An analytical model for multi-criteria evaluation of IoT application layer protocols

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) introduces new challenges in selecting efficient and secure communication protocols to support diverse IoT applications. Application layer protocols such as MQTT, HTTP, and CoAP play an important role in enabling reliable data transfer, security, and scalability in IoT systems. Each protocol possesses unique strengths and limitations, making protocol selection a complex decision, particularly for embedded devices. This study applies the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to create a structured, multi-criteria evaluation model for selecting the most suitable IoT application layer protocols. Six key criteria - scalability, latency, reliability, resource consumption, security, and complexity of implementation - are evaluated to determine the optimal protocol for secure communication among embedded devices. Findings indicate that MQTT is the most effective protocol among the selected ones, achieving high scores in scalability, latency, and resource efficiency, making it suitable for large-scale IoT deployments. The study underscores the importance of AHP in protocol selection, enhancing decision-making in IoT architecture planning. This framework can be adapted to other IoT-related selection processes, providing a systematic approach for aligning protocol performance with specific IoT requirements.