Ensuring IoT Security in 5G Era: Examining Protocols, Architectures, and Security Measures

The incorporation of the Internet of Things (IoT) with Fifth Generation (5G) networks offers extensive opportunities for connectivity and data exchange, yet poses significant security challenges. This research conducts a thorough analysis of protocols, architectures, and security measures for safeguarding IoT devices in the dynamic 5G landscape. A literature review highlights current IoT security states in 5G, identifying gaps. The work explores communication protocols, focusing on Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) and Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP), evaluating efficiency, scalability, and security for reliable IoT connectivity. Various network architectures, including centralized, decentralized, and hybrid models, are examined for their impact on IoT communication and security. Security challenges in 5G IoT, along with existing measures like authentication and encryption, are assessed to guide enhancements. Practical experiments validate theoretical findings, offering insights into real-world applicability. The research concludes with recommendations to fortify IoT connectivity in 5G and anticipates future developments in sixth-generation (6G) networks, emphasizing a trustworthy IoT ecosystem. This work endeavors to establish a groundwork for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to tackle the urgent requirement of securing IoT devices amidst the advent of 5G technology, thereby nurturing a robust ecosystem for various applications.