Standardization Efforts for IoT

Standards will be an important element for IoT, in order to allow the existence of affordable
solutions and devices to become massive and accessible to end users. Global standards are
very important because once defined they can have a great industry and social impact.
Standards once established and followed can:
 Drive competitiveness, for individual businesses and world economy
 Lower prices
 Reduce technical barriers
 Foster interoperability
 Help manufacturers, network operators and consumers
 Reduce negative impacts on the environment
The following list shows different standardization spaces where IoT standards are being
defined and shaped:

ITU-T SG20
The SG20 standard is responsible for international standards to enable the coordinated
development of IoT technologies, including machine-to-machine communications and
ubiquitous sensor networks.
SG20 addresses the standardization requirements of Internet of Things (IoT)
technologies, with an initial focus on IoT applications in smart cities and communities
(SC&C).
SG20 promotes the development of standards that leverage IoT technologies to
address urban-development challenges.

ZigBee
ZigBee is a specification of wireless communication protocols based on the IEEE
802.15.4 WPAN standard. They are intended for communications with low rate data
applications with a focus on home automation. It aims to be a cheaper platform of
communications than WiFi and Bluetooth, generating WPAN: wireless personal area
networks.

WirelessHART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer):

It is based on IEEE 802.15.4 standard and allows robust real-time communications
and it allows interoperability with other communication technologies.

Mbed (Sensinode)
It is a commercial solution consisting of an operating system and hardware products
based on 6LoWPAN IP technology.

Apple HomeKit
Apple Homekit is a framework for communicating with and controlling
connected accessories in a user's home."