The Internet of Things (IoT) has taken off in recent years. In 2020, global IoT spending reached $749 million. And it’s predicted to hit $1 trillion by the end of 2022. Today, we produce more IoT devices than non-IoT devices. Experts predict that 75% of all devices will come with IoT Wi-Fi by 2030.
Wi-Fi IoT modules are at the heart of this success. Choosing the suitable module for your product can make or break your IoT Wi-Fi success. But if you wonder, “What is IoT Wi-Fi?” or “What are Wi-Fi IoT modules?” you’re not alone. Less than one in four people fully understand the term IoT, much less related terms.
What Is a Wi-Fi IoT Module?
IoT technology connects devices directly to the internet through wireless technology. Data must pass through several steps, from the information-gathering phase to the desired end-user experience.
Wi-Fi IoT modules are small chips put into IoT devices, making this process easier. The goal of IoT modules is to connect devices to the internet.
Wi-Fi modules are not all created equally. IoT applications range in complexity, and modules come in various shapes and sizes. The needs of the connected devices determine the required capabilities.
Choosing the best Wi-Fi IoT modules for your applications is hard. It’s about finding the most cost-effective solution that provides the level of performance required of the devices.
Mission-Critical Applications
Mission-critical IoT applications refer to applications where a power failure or a lack of reliable connectivity could spell disaster. Examples include technology for hospitals and vehicles.
Wi-Fi IoT technology has powerful antennas to connect flawlessly to nearby wireless networks. This technology also needs numerous redundancies built-in to prevent application failures.
Mission-critical application development is still in its infancy. Numerous challenges make this type of IoT more difficult to accomplish than other forms of IoT.
Host Application Processor
Some Wi-Fi IoT modules have a separate host application processor. The idea behind this design is that the chip is directly responsible for Wi-Fi connectivity. Then, the host application processor provides the application framework. The host application processor and chip work together to ensure the device works properly.
Chip
Whether or not they have a separate host application processor, all Wi-Fi IoT modules have a chip. The chip is directly responsible for connecting the device to the internet. Wi-Fi IoT chips are similar in size and shape to the chips used in cellular technology. The big difference is that cellphone chips connect to 4G or 5G LTE. Chips in Wi-Fi IoT technology also connect to Wi-Fi networks.
Types of IoT Solutions and Wireless Solutions
There are two major types of IoT solutions:
- Single solutions, which run both the applications and the Wi-Fi off the same chip, and
- Host processor plus Wi-Fi module solutions. These solutions use one chip to connect to Wi-Fi and a separate processor to run applications.
In addition to these categories, there are modules with and without Wi-Fi and smart modules.
5G IoT Wi-Fi Modules vs. 5G IoT Modules Without Wi-Fi
All 5G IoT modules have 5G LTE connectivity, the same connectivity that cellphones use. It allows phones to receive internet signals even when not connected to a Wi-Fi network.
5G IoT Wi-Fi modules are like most smartphones: they can connect to Wi-Fi or 5G networks. This redundancy improves performance by reducing the chances of the module losing its internet connection. Redundancy is essential for mission-critical applications, such as cars or hospital technologies. The combination of 5G and Wi-Fi technology makes these modules more reliable.
5G modules without Wi-Fi, on the other hand, operate like phones that have Wi-Fi turned off. Most of the time, this technology would work. However, moving into a location where the 5G sensor would not connect to a network is possible.
5G IoT Wi-Fi modules are best suited for technologies with some Wi-Fi access. Such is the case with devices in home kitchens. The Wi-Fi is the primary connection in these instances, and the 5G is a backup.
5G modules without Wi-Fi are better suited for portable or mobile technologies. These devices rarely have access to a Wi-Fi connection. As 5G becomes increasingly prevalent, these 5G modules will become more and more powerful.
Smart Modules
By design, Smart Wireless Modules take IoT Wi-Fi modules to the next level. These modules have powerful computing abilities and combine an IoT Wi-Fi module and a computer processor.
Because they can process a large amount of data, smart modules can provide an interactive user experience. These smart modules are incredibly small. Devices that don’t have space for large internal processors can still get high-end responsiveness.
The Purpose of a Wi-Fi IoT Solution and Wireless Connectivity
The most significant reason to use a Wi-Fi IoT solution is that it simplifies the design of your IoT device. Small chips can be added almost anywhere to your device without adding extra bulk to your product. Designers don’t have to reinvent the wheel to determine how to install a Wi-Fi chip onto their device. IoT modules have to do just that.
Improve Your Wireless Communications With Wireless Technologies
Wireless technologies allow you to stay in communication across wireless networks. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules facilitate machine-to-machine communication. For example, you might use Bluetooth modules to control the lights in your house from your phone. Or, you may want to turn up the heat in your home on a cold day.