System-Level Analysis of Wireless Communication Technologies Supporting Cloud-Based IoT Applications

6 Jan

Authors: Vihaan Oberoi

Abstract: The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has necessitated a robust communication backbone capable of bridging physical sensors with cloud-based analytical engines. This review article provides a comprehensive system-level analysis of the wireless technologies enabling this integration as of 2025. We evaluate the multi-tier architecture—spanning perception, gateway, edge, and cloud layers—to identify critical performance bottlenecks in latency, energy efficiency, and scalability. The analysis contrasts short-range standards like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 with Long-Range Low-Power (LPWAN) solutions such as LoRaWAN and NB-IoT, while highlighting the transformative role of 5G/6G and Non-Terrestrial Networks. Key systemic challenges, including security at the resource-constrained edge and the interoperability of heterogeneous protocols via the Matter standard, are examined in depth. Furthermore, we explore the emerging synergy between edge intelligence and cloud orchestration, specifically through the use of digital twins and data offloading strategies. The review concludes by forecasting future research directions in AI-native wireless and zero-energy IoT, offering a strategic framework for selecting and implementing wireless technologies in a cloud-centric IoT ecosystem.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18160121