The term “IoT connectivity” refers to the interconnection of every component of the IoT ecosystem, including sensors, gateways, routers, platforms, applications, and other systems. It typically refers to various network solutions classified according to their bandwidth, range, and power requirements. The requirements for IoT projects vary, and most use various connectivity methodologies depending on their requirements.
You can define your needs, make intelligent choices, and start your smart project on the right foot with the aid of this precise and clear overview of IoT connectivity options. Read on.
Why the Selection Of the Right IoT Connectivity Option is Important?
There is so much at stake since the emergence of the Internet of Things, a revolutionary technology that combines the virtual and the physical to provide a smarter futur. Even after its inception in the late 1980s, it still continues to entice market players and investors with its limitless potential.
But, still, there are areas to improve in every aspect of an Internet of Things deployment involving the interface of information and operational technology.
Many IoT users underestimate the significance of IoT connectivity. As a result, paying close attention to the correct connectivity choice is critical to the success of any IoT project since it gives you complete control over your smart data streams.
What Are The Available Options For Connectivity, And How Do They Differ?
Let’s examine some of these technologies’ reach, bandwidth, latency, power requirements, and cost. Because making the right choice depends on these elements. Therefore, matching the technology to your requirements and goals is essential.
When selecting the best connectivity option for your IoT solution, you must consider the key points below.
RANGE
Close-range technologies with ranges measured in feet, such as RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. A mobile network offers connectivity options with a wider scope. Its range varies depending on how developed an area is, but typically, it is only a few miles. Additionally, there are options for global satellite connectivity. However, in this instance, a wide range means higher costs.
COSTS
As already mentioned, satellite connectivity is an expensive choice. Mobile network connectivity can be quite affordable or quite expensive, depending on how much data is transferred. The only costs associated with using Bluetooth for local network connections and without internet access are those associated with power consumption. If Bluetooth is used to access the Internet through a certain gateway, then you should also include the cost of data transmission through such a gateway.
As you can see, a significant amount of the cost of IoT connectivity depends on the range and size of transferring data.
BANDWIDTH
Range and cost are closely related to bandwidth. The cost increases, and the difficulty increases at close range the more data you want to transfer.
The slower the data transfer speed is for wireless IoT connectivity options, the greater the distance. On the other hand, the bandwidth is significantly greater for wired connectivity options like Ethernet or Fiber than for wireless ones. As you set up the entire infrastructure, acquire the cables, establish the connection, and pay the vendor, the cost does, however, increase.
POWER CONSUMPTION
A mobile network is one connectivity technology that uses a lot of electricity. So it might be a problem when a device must transmit a lot of data while running on a battery.
However, some technologies allow for using a single battery throughout a device’s life cycle. So naturally, in such situation the power consumption must be as low as possible in such situations possible to accomplish this by restricting data transfer and range, which leads to a significant reduction in power consumption but an increase in latency.
Certain mobile network technologies, introduced sub standards such as LTE Narrowband IoT. A device may indeed run on one battery for the duration of its life because it enables low-speed data transmission while reducing power consumption.
If you want to track vehicles in real-time, you won’t be able to with inexpensive but high-latency technology. Low connectivity is associated with significantly higher costs and power consumption. The most effective way to connect our vehicles to the internet should be based on our requirements.
IOT CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS FOR WIRED VS WIRELESS
The most popular wired technologies for IoT connectivity are LAN, ethernet, and dial-up telephone networks. And contrary to popular belief, the latter may be a good option due to its dependability, despite its average data transfer speed. There is also fibre-optic internet.
So, If your IoT solution requires a lot of bandwidth to send real-time pictures, this would probably be your first choice.
Among the wireless IoT connectivity options with low power consumption are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Narrowband IoT, and the LTE mentioned above like Cat M. It makes it possible to access the Internet in the middle of a desert. And another unique wireless IoT connectivity technology is LP WAN (Low Power Wide Area Network).
Though the GSM or GPRS (2G) technology, which was introduced in the 1990s, is still in good shape despite all odds. Businesses typically choose 2G when an IoT solution doesn’t need a lot of data transfer. It is still a robust and dependable connectivity option compared to other technologies. The IoT connectivity technologies for this solution typically use Wi-Fi or mobile network standards.
What’s The Future Of IoT Connectivity?
Mobile networks and Wi-Fi are the main players, though the dominant trend has not yet been identified. A new Wi-Fi standard that will work better with IoT solutions is currently being developed. For example, Wi-Fi is a common wireless connectivity option for V2X solutions in the USA.
However, another global superpower, China, favours the mobile network more. 5G is not yet a popular technology in Europe because it is more expensive than other alternatives. The market leaders in cost optimisation are LTE Cat M, Narrowband IoT, Wi-Fi, and even 2G.
Bottomline
Technology is progressing at a rapid phase, and so is IoT. As time passes, firms and organisations strive to integrate cutting-edge technologies to keep up with new trends and changes. In addition, to keep one step ahead of their competitors, they are attempting to provide their clients with sophisticated IoT services and other key services like test automation. So let’s adapt and be ready for what the Internet of Things has in store for us in the future.
