Understanding Devices
In Zoho IoT applications, a device represents a real world entity that can be a gateway, a smart device, a sensor, or even a virtual service/system application that needs to be managed and monitored. Devices in the application are the essential conduit for communication between real-world entities and the Zoho IoT application.
A device in the application can be configured with the necessary datapoints, commands, overview dashboard, fields, and alarm rules that will help to reflect the real world entity and manage it.
For example, a smart thermostat that needs to be monitored by the Zoho IoT application can be added as a device in the application.
Device Types
A device is classified based on its nature and capability to communicate with the Zoho IoT application and other devices. In a Zoho IoT application, a device can be categorized into one of the following four types:
- Gateway Device
- Peripheral Sensor
- Smart Sensor
- API Endpoint
Gateway device refers to devices that collect and aggregate data from various sensors, devices, and systems and communicate with the Zoho IoT application. These gateway devices are essential for bridging the gap between non-internet-connected devices and the Zoho IoT application. They are capable of reporting both their own status and the status of connected devices, ensuring comprehensive monitoring and integration within the IoT ecosystem. (eg: TRB 145, Raspberry Pi).
Peripheral Sensors refer to devices that cannot communicate directly with the application and depend on a gateway device to relay data. The gateway device acts as a messenger, communicating with the Zoho IoT application on behalf of the sensors. (eg: Energy Meters, Control Valves).
Smart Sensor refers to devices capable of sensing and controlling data and communicating directly with the application or via datastream. (eg: Shelly H&T, Milesight AM103).
API Endpoint can be used to connect third party applications that act as virtual devices and communicate to the Zoho IoT application. (eg: MQTT and HTTPS clients, DAQ Applications).
Supported Connectivity protocol
MQTT and HTTPS are protocols that can be used to communicate with the Zoho IoT application.
Learn more about authentication types supported by Zoho IoT.
LoRaWAN Datastreams can be used to establish connection between the Zoho IoT application and the LoRa Network Server (LNS) in which the LoRa device are managed.
Learn more about datastreams.Connectivity Schematic
Device Relationships
Devices can have two types of system defined relationships within the Zoho IoT application:
Connected Gateway: Devices act as a messenger for assets or locations, including peripherals providing their data for monitoring and management.
Connected Asset Relationship: Peripheral device types can be associated with assets through the connected asset (system-defined) field, making the peripheral a part of a complex asset system.
Datapoints and commands of the related asset/location/peripheral device will become the related datapoint/command of the gateway device.
Learn more about related and source monitoring and control modules in Zoho IoT applications.
Note: Managed Entities (Device, Asset, Location) can establish relationships with multiple other entities by using user defined lookup fields as well.Adding a Device
Creating a device in the Zoho IoT application requires a device model and a device product (not required for API endpoints). The Zoho IoT application features a device gallery showcasing supported and supportable device products for users to choose from. To effectively add a device, it's crucial to understand the concepts of Device Model and Device Product within the Zoho IoT application.
Actions
The following actions can be performed on a device added to the Zoho IoT application:
- Manage/Unmanage: Unmanaging a device will deactivate it, stopping data collection and disabling alarm rules, while managing it will reactivate these functions.
- Reregister: If you need to change the security credentials or authentication type (in case of MQTT) of a device, you can reregister it. This will generate a new set of credentials, which must be updated on the physical device. Reregistering is done if you feel like your credentials are compromised or you want to up the security of your device.
- Formatter and Handler: You can view and manage the message formatter and handler associated with the device.
Zoho IoT Agent
Zoho IoT Agent is an application software developed by Zoho IoT for supported hardware, designed to streamline the onboarding process to Zoho IoT applications. It allows peripheral configurations to be easily done in the application and pushed directly to the hardware over the network for seamless integration and management.
Learn more about Zoho IOT agent.
Zoho IoT SDK and Plugins
The Zoho IoT SDK and Zoho Plugins are tools developed by Zoho IoT to facilitate faster connection & seamless integration with the Zoho IoT application by handling device communication configurations.
Zoho IoT SDK provides developers with a software development kit for creating customised applications for your hardware/device, enabling efficient communication between devices and Zoho IoT applications while users can take care of business logic.
Zoho Plugins extend the functionality of the Zoho IoT applications by allowing easy integration with third-party applications like Node-Red.
Learn more about Zoho IoT SDKs and Plugins.
See Also
Access your files securely from anywhere
Zoho CRM Training Programs
Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.
Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo
If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.
- Zoho Workerly Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
- Zoho Recruit Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.
New to Zoho Survey?
Zoho Sheet Resources
Zoho Forms Resources
New to Zoho Sign?
Zoho Sign Resources
Sign, Paperless!
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
Zoho TeamInbox Resources
New to Zoho ZeptoMail?
Zoho DataPrep Resources
Design. Discuss. Deliver.
New to Zoho Workerly?
New to Zoho Recruit?
New to Zoho CRM?
New to Zoho Projects?
New to Zoho Sprints?
New to Zoho Assist?
New to Bigin?
Related Articles
Understanding Assets
In Zoho IOT applications, any physical object that is being managed by a sensor or device can be added virtually as an asset. Adding them as assets simplifies monitoring and ensures efficient management of the connected resources. Resources such as ...Understanding Commands
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 ...Add Device: Using Product Gallery (Devices)
Prerequisite Before proceeding with this document, please ensure you have read the following prerequisite materials to fully understand the concepts discussed here: Understanding Devices Understanding Device Models Understanding Device Products ...Understanding Device Products
Prerequisite: Before proceeding, please learn about Device Model. Understanding device models is essential for adding devices in the Zoho IoT application. Device Product A Device Product in Zoho IoT contains metadata for datapoints, communication ...Understanding Model and Instance
A model is like a container that can be configured with different templates (datapoints, commands, alarm rules, and fields). Using this model, you can create multiple instances (devices, assets, and locations) with the same setup. Each managed entity ...
New to Zoho LandingPage?
Zoho LandingPage Resources