The Benefits of IoT Connectivity Solutions
If you’re like most business leaders, you’ve heard a lot about IoT solutions. IoT, or the Internet of Things, is the technology that allows smart devices to collect data and share it with other connected devices. That may sound simple, but it powers a host of revolutionary applications transforming how people live their lives.
IoT deployments rely on connectivity to deliver results. Suppose you’re shifting to an IoT-based approach for your business. In that case, you’ll need to know all about the different connectivity options and what they mean for your company.
Intrigued? This article will dive into precisely what IoT connectivity means and how it can change how you do business. Keep reading to learn how you can optimize IoT Wi-Fi connectivity.
What Are IoT Connectivity Solutions?
Internet of Things solutions helps businesses make data-driven decisions, save time and money, and share information with a far-flung workforce. The applications of IoT technology are virtually endless.
IoT solutions can help manage inventory in warehouses, for example. “Smart” shelves can keep track of the movement of products and can order new supplies when they run short.
IoT solutions can keep track of soil conditions on farms and even help make decisions about when farmers should water their crops.
Just about every sector can benefit from IoT technology. However, that technology relies on solid internet connections so that the sensors and intelligent devices can share the data they collect. Without connectivity, data is useless.
There are several different ways to connect sensors and other IoT devices. We refer to those methods as IoT connectivity.
Two of the primary connections are between devices and devices to the cloud. Some of the connections are wired, and others are wireless.
Here are just a few of the most prominent wireless IoT connectivity technologies.
Satellite Connectivity and Internet
Satellite connectivity is a wireless form of internet that is beamed down to the Earth from satellites in orbit.
Living in a rural area may already be familiar with wireless technology and satellite internet services. The satellite internet is the only nationwide form of the internet since it can reach places that don’t have cell towers or other infrastructure.
Satellite internet is reliable and not impacted by weather or other events. However, it can be slower than other forms of the internet. IoT connectivity can be a drawback, especially if you’re working with many IoT devices. Ideally, your IoT network should be able to share data rapidly and in real time, which may be a problem if you rely on slow satellite service.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Cellular Networks
Cellular technology may be the most familiar connectivity solution since that’s how many Americans connect using their mobile phones.
Cellular connectivity uses cell towers to send signals to your devices. Mobile operators pick up a signal from different towers as you travel from one area to another. Cellular network deployment is reliable and quick; it’s a great choice if you want to send and receive large amounts of data at high speed. IoT can leverage 3G, 4G or even 5G networks to transmit data. On the other end, they can also use NB-IoT networks where only small bits of data need to be transmitted, and data speed is not as important.
However, cellular IoT connectivity can also be expensive. If you use a cellular network, look for a provider like Novotech to find affordable, high-quality service that fits your budget.
Wi-Fi connections rely on radio waves to allow connected devices to exchange data. Many people already use Wi-Fi to access the internet from laptops and other network devices in their homes, workplaces, or even coffee shops.
Wi-Fi connectivity can be fast, reliable, and affordable. However, it works best in relatively small, enclosed spaces. Suppose you work in a well-defined area with only a few connected devices. In that case, Wi-Fi may be a good IoT connectivity solution for you. But suppose you’re dealing with far-flung sensors in a larger environment. In that case, you may have trouble optimizing your IoT Wi-Fi connectivity.
Bluetooth networks, like Wi-Fi, rely on shortwave radio frequencies to send data from one device to another. Bluetooth technology is highly effective in short and medium ranges. It is relatively low-cost, making it an ideal solution for network operators on a lean budget.
However, Bluetooth technology is sometimes vulnerable to attack. If you choose Bluetooth, you’ll need to use additional security to keep your network safe from hackers and anyone who might want to access your private data.
Why Should You Invest in IoT Network Solutions?
The internet of things is sometimes called the “internet of everything.” That’s because IoT solutions are becoming so widespread that they’re becoming necessary for any business looking to maintain a competitive advantage.
There are several reasons why you should invest in IoT network solutions. Here are a few of the best reasons.
Wide Variety of IoT Applications and Connectivity Options
IoT applications are virtually limitless. IoT technology has consumer applications such as keeping the temperature comfortable in your home and workplace. It can monitor buildings for intruders and perform health checks in a commercial setting. Lastly, it can track shipments of goods and assets inside and outside an industrial environment.
IoT technology seems poised to keep growing, so successful businesses must get on board with the new technology.
Fortunately, plenty of different IoT connectivity options are available to fit your needs. Whether you’re a small startup or a growing business, a connectivity option is suitable for you and your enterprise.
Easy Monitoring With Sensor Technology
Sensor technology acts as the eyes and ears of your business.
IoT-enabled sensors can track the performance of every piece of equipment you use for work. Sensors can also monitor your heating and cooling systems and can check your environment for factors like humidity and leaks. Sensors can monitor power usage and track the use of any supplies.
In short, sensors can do the work of dozens of human custodians, all without the risk of human error.
Saves Time and Costs With Widespread Coverage
Getting the proper connectivity for your business can save you time and money. Once you lock in widespread coverage, you’ll be able to access the many vital benefits of IoT technology. That will result in significant savings for your company, both in cost and labor.
Choosing the Right IoT Devices for Your Business
No matter how much you educate yourself about IoT devices, choosing suitable devices for your business can still be challenging. There are so many IoT device connectivity solutions that it can be challenging to choose the right one.
It’s a good idea to talk to the experts at Novotech about the kinds of IoT hardware that might work for you. Visit us today to start a conversation about your company’s future.