Adaptive Quality of Service (QoS) Protocols for IoT Applications in Smart Cities

Abstract

Integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) within smart cities has revolutionized the connectivity of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) to remote servers or cloud platforms, fostering the creation of complex, highly flexible systems. This connectivity bridges physical sensor networks with virtual sensor clouds, enabling dynamic adaptation to varying service requirements. The Quality of Service (QoS) study in this context unveils both opportunities and challenges, particularly concerning the cost and scalability limitations of physical test beds and the reliability of simulation results. IoT's role in smart cities is transformative, addressing various urban management challenges and enhancing human-centric services. Applications range from holistic urban planning and public transportation improvement to traffic congestion reduction and environmental sustainability. Despite these advancements, many IoT-enabled systems are developed in isolation, leading to fragmented application silos. To fully realize the benefits of a cohesive IoT ecosystem, city authorities and developers must view IoT systems as interconnected, optimizing existing infrastructure and achieving more excellent collective benefits. This paper explores adaptive QoS protocols designed to meet the diverse and dynamic needs of IoT applications within smart cities. It delves into the specific QoS challenges in such environments and offers advanced strategies for optimizing network performance. Through a detailed examination of methodologies, case studies, and future research directions, this paper aims to provide insights into enhancing QoS in smart city IoT deployments, ensuring efficient and reliable communication across various applications.