This Recommendation describes the requirements of the network for the Internet of things (IoT). The common requirements of the IoT described in [ITU-T Y.4100] are high-level; thus this Recommendation is complementary to [ITU-T Y.4100] in term of specific requirements of the network for the IoT.

Because an increasing number of devices with heterogeneous characteristics will be connected to the network via varying access technologies depending on the specific deployment environment, it is important to consider the requirements of the network that are applicable to those various use cases of the IoT, and avoid case-by-case studies for each specific use case. This approach is expected to encourage IoT development.

There are many use cases of the IoT with heterogeneous characteristics. Considering the current status of the deployments in the IoT market, this Recommendation focuses on the network for the IoT with smart meters and sensors as device for the IoT. Other use cases will be covered in future revisions of this Recommendation.

The scope of this Recommendation includes:

– general description of the network for the IoT, addressing respectively:

– basic model of the network for the IoT;

– general characteristics of smart meters and sensors;

– general issues of the network for the IoT.

– requirements of the network for the IoT, addressing respectively:

– general requirements;

– core network requirements;

– IoT area network requirements.

Examples of use cases with smart meters and sensors are described in Appendix I.

Several access network and IoT area network technologies for the network supporting the IoT are identified in Appendix II.

NOTE – The technologies listed in Appendix II are not meant to be exhaustive.