Zoho IOT applications enable users to execute actions on connected devices, and assets/locations using commands. These commands send instructions to the devices.
For example, take an air conditioning (AC) unit in a smart home system. By using a command, you can control the room temperature. This allows you to increase or decrease the temperature as needed, providing optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
Command supported communication types
Commands are currently supported for devices connected to the application using MQTT and LoRaWAN via Datastreams
Command flow
When a command is initiated in the Zoho IOT application, the device receives the command message through the subscribed command topic. Following this, the device sends an acknowledgment of the received command back to the app. The device then proceeds to execute the command and, upon completion, sends an acknowledgment of the command execution to the app. Based on the response code from the device, the app marks the command as either a success or a failure.
Command Data Types
Commands can send different types of values in the command payload to control devices and assets effectively:
Numeric Values: Used to set parameters like temperature, speed, or any other numerical setting.
Boolean Values: Used for simple ON/OFF or true/false commands.
String Values: Used to send textual information or select options.
Command and Gateway Device
Commands executed in the Zoho IOT application will be sent only to the gateway device/smart device that communicates with the application. The gateway, in-turn, will trigger the necessary actions in the connected asset/location/peripheral.
Automated Commands
Commands created in the application can be triggered by alarm rules and can also be scheduled to be executed at a defined time.
Command Execution History
Commands executed by the Zoho IoT application, along with the acknowledgment for both command reception and execution by the device, are maintained in a timeline under the command execution history.
Adding a Command
Commands are configured as templates within a device, asset, or location model. When an instance is created based on the model, a command is added to the corresponding device, asset, or location.
See Also