The concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) is no longer an abstract term that refers to future technological possibilities. Among current trends, IoT is a rapidly evolving technology, and, incrementally, it is changing our daily routines and our perception of technology itself. IoT connects computing devices in everyday objects through the internet, allowing them to send and receive data.
Today, practically everything is ‘smart’: refrigerators, telephones, tablets, light bulbs, televisions, etc. This exemplifies how IoT goes beyond simple internet connections and includes an entire network of connected devices. It refers to the generalized presence of a network where everything is connected to the internet.
The Evolution of the Internet of Things
Both at a professional and a domestic level, this technological trend is changing our daily living thanks to the countless ways we can apply it. From how we work (automating processes) to how we move within our own home (sensors and controls placed on different elements within the house). Imagine: what would happen if our toothbrush alerted us when we have cavities and could make a dentist appointment for us? IoT’s possibilities are infinite.
What Crucial Elements Should QA Teams Consider for IoT Testing?
With IoT’s expansion, QA engineers who work with devices that are part of this rapidly evolving technology need to ask critical questions: What security issues are at play? What new considerations emerge when executing tests for IoT devices? This also includes asking what skills do QA engineers need to learn to respond to this technology’s incredible growth, effectively.
QA specialists need to change their thinking to adapt tests successfully and meet user requirements. The heterogeneous nature of IoT services demands solid testing strategies, so we are sharing a quick guide of vital elements to consider.
A Good Testing Strategy: Think of the Test First
We must focus on testing methods and practices that result in more effective execution. This includes clear testing requisites, a detailed testing plan, defined unitary testing, incorporating continuous integration, having good communication, etc. All of these are vital parts of a solid testing strategy. In this way, the correct programming approaches and methodologies will result in a high-quality product.
New Platforms and Testing Tools
When testing IoT devices, we must use effective communication platforms and efficient tools that extract processable information from large quantities of unprocessed data. Additionally, we must define a testing time frame and use solid systems that support control in real-time. QA engineers require advanced tools, consoles, visors, and simulators, or our testing efforts will be seriously hindered.
Gray Box Testing
When designing effective test cases for IoT, QA specialists require a sound understanding of the architecture, the operational system, third-party hardware, applications, firmware, new connectivity protocols, and any limitations the hardware devices may have. Therefore, we must acquire a thorough knowledge of all these elements as soon as possible to define adequate testing strategies.
Real-Time Operational System
The significant number of “things” currently available that can connect to the internet, have time-dependent characteristics Therefore, time is the most critical factor for IoT to work correctly. From medical devices to house alarms, essential systems need faster response times and require automated testing environments.
What Security Issues Does IoT Have?
With IoT’s rapid expansion, the main problem that arises is security. As this technology moves towards massive scale use, hackers will undoubtedly appear, attempting to exploit security weaknesses.
As a result, cybersecurity systems need to evolve at the same pace. Unfortunately, at the moment, this evolution has resulted in the exorbitant prices of these systems, which are, in turn, the main reason why smart homes are not a widespread reality. However, we expect prices to lower with time, allowing us to overcome security obstacles.
Final Words
IoT is not a temporary trend. It’s a path all of us are walking on. We continue to become more and more involved with our devices every day. As QA engineers, it’s time we adapted our testing and required skills to pinpoint and solve the vulnerabilities that permanent connectivity to the internet entails.
Key Takeaways
- Among current trends, the Internet of Things is rapidly evolving, and, incrementally, it is changing our daily routines and our perception of technology itself.
- QA specialists need to change their thinking to adapt tests successfully and meet user requirements.
- A good IoT testing strategy includes vital elements such as effective execution, new and improved platforms/tools, automated testing environments that help lower the operating system response times, etc.
- With IoT’s rapid expansion, the main problem that arises is security.
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