Why Is IoT Application Testing Needed In A Hyperconnected World?

Times have altered. In the COVID-19 era, both our personal and professional lives were upturned. In our lives today, technology has become the greatest facilitator. The epidemic has disrupted many conventions and in their everyday routine, people have now become more open to technology. In the challenging era of social distancing, people trust technologies more than they come close to real people. Some of the big desires of the global population have been driverless vehicles, drone deliveries of online orders, and remote monitoring instruments. The eLearning model has been adopted by schools and colleges full time to allow continuity of learning for students. OTT is gaining momentum as well. Micro retailers are now on eCommerce sites and last-mile deliveries are being executed by robots.

Organizations are seeking to harness technologies from manufacturing to healthcare facilities to innovate ways to work successfully in the pandemic. COVID-19 has made the planet more connected than ever with networks that are highly integrated and still connected. Ultimately, you need to believe in the consistency and performance of your hardware and sensor. Different methods are required to gain such confidence: embedded testing, simulation testing, firmware upgrade, higher accuracy prediction algorithm, etc. Unlike traditional testing, the technique for IoT application Testing is where the application is developed and testing is conducted. There’s not much to do for a tester once in development… Thus the IoT performance testing strategy for any IoT system depends on the following factors:

• What is the case with use? What can be made of the solution?
• Technology- What makes it feasible? Company model: How is it used?
• The ecosystem of partners—who makes it?

The IoT is a network of computers, cars, buildings, or any other electronic devices connected to it. This interconnection allows data collecting and sharing. An IoT system’s 4 common components are

• Sensor
• Application
• Network
• Backend (Data Center) (Data Center)

A method of testing to check IoT devices is IOT device testing. The need to provide better and quicker services is growing today. Accessing, developing, using, and sharing data from any computer is a huge demand. The aim is to have greater insight and control over different IoT devices that are interconnected. Hence the framework for IoT testing is essential. The Internet of Things (IoT) has users, systems, and data linked to provide a consistent experience. As per Statista, at current, the amount of IoT devices installed is calculated at over 20 billion. 

As reported in a McKinsey survey, the figures are expected to grow exponentially to 43 billion by 2023. Therefore, resolving the differences in IoT products has become essential for companies. Traditional QA methods are no longer enough, however, to tackle the complexities of modern IoT devices. In the primary stages of development, embedding testing has become imperative, particularly for devices undertaking continuous integration.

It is very vital to use the right automation, simulation, virtualization, and measurement methods. Some of the instruments that could be used in various circumstances are described below:

• Simulators for Devices/Protocol
• Tools to record & replay
• Mobile Tool for Research
• Testing tool for the network

Also Read: IoT Testing, Types, and Latest Trends

Areas for IoT Testing

With all the different IoT systems and ties added, there is a lot to pay attention to when it comes to research. The reach of Layer-wise research is as follows:

Layer of Sensor

• Functional Review
• Checking Security
• Testing for Data Validation
• Conformance testing

Gateway & layer of the network

• Checking for Network Compatibility
• Connectivity Testing for the Network

Layer of Intelligence

• Cognitive examinations
• Checking Security
• Testing for Data Validation
• Testing Model

Layer of Service

• Functional Review
• Checking API
• Checking incorporation (cloud, application, DB, etc.)

Layer of Functionality

• Functional Testing-Testing based on models
• Checking of Compatibility
• Usability and Testing of user interface
• Checking localization
• Checking API
• Checking Interoperability

Why do you Need IoT Application Testing?

IoT is all about sharing knowledge and communication in real-time. The performance of the rest of the network can be adversely affected by performance problems in any region. One node that is affected by a cyber-attack may also cripple others. Robust IoT penetration testing provides the device with predictability and eliminates unforeseen glitches. You can find the network’s weak nodes easily in advance and take the necessary steps to make the system stable. It will allow the end-user to provide a seamless customer experience.

The IoT system weakness will help you recognize the reliability of data privacy and digital protection. In the absence of bullet-proof cybersecurity, by seizing control of the IoT network, attackers can change the process or muddle the data. Before any update, it is therefore imperative to thoroughly test the IoT system. Besides the IoT ecosystem’s fractured character makes the testing much more complex. For this to allow greater connectivity between different networks, you need to have broad and reliable testing groups fitted with multiple platforms and devices. Apart from that, there are a few other considerations that need to be considered to ensure that the IoT applications function as expected:

• Ensure that IoT devices are linked securely to sensors, the cloud, other IoT devices, and other elements necessary to promote a unified experience
• Ensure the IoT can provide consistency
• Compliance with global legislation should be
• Act harmoniously and effortlessly with other interconnected IoT devices
• IoT-generated data should be protected from malware and other security bugs.

The only effective way to effectively resolve the above-mentioned factors is through rigorous testing of IoT products. In the testing of IoT products, the general QA strategy is to provide shorter test times to launch a stable product with a quicker time-to-market. Therefore to detect and rectify defects at an early stage it is important to incorporate testing from the outset of the development process. Without scalable technology, insightful data, robust security, and engaging UX, the IoT strategy is not full. Multiple skills and tool integrations are involved in evaluating an IoT application with various technologies, and as testers, we need to start thinking with the end in mind, understanding the context. In a simple step-by-step method, break up the milestones.

Also Read: 

Top 5 Emerging IoT Applications

Top 5 ioT Trends