Internet of Things refers to the connection between various devices through the internet. Various sensors send data to the cloud and sometimes the cloud sends data to the IoT devices. The cloud controls these IoT devices. Various components are also required like hardware and software to make an IoT project. Handling all these components together is a hectic task. To help to make an IoT project there are many open-source IoT framework and here IoTEDU is helping you know about the top 10 of them.

Many open-source IoT Frameworks are present which helps a person develop an IoT project systematically as it offers the person to remotely collect and transfer data among various devices through a single system. Moreover, the biggest advantage of using IoT Frameworks is that it can connect to various sensors and work on different communication protocols. They keep all the authenticated devices secure to use.

1. Kaa

Kaa is one of the best open-source IoT frameworks that enable the management of data of connected objects and is very flexible. It is highly efficient. Also, it is highly secure as it uses encrypted channels and also uses standard open protocols. Most of the time directly or via gateways, the devices in this platform can be connected. It is user-friendly and device management is the best as it arranges devices into groups and manages the credentials of every connected device. Data collection is also a big advantage as this platform can collect data on a large scale and can process both structured and unstructured data without any issue.

2. Zetta

Zetta is an open-source IoT framework. The server uses Node.js for integration. It combines REST APIs, web sockets, and reactive programming. They perfectly assemble data and manages the devices. It can link to boards like Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Spark Core, and PCs together with cloud platforms like Heroku. Its server assigns every device a REST API both locally and in the cloud which makes every device an API itself. It also presents a visual of huge data collected through the server. It allows the user to create various smartphone apps and cloud apps. Whenever a complex situation occurs, Zetta handles it itself

3. thinger.io

thinger.io is an open-source IoT framework with few limitations. Device connectivity is simple because of basic code requirements. Due to this sending and receiving, data is very easy. It also helps in controlling the functionalities of the device. The integration of every type of device is possible. Their processor, manufacturer certainly doesn’t matter. They have a unique communication paradigm that enables the IoT server to receive or send data only when required. The framework can connect multiple devices with less computation load and very low bandwidth. However, It allows creating bidirectional communications with several devices like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc including MQTT devices or other internet API data resources. It consists of multiple widgets for better display and arrangement of data in the platform.

4. ThingsBoard

ThingsBoard is an open-source IoT framework. The main purpose of the framework is data collection and device management. Further, it uses IoT protocols like HTTP, MQTT, and CoAP for device connectivity. It is also highly scalable as every type of device easily integrated. Also, it never loses any data because of its fault tolerance and performance. Visualization of data is great due to the presence of automatic or custom widgets. ThingsBoard also supports both cloud and on-premises deployments. It is very secure encryption for both MQTT and HTTP protocols is enabled. Also, the credentials of devices are managed by device authentication.

5. DeviceHive

DeviceHive is an open-source IoT framework that provides instruments for smart device communication and management. Its architecture consists of a communication layer, control software, and multi-platform libraries. It mainly focuses on providing services that aim in the development of smart energy, home automation, remote sensing, remote control, and much more. It is basically a scalable, hardware-cum-cloud service platform with APIs in different protocols, which allows the user to set up, control, and analyze the behavior of the data. Its application varies from data transition, validation, and collection up to Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. It supports a variety of libraries including Python, Node.js, Java, and even ESP8266 Firmware.

6. Mainflux

Mainflux is an open-source IoT framework. It is capable of developing IoT applications and control various smart connected products. Mainflux IoT platform works as a software infrastructure that provides various advantages. Device management is very easy including data management and aggregation. The connectivity between multiple devices is very safe and remains stable. The interface is very user friendly which helps in easy understanding for beginners. It has the license of Apache 2.0 and there is complete transparency between devices and the platform. A user gets full support and their bugs are fixed. The connection is fully secure by authentication and authorization Server with help of customizable API keys. The execution is very fast and robust which results in a great performance. This platform is very scalable as well and also fault tolerance which is also the reason for better performance.

7. ThingSpeak

ThingSpeak is an open-source IoT framework with some limitations. This framework has enough free services to use. This framework allows us to analyze real-time data and control live streams in the cloud. The data sent to the cloud is used to make instant alerts on the platform. Data from sensors is privately collected and sent to the cloud. The data is analyzed and visualized with MATLAB. Then alerts or triggers are set to act according to the data. Various tools are present for exploring data using MATLAB. Due to the presence of these tools and features, this platform is very user friendly.

8. myDevices

myDevices is an open-source IoT framework which has front end IoT with application features. The data of sensors are very easily manageable and also the platform helps in fixing bugs. It is very easy to set up using plug and play getaways. This platform enables a user to set alerts according to the data received through the sensors. Steps are taken inside the app If there is an issue. Third-party apps and services can also receive data from the app. The old data can be retrieved from the app for future needs

9. openremote

openremote is a 100% open-source IoT framework. It can make multiple IoT applications. The framework uses protocols like HTTP REST or MQTT which helps in connection with IoT devices and gateways. It is can make apps suitable for both Android and iOS. The connection of multiple devices is possible due to its device management. Device integration is easy. It can control multiple devices in a single interface. Several tools are present which makes the data manageable and user-friendly. Designing is very easy as the data can be transformed into applications using the platform. Progress of the project is noted using visualization dashboards.

10. WSO2

WSO2 is an open-source IoT framework that allows its enterprises to control their mobile applications and devices. It provides a secure way of manufacturing the devices and manages them efficiently. The optimal design of the platform ensures the protection of both device and its data. Also, the capability of analyzing the gathered data helps in real-time visualizing. The identification of different types of patterns and data is possible. They get converted into meaningful responsive actions. CDM (Connected Device Management Core) is the controlling unit or the brain of the WSO2 platform. The evolution of the CDM core has boosted the capability of the platform which has enabled it to integrate with devices of any type.

Disadvantages of these open source IoT Frameworks

While using these frameworks many challenges can be faced. Firstly, All of the frameworks are not highly secure and that can be a problem for most devices. Secondly, It is open which means it is free. Therefore, highly trained specialists don’t contribute to these frameworks. Thirdly, data privacy is an essential part and that’s why people often use paid frameworks because those are more secure. Some of the frameworks might also be hard to understand if the user is a beginner. Fourthly, the business needs are according to customer needs. But, the businesses don’t find these frameworks useful. So, they don’t use them. Lastly, and most importantly, If there is a bug in a project, then it is very hard to find out the bug using most of these open source IoT frameworks. So, most people prefer other IoT frameworks that are not open-source.