The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most popular technologies today, both in the consumer and business worlds. There are countless uses for IoT, and companies can only find more ways to integrate them into their infrastructure. Automation and enhanced communication are some of the perks driving their increasing use among businesses. IoT also improves productivity and work safety, promotes better use of resources, and brings down costs.
The Current State of IoT Hardware
IoT hardware includes a wide range of devices such as sensors, bridges, and many more. These devices perform various tasks grouped as either data collection or transmission. Practically any physical device can now be connected to the internet through these devices, and their market continues to grow by the day. McKinsey's recent research projects that the global value captured from IoT would hit between $5.5 trillion and $12.6 trillion by 2030.
Despite challenges such as cybersecurity concerns, cost considerations, and high dependence on networks and power, there are no signs that IoT is going away soon. IoT is now a permanent fixture for enterprises of all kinds, from fleet management solutions to third-party retail displays.
What To Look For in Your Mobile IoT Hardware Solutions
IoT offers many benefits when properly implemented. Here are some hardware requirements to consider when looking for the right IoT solution for your business.
Data Storage Requirements and Security Requirements
IoT devices require storage to collect, transmit and analyze collected data. The storage needs depend on how much processing the device does. Some analyze the data directly, while others send the data to other devices or the cloud for collection and processing. Devices performing more analytics require more processing and thereby more memory capabilities.
Security is also key to IoT. The more IoT devices you incorporate into your business, the higher your risks of cyberattacks. Your devices should be able to function while keeping data security and integrity, just as much as your networks and mobile applications need to be secure. Some security considerations for your mobile IoT hardware include:
- Systems that make it easy to monitor all devices, alert to unusual activity, and quickly resolve arising issues
- Enough processing power and storage to encrypt and decrypt its communications on the network without slowing down communications
- Device management protocols that control the addition and removal of devices from your network and ensure secure updates
Wireless Cellular Connectivity to Products
Network connectivity is critical to IoT device function. Wireless IoT connection modes include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, and RFID, among others. Cellular connectivity provides better coverage for mobile devices, while Bluetooth or Wi-Fi works better with stationary devices. Other connectivity factors to consider include:
- Volume and rate of data transmission
- Operating radius
- Signal range
While choosing your solution, consider packages that come with built-in optimizations for IoT devices. The solution should accommodate IoT devices that transmit either constant or fluctuating amounts of data at different intervals. Your devices should also be able to reconnect and resend data after an interruption.
If the hardware does not come with wireless connectivity, you may have to use expansion boards or external modules to introduce this function.
Power Requirements and Performance Requirements
Consider how much power your devices will use and how they will be powered. Components such as attached sensors, actuators, and circuitry and their usage patterns are some of the factors that determine an IoT device's power consumption. Your solution should include power management capabilities, such as putting devices in sleep or low power mode to conserve power when not in use.
Your devices can either be hardwired or plugged into a portable power supply like batteries or supercapacitors. Using batteries introduces other factors such as their capacity, size, and whether they are rechargeable or not.
In addition to dictating power demands, the attached components also impact data storage and processing capabilities. Devices that collect and process high resolution or high volume data will require more processing power than devices that handle low volumes.
Ease of Development
Your ideal IoT solution should be easy to build, program, reprogram, and deploy. Preferably, the devices should also require minimal or no per-device customization to make your development quicker and easier. Modular designs, off-the-shelf boards, and starter kits have made IoT hardware development more straightforward, and components can now be replaced or independently upgraded as needs evolve.
For higher flexibility, easy scaling, and effortless integration, it is advisable to look for IoT solutions built with interoperability in mind. This will enable you to adapt to different use cases and providers without the high cost of changing systems and the delayed deployment times. API documentation and support from the IoT provider are also vital in making the process as smooth as possible.
Choose the Right IoT Hardware Platform
Choosing the right IoT platform can be a challenge due to the sheer number of hardware providers and components available. IoT applications also vary greatly, and there is no universal solution for all projects. To narrow your device choice down, here are some factors to examine:
- The volume of data, its processing, and how it is stored
- The device's purpose
- The sensors you need to capture data
- The type of connectivity required
There is a wide variety of hardware platforms from various providers. Some of the comprehensive, well-known platforms include:
- Raspberry Pi
- Arduino
- Particle
- Adafruit
- Espressif SP8266 Boards
- SparkFun
Whatever platform you choose, the components must be reliable, meet your system requirements, and be easy to develop.
Find an Enterprise Solution To Fit Your IoT Software Needs
Choosing the right IoT hardware is an excellent foundation to build your project around. However, the hardware is only half the solution, as you would need a solution that fits your software needs. Novotech is a leading distributor of enterprise IoT products from the world's most advanced manufacturers.
Talk to us today to learn more about our IoT solutions and how they can benefit your business.