The term "Internet of Things" was coined to describe a network of physical objects, such as automobiles, domestic appliances, and engineering products. By 2020, it is expected that there will be over 26 billion linked devices. Smart houses, wearables, and pacemakers are all part of the Internet of Things.
So, what exactly is 6LoWPAN? And how does it help the Internet of Things? How it can help you keep your IoT devices safe?
The Internet of Things and 6LoWPAN
The Internet of Things connects billions of devices. Connectivity and security are two main issues with IoT. The greater the number of linked devices, the more vulnerable they are to hacking. Thus, protecting your IoT devices from risk requires immediate precaution. A wireless network such as 6LoWPAN provides us with greater connectivity and security.
What is 6LoWPAN?
IPv6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Networks or 6LoWPAN is a networking technology that efficiently transports IPv6 packets into short link-layer frames. 6LoWPAN is one of the most popular protocols for implementing the Internet of Things (IoT). This technology is ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) applications because of its low-power, IP-driven nodes, and good mesh network compatibility.
6LowPAN offers frequency range and physical layer flexibility and can be used on a variety of platforms, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, 802.15.4, and sub-1GHz ISM. IPv6 provides a basic transport method for communicating with devices over a low-power wireless network at a low cost. 6LowPAN implements open IP technologies such as TCP, UDP, HTTP, COAP, MQTT, and WebSockets while sending IPv6 packets across IEEE802.15.4-based networks.
Benefits of 6LoWPAN for IoT
6LoWPAN is ideal for IoT devices because it requires few resources, which is ideal since most IoT devices are battery-powered and have limited capabilities. 6LowPAN is a mesh network that is self-healing, scalable, and resilient. It is possible to connect two or more sensors on different continents with little power consumption and data transfer - great for IoT!
Security is also a concern with IoT. Due to the nature of IoT, which has multiple nodes, there are more access points for an outside attacker. As the number of devices linked to the network grows, it becomes more prone to a cyber-attack. 6LoWPAN solves this issue.
6LoWPAN is compatible with open IP protocols such as TCP, UDP, HTTP, COAP, MQTT, and web-sockets. It supports end-to-end IP-addressable nodes. A router is all that is required to link the 6LoWPAN network to IP, and there is no gateway required. Using 6LoWPAN you can route one-to-many and many-to-one. Additionally, it maintains IP interoperability across a wide range of communication platforms including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, 802.15.4, and Sub-1GHz ISM.
6LoWPAN security
Hackers will have a tremendous opportunity to take control of inadequately secured devices and use them to target other networks and devices. IoT has so many nodes; therefore, it's easier for an outside attacker to break in. A hacked IoT system can be used to open your front door or turn on/off alarms from afar. You'll need indestructible security technologies to keep ahead of the game. To combat hacking, 6LoWPAN employs the powerful AES-128 link-layer security.
AES-encrypted data cannot be decrypted by unauthorized parties. Certainly not in our lifetimes. This algorithm is simply uncrackable. Even a 128-bit AES key would take billions of years to crack with a supercomputer. As a result, 6LoWPAN with AES has become one of the best standards for preventing unauthorized access to IoT systems.
6LoWPAN Application
6LoWPAN aims to provide low-data-rate, low-duty-cycle wireless internet connectivity. Among other applications, 6LoWPAN is widely used in automation, industrial monitoring, smart grids, smart homes, etc.
6LoWPAN and the Internet Engineering Task Force
Although 6LoWPAN was designed to work with IEEE 802.15.4, it is now being developed and adapted to work with a variety of other wireless carriers, including Bluetooth Smart, PLC, and low power Wi-Fi.
6LoWPAN interoperability
The 6LoWPAN system is open with a variety of networks, which makes it a very versatile solution. With IPv6, 6LoWPAN stands out from its competitors. In a world where IPv6 packet data is becoming more prevalent, low-power wireless sensor networks like 6LoWPAN provide several advantages.
Conclusion
The Internet of Things is transforming the world by connecting billions of devices to the internet. Thus, we need a reliable and easier way to communicate with these gadgets. 6LoWPAN connects a wide range of applications with reliable connectivity and low power consumption. 6LoWPAN is well-suited to markets like home automation, street light monitoring and control, residential lighting, smart metering, and general IoT applications.
Cheers, Regami Solutions