Internet of Things (IoT) has become a common name in today’s time. IoT and automation have become usual aspects of our lives. According to reports, 79% of US consumers use at least one connected device in their homes. IoT opens vast possibilities for remote monitoring and controlling of homes, cities, healthcare facilities, manufacturing workshops, and more. However, this implies not only thrilling opportunities, but also threats. That’s why, each IoT system requires rigorous and thought-out testing before going live.
IoT testing is a comprehensive set of activities comprising the validation of functions, integrations, performance, and security at all system layers. Thus, IoT testing is a combination of IoT device testing, IoT connectivity testing, IoT data processing and analytics testing and IoT application testing.
Let’s consider some basic testing types applicable for different IoT system levels.
Types of IoT testing
IoT testing is usually divided into usability, compatibility, reliability, scalability, data integrity and security testing. In today’s article, we elaborate on the types of these tests.
1. Usability testing
IoT apps are being used by many people, they are available on many devices of different sizes, types, and interfaces. IoT applications must be convenient and easy to use. And this is why testing the usability of the IoT framework is a must.
2. Compatibility testing
Multiple devices can be connected simultaneously using the IoT framework. All these devices have different software, UI/UX, and hardware configurations. Accordingly, checking compatibility in the framework is an even more important factor.
3. Scalability & reliability testing
Scalability and reliability are crucial parameters to check in an IoT testing environment. Such testing also includes the production of sensors using virtualization aids and technologies. These factors might not be so visible in the life of your IoT gadget, but they definitely increase the serving period of the device.
4. Testing data integrity
Testing of data integrity is also very important in IoT testing as it involves a large measure of the data and all its applications.
5. Safety testing
In IoT devices, many users store and retrieve large amounts of data. Accordingly, it is necessary to approve the users via authorization and to have data security controls. That’s why this security test is also a crucial one.
6. Performance testing
Performance testing ensures that the equipment or device works according to the requirements in terms of high workload. The most important factors that are checked are responsiveness and stability of the application.
Challenges of the Internet of Things (IoT’s)
- When you deal with IoT, you also deal with the network, connection, and internal communication. None of which can be disregarded.
- The Internet of Things cannot work without the Internet. This creates some serious security concerns as well.
- The process is not as simple as it looks. IoT coding becomes more and more complex. Maintaining consistency in performance is another challenge in this process.
- It’s not just about software. We also need to take care of hardware limitations in memory, processing power, battery life, etc.
Conclusion
This article contains almost everything you need to know about IoT testing. That’s how you test any software or hardware. We hope that this article will prove to be helpful in giving you information about IoT testing.
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