastructure ✔ Oil & gas ✔ Fleet & mobile assets ✔ Backup connectivity ✔ High-bandwidth needs |
MQTT | Messaging Protocol | Network dependent | Lightweight | Cloud communication from gateways or devices | Ideal over Cellular or Ethernet backhaul |
CoAP | Application Protocol | Network dependent | Very low overhead | REST-style communication for constrained devices | Edge devices in LPWAN or local networks |
Zigbee | Short-Range Wireless | Short (10–100m) | Low power | Smart home and small building automation | Indoor mesh networks with dense node placement |
BLE | Short-Range Wireless | Very short (5–30m typical) | Very low power | Wearables, beacons, proximity detection | Personal devices, room-level deployments |
Z-Wave | Short-Range Wireless | Short (30–100m) | Low power | Residential automation | Home automation environments |
AMQP | Messaging Protocol | Network dependent | Moderate | Enterprise message queuing | Backend enterprise systems |
DDS | Data Distribution Protocol | Network dependent | Higher overhead | Mission-critical, real-time systems | Aerospace, defense, robotics |
IoT Device Management
Large-scale deployments require centralized management.
IoT device management encompasses the processes of integrating, remote provisioning, firmware updates, organizing, security configurations monitoring, fleet visibility and remotely managing internet-enabled devices at scale. Effective device management addresses challenges around security, interoperability, scalability, and connectivity throughout each device’s entire lifecycle.
Without device management, scaling beyond pilot deployments becomes operationally complex.
Device Management Lifecycle
Frequently Asked Questions About IoT Devices
Below are some of the most common questions we get around IoT Devices – if you still have questions, reach out – our technical support team can help answer any questions you may have or get you to someone that can. Contact Us
Standards & Legislation