IoT: Best IoT Testing Tools, Strategies & Products

Creating a cool IoT device or life changing IoT software is only the first step towards a products’ success. Executing proper QA testing on your IoT product confirms that your IoT device can withstand security threats, connectivity issues and performance malfunction.

That requires a lot of testing. And with so many IoT platforms to review, so many communication protocols to test, and so many new security threats on rise, it’s impossible to carry out IoT testing manually. 

The answer is simple - your team needs the right IoT testing tools for your QA strategy. But what is IoT testing? What are today’s best IoT testing tools? And what’s the best way to test IoT devices?

This guide aims to answer what QA teams need to know about IoT so that your development cycle can effectively test your IoT device before launching a secure, quality product to your consumers.

What Is IoT Testing?

IoT testing is the practice of executing QA tests that validate the performance, functionality and security of an IoT device. Because every IoT device transmits data from one object to another over the Internet, it’s crucial to verify that your IoT devices can transmit sensitive information wirelessly before market launch. That’s why many successful IoT businesses rely on IoT automation, penetration, and performance testing tools so that any defect is detected before it reaches consumers.

These days, IoT devices come in all shapes and forms, from smart TVs and smart appliances to commercial security systems and traffic monitoring technologies. In short, if your device is “smart” then it’s an IoT device that requires testing.

Top Industries Using IoT

While the concept of an IoT device may be straightforward, its application continuously grows in complexity and expands across industries. According to the experts, these industries are leading the way in IoT investment and adoption.

• Manufacturing

  No one relies more on heavy machinery to produce products than manufacturers. The manufacturing industry internally invests in IoT technology for enhancing systems and saving costs for internal production as well as advancing their consumer experiences through the produced materials. IoT devices allow manufacturers to optimize processes, monitor equipment, manage the movement of goods and execute preventative maintenance.

• Transportation

  From freight monitoring to maintaining traffic flow of public transportation, efficiency is the name of the game. IoT technology enables the transportation industry to increase productivity and monitor logistics and routing of transportation vehicles. IoT cameras, sensors and digital data recorders can monitor operating or driving behavior for insurance-related reasons as well as how quickly transportation vehicles suffer from on-the-job wear and tear.

• Healthcare

  It should come as no surprise that the healthcare industry is the most committed to financially investing in IoT technology. Medical machines providing images to patient’s caregivers, the dispensation of medicine, monitoring and real-time tracking of medical equipment, advancements in implants and prosthetics - the possibilities of healthcare-related IoT devices seems endless.

• Energy & Utilities

  From oil and gas fields to consumer electricity meters, continuous monitoring is essential within the energy and utilities industry. IoT solutions such as smart grid meters allow energy companies to gather this data remotely and with real-time accuracy. IoT technology provides more efficient practices in monitoring pipes, valves and pressure gauges as well as perform preventative maintenance on key equipment parts for enhanced safety.

  

Here’s How to Test IoT Devices

Like any software product, IoT devices require extensive QA testing before market launch. With the right IoT testing tools in place, your team can streamline your IoT testing by adding these types of testing practices to your development cycle.

• Security Testing

  IoT penetration testing tools can verify that IoT devices are free from any threats, vulnerabilities or risks. Your security testing process should have your IoT automation testing tools search for any and all possible weaknesses or loopholes within the IoT product. Is transmitted data always protected and encrypted? How strongly does password protection prevent malicious attacks?

• Connectivity Testing

  Connectivity is what makes IoT devices so appealing. IoT testing tools should review the strength of communication between the device and the user as well as between two or more IoT devices. How well does the device connect to the network? Once connected, can the device successfully transmit requested and relevant data? How does the device perform when offline?

• Performance Testing

  IoT performance testing tools are designed to ensure the expected performance of the IoT device under normal circumstances. The goal of performance testing for IoT applications is to eliminate any performance blocks or glitches that prevent the IoT device from running at optimal levels. IoT performance testing tools can gather information on the device’s response time and reliability of product features. Does the IoT software maintain speed and stability during normal conditions? What is the IoT device’s load capacity before it malfunctions or crashes?

• Functional Testing

  With the assistance of IoT testing tools, your team should validate the IoT software system against functional requirements and specifications. From API testing your IoT device to standard regression testing, your functional test cases should test each function within the IoT device by providing appropriate input and verifying the output against your functional requirements. Whether performed manually or with IoT automation testing tools, functional testing checks the User Interface, APIs, database and client/server communication.

• Compatibility Testing

  Because of the complexity attached to IoT technology, compatibility testing must be included in every QA process. Execute test cases through your IoT automation testing tools that examine the compatibility of your IoT device across any user experience, from hardware and operating systems to software and network speeds. Is the IoT device compatible with all operating systems and browser types? Does the IoT device perform as expected across generations of devices of versions of browsers?

Best IoT Testing Tools

Which IoT automation testing tools are best for testing the software of your IoT device? Which IoT penetration testing tools are right for validating the security of your IoT software system? And which IoT performance testing tools best for testing the hardware of your IoT device?

We have compiled our recommendations of the best tools out in today’s market for testing both the software and hardware of your IoT product.

• Best IoT Testing Tools for Software Testing

  • Wireshark
  • Tcpdump
  • Shodan
  • SOASTA CloudTest

• Best IoT Testing Tools for Hardware Testing

  • JTAG Dongle
  • Digital Storage Oscilloscope
  • Software Defined Radio

When your company doesn’t have enough resources to successfully carry out IoT testing, consider partnering with a reliable QA service provider like QASource. Our team of testing experts specializes in all aspects of software testing with advance understanding of IoT testing tools and best testing practices for IoT technology. We have years of experience helping businesses like yours transition towards effective testing procedures for their IoT devices and software systems. Get a free quote today.