Wireless Networks and IoT: Bridging the Gap for Seamless Connectivity

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to announce a special journal section dedicated to exploring the exciting convergence of wireless networks and the Internet of Things (IoT) and their role in creating seamless connectivity. This section aimed to foster a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, innovations, and applications at the intersection of these two dynamic fields.

The convergence of wireless networks and the Internet of Things (IoT) presents a transformative opportunity for seamless connectivity in our increasingly digital world. This Special Issue explored the challenges and opportunities in bridging the gap between these two dynamic domains. We delved into the integration of IoT devices with diverse wireless networks, aiming to unlock the potential for enhanced communication, data exchange, and IoT applications.

This research explored the integration of low-power, wide-area networks (LPWANs), such as LoRaWAN and Sigfox, the role of 5G networks in supporting massive IoT deployments, and the importance of mesh networks and edge computing in optimizing IoT connectivity. Security and privacy challenges in IoT-enabled wireless networks were also examined, as well as the need for scalable management solutions to accommodate the growing number of IoT devices.

By addressing these challenges, this Special Issue will contribute to the development of robust, efficient, and secure wireless networks that can seamlessly connect a myriad of IoT devices. These advancements hold the promise of transforming industries, smart cities, healthcare, and various other sectors, ultimately shaping a more connected and efficient future.

Research challenges:

1. Heterogeneity of IoT devices: The IoT encompasses a wide range of devices with varying communication requirements and capabilities. Developing standardized solutions that cater to this heterogeneity is a significant challenge.
2. Scalability: As the number of IoT devices continues to grow exponentially, wireless networks must evolve to handle the increased traffic and device management efficiently.
3. Power efficiency: Many IoT devices are battery powered and require energy-efficient communication protocols to extend their operational lives.
4. Data security and privacy: IoT devices collect and transmit sensitive data, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. Developing robust security measures to protect data integrity and user privacy is therefore critical.
5. Interoperability: Ensuring seamless connectivity across different wireless technologies and IoT platforms is essential for the widespread adoption of IoT solutions.
6. Edge computing integration: Effectively integrating edge computing into wireless networks to process IoT data closer to the source, while minimizing its latency, is a complex challenge.
7. Regulatory compliance: Adhering to the evolving regulations and standards in the IoT and wireless communication space is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid legal hurdles.
8. Reliability and resilience: Wireless IoT networks must be reliable and resilient, especially in critical applications like healthcare and industrial automation.
9. Sustainability: Developing sustainable IoT and wireless network solutions that minimize environmental impact, such as reducing energy consumption, is an emerging challenge.

Addressing these research challenges is paramount for bridging the gap between wireless networks and the IoT, facilitating seamless connectivity and harnessing the full potential of the connected world. Solving these challenges will drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and improve the quality of life across various domains.

Scope:

We invite researchers, scholars, engineers, and experts in the realms of wireless communication and the IoT to submit their original research, reviews, case studies, and insights on various facets, including, but not limited to:

• Integration of IoT with 5G and beyond.
• Low-power, wide-area networks (LPWANs) for IoT.
• Edge computing and IoT data processing.
• Intelligence edge and blockchains.
• IoT messaging protocols and frameworks (MQTT, DNP3, openFMB, etc.).
• SD-WAN, MPLS, and resource allocation.
• Energy efficiency and quality of service.
• Security and privacy in IoT-enabled wireless networks.
• Scalability and management of IoT devices.
• Real-world applications of wireless IoT in smart cities, healthcare, the industry, and more.

Join us in exploring the cutting-edge developments in wireless networks and IoT as they converge to shape a connected future. We encourage you to share your insights and research to contribute to the advancement of this rapidly evolving field.

Dr. Rameez Asif
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Electronics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• cybersecurity
• wireless communications
• IoT
• cloud computing
• data analysis