Connected products offer huge benefits to both users and manufacturers, but connectivity to devices is more complex. We have already seen some major failures of Internet of Things (IoT), illustrating the significance of proper testing. Regression testing caters the need to ensure error-free IoT-based application, covering the device and interaction with the cloud and mobile applications. There are various instances where customer loyalty and revenue gets impacted because of improper testing. This is because of the complexities arising while adding connectivity to the products, which remains unaddressed most of the times.
IoT Components
There are several components associated with an IoT system. It’s often difficult to test individual components during integration and identify potential issues.
There are 3 main components in a typical IoT platform.
- A Module for Connectivity
- Cloud
- App for interacting with the device
To ensure high-quality product, the IoT platform must provide transparency into the network traffic at all levels. Platform providers can allow easy handling and maintenance by providing visibility into potential product issues.
IoT Components: Key Testing Requirements
Device-Level Testing
Device-level testing includes test bench using a dashboard environment. This allows an automated approach to manage devices.
- At the device level, there are six key target areas.
- Device properties
- Serial Protocol
- Schedules
- Power modes
- Connectivity
- OTA (Over-the test)
Cloud-Level Testing
Here, continuous integration tools cater the need to automate functional, integration system, and API tests. Some of the critical aspects of cloud level testing include:
- Performance, Reliability, and Scalability Testing
- Security Testing
- Data Governance
- Data Privacy Testing
Mobile-Level Testing
Mobile-based testing identifies issues and inconsistencies related to mobile app user interfaces and back-end systems and their interactions.
- Backward Compatibility Testing
- CRUD Testing
- Lifecycle Testing
- Termination requests
- Timing out requests
- Real-world scenarios
End-to-End Testing
End-to-end testing is one of the most critical aspects of QA in IoT. It requires running automated tests involving device, cloud, and app. In addition, it is also important to test the solution in multiple conditions.
- Field Trials: This is the final step in testing, where manufacturers keep some time in the development schedule for field trials and testing.
You may also like: How to Implement Internet of Things?
