Protocols for Third-party data integration

MQTT

MQTT (Message Queue Telemetry Transport) is a lightweight and efficient communication protocol used for sending messages between devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT). MQTT is based on the publish-subscribe model, in which devices that generate data (publishers) send information to a central server (broker), which in turn distributes that data to other interested devices (subscribers) that have registered to receive that information. The SmartSpot uses the most widely used and stable version of MQTT (v3.1.1) and supports the two main security mechanisms to ensure secure communication between devices.

These include:

• User and password-based authentication: MQTT devices can be authenticated using user and password credentials stored on the MQTT server.
• Digital certificates: MQTT devices can be authenticated using digital certificates, which provides greater security and mutual authentication between devices.

Data reporting through the MQTT protocol in the Smart Spot device has always followed the philosophy of being "FIWARE Ready," so that the data is easily integrable into the widespread FIWARE platform, while also being compatible with any other platform not based on FIWARE.

Due to the specific topic and message organization of the information in MQTT, the MQTT client is not directly compatible with AWS or Azure platforms.

If you are interested on the integration of data through this protocol, more information about data models and device configuration through Homard is available on the specific Application Note 13: Data Integration via MQTT document.

Sentilo

Sentilo is an open-source platform used for real-time data management and monitoring in smart cities. It provides a technological infrastructure to collect, process, and analyze data from different sources, such as sensors, IoT devices (Internet of Things), and geographic information systems.

Sentilo offers an Application Programming Interface (API) that allows developers to create customized applications and services that utilize the data collected by the platform. Additionally, it includes visualization tools that facilitate graphical representation and real-time data analysis.

The SmartSpot device features an HTTP connector that can be configured to push data to a specified Sentilo platform following predefined data models.

If you are interested on the integration of data through this protocol, more information about data models and device configuration throguh Homard is available on the specific Application Note 16: Data Integration via SENTILO document.

LoRaWAN

LoRaWAN is a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) protocol that is optimised for use with mobile or stationary battery-powered end-devices. A key technology in today's Internet of Things (IoT) landscape, LoRaWAN is maintained by the non-profit and open membership LoRa Alliance.

Since the first LoRaWAN specification was released in 2015, this technology has seen considerable worldwide deployment and increasing adoption by traditional cellular network operators. Being built from the ground up for IoT application has enabled LoRaWAN to disrupt traditional wireless M2M communications through significantly reduced power consumption and operation/hardware cost (both at end-device and base station).

LoRaWAN networks adopt a star-of-stars topology made up of five different logical entity types: End-Devices, Gateways (also known as concentrators, or base stations), and the Network, Application and Join Servers.

The LoRaWAN security architecture considers two domains: the network, and the application. With AES-128 used as the primary cipher, and packet counters providing replay detection, LoRaWAN provides for dynamic or static establishment of network and application session keys that are used to authenticate and encrypt network management and data communications, respectively.

SmartSpot LoRAWAN packet codification is based on Cayenne Low Power Payload (LPP), which provides a convenient and easy way to send data over LPWAN networks such as LoRAWAN. The Cayenne LPP is compliant with the payload size restriction and allows the end node to send multiple sensor data at one time (unique transmission).

Refer to ANNEX I section on the present Application Note 19: Data Integration via LoRAWAN document for a complete description of all the messages which can be transmitted by the SmartSpot depending on the hardware configuration and services enabled on the device. One or more of these messages can be introduced on the same payload and transmitted by the device.

In case the SmartSpot includes LoRAWAN extension, it's possible to configure the SmartSpot as an End-Device to push data through both Libelium and third party gateways to Libelium or third party LoRAWAN backends for data integration.

Important: This extension is ONLY available for "Air Quality" model