IP-Based WPAN and WLAN

WPAN networks have adopted protocols that are typically not TCP/IP, at least from the outset. The protocol stacks for Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Z-Wave have similarities to a true TCP/IP protocol but don't inherently communicate over TCP/IP. There are adaptions of IP on Zigbee (using Zigbee-IP) and IP over Bluetooth (using IPSP to support 6LoWPAN) that do exist. Later in this chapter, we will cover an example of a WPAN using the 802.15.4 protocol with a true IPv6 (thread) compatible layer capable of joining any IPv6 network.

This chapter will also cover the standards around Wi-Fi™ using the IEEE 802.11 protocols. While typically thought of as a wireless LAN (WLAN), 802.11 protocols are pervasive and of use in IoT deployments especially in smart sensors and gateway hubs. This chapter will provide a formal treatment of the 802.11 Wi-Fi catalog of standards including the new IEEE802.11ac high-speed protocol. 802.11 also extends into the world of IoT for the vehicle-to-vehicle and transportation market using the 802.11p protocol which will also be covered. Finally, this chapter will explore the IEEE 802.11ah specification, which is a wireless LAN solution built on the 802.11 protocol but targeted explicitly for power and cost-constrained IoT sensor devices.

The following topics will be covered in the chapter:

• Internet protocol and transmission control protocol
• WPAN with IP – 6LoWPAN
• WPAN with IP – thread
• IEEE 802.11 protocols and WLAN