Written By :Appsierra

Mon Aug 14 2023

5 min read

IoT Testing And All You Need to Know About it in Today’s World

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IoT Testing

IoT means the Internet of Things. It means the network of things that constitutes devices, vehicles, buildings, offices, or any other connected devices. This interconnectivity helps the exchange of data from one end to the other. The main components of any IoT system are a sensor, an application, a network, and the backend i.e data centre. 

The Internet of things is a smart connection of devices in this era that helps the transfer of data and also upload it to the cloud. IoT is the chief reason why global digitalisation could be possible. We have stepped into the smart era where internet connectivity can enable us to share any kind of data with anyone globally. 

What is IoT Testing? 

IoT testing is done for quality assurance tests of devices and validating their functionality, performance, security and user-interface experience. Because IoT devices transfer information via wireless connections, it becomes very crucial to test their functioning. Any crashes or loss of sensitive information, while the exchange of the same can result in hazardous aftermath. 

IoT testing is the process of testing the devices against a set of guidelines and user experience. Any smart device requires IoT testing because it ultimately connects the other devices through the internet. IoT testing makes sure that your devices are working properly without any bugs across all platforms. 

Characteristics of IoT Applications 

There are a few features that make IoT stand out from others. These are-

  1. IoT is a unique and complex combination of hardware, software of the application, connector and gateways. 
  2. It helps in the visualization of large-scale data.
  3. It helps to perform complex and real-time streaming analysis. 
  4. Supports large sizes of data to be shared across various smart devices. 

Also read: IoT Trends

Components of IoT Testing 

Some main features that an IoT testing framework consists of are listed below-

1. Protocol Simulators

Testing IoT devices involves a set of various protocols. Different IoT devices have different endpoints and user interfaces. Thus protocol simulators come in handy when there are several variations in the same. 

2. Data Recorders

The main feature of data recorders, as their name suggests, is to record the kind of data that can be played across different endpoints of the devices. This can be a great enabler for testing device compatibility across layers of communication. 

3. Virtualization

The real-time validation of the application behaviour of IoT devices is very difficult and time-consuming because of the complexity of their nature. Thus, introducing an ample amount of virtualization will make it easier and faster to get to the results. Virtualization will also lead to earlier detection of defects. 

4. Building Labs

Labs that would be entirely dedicated to performing IoT tests will be of greater help in stimulating real-time experiences. This would also help keep us updated and inform smarter ways of testing. 

The Basic Framework of IoT Testing

The Basic Framework of IoT Testing
The Basic Framework of IoT Testing

An IoT testing set-up includes various software testing approaches, from quality assurance checks to validating the application behaviour. It is important to give equal importance to the three main components of the IoT test applications. These three elements are the devices, communication between them and computing of the amount of data that needs to be analysed and processed. 

There are four main layers present in the IoT testing framework. They are- 

  1. Application Layer
  2. Services Layer
  3. Gateway and Network Layer
  4. Sensor Layer 

There are a few types of testing required across all kinds of smart devices. 

Also read: IoT Testing

1. Performance Testing

This test is done to check the speed of communication in the test model as well as the internal computation capabilities of the software system. Performance testing in IoT has to be done at Network and Gateway levels.

2. Security Testing 

This test is done to check all the security aspects like data protection, encryption, decryption, device entity authentication, authorization of data and device. When we do a security testing of a device, we ensure that the devices as well the networks or cloud services they are connected to, both the aspects are secured. Some factors that can add more security threats are sensor networks, middleware, interfaces, M2M protocols and real-time data collection applications. 

3. Compatibility Testing

This testing is very understandable from its name. It is done to check the possible device version and protocol version with the mobile devices and the versions of their operating systems. Compatibility testing is done in the application layer, gateway layer and network layer. This type of testing also checks the connectivity capabilities of different IoT devices. 

4. End-User Application Testing 

This test checks the user experience when he would be using that platform. This also validates the presentation and the feel it gives the user. It is like testing a car on the road after taking it off for a spin and checking if the customer is satisfied with the whole experience. 

5. Device Interoperability Testing 

This test checks the connectivity between devices and how well they communicate with other IoT devices. This test is done to check the interoperability of data across different specifications and criteria. 

Industries Using IoT Testing 

The concept of IoT testing is quite simple yet scalable and complex on the inside. All the processes happening beneath the screen lead to a seamless user experience. The industries that use IoT testing are -

1. Manufacturing 

Manufacturers and producers produce heavy machinery and equipment. The data regarding this has to be managed, secured and transferred across platforms. The manufacturing industries have internal systems set up that enhance systems and user experiences. Types of equipment need the IoT technology to work properly and they keep enhancing. 

2. Transportation 

Transportation is the core of any nation and efficiency is something that has to be present to carry the process smoothly. Monitoring logistics, transportation routes and their finances are all done via IoT technology.

3. Healthcare

Healthcare industries also have many devices that use IoT technology. From medical machines to data storage devices, IoT technology is the need of the hour. 

Best IoT testing tools for software testing are Wireshark, TCP Dump and Shodan. At the same time, the tools for hardware testing are JTAG Dongle Digital Storage Oscilloscope. 

Also read: IoT Testing, Types, and Latest Trends

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