The Internet of Things (IoT) has evolved from an experiment to an enterprise-scale utility that delivers reliable and efficient network infrastructures to manufacturers, healthcare practices, retailers, and more. Smart IoT deployment relies on a consistent wireless network.
A hands-on cellular IoT provider can help businesses maintain consistent data flow and real-time responses on their new network, but many businesses struggle to choose the right network foundation for their workflow.
This article details the components that allow businesses to build dependable foundations for cellular IoT networks, including the connectivity, software, security, and cost requirements they should consider. As IoT grows, businesses must choose a reliable network foundation to future-proof their operations against their competition.
Components of IoT Network Infrastructure
IoT networks are not limited to internet access points. They provide businesses with hardware, security, software, and analysis protocols that encourage seamless, real-time data systems. Businesses should know and understand the core components that determine a reliable network, including their connectivity options, hardware requirements, and other software considerations.
Connectivity Options
For business owners, the first step is choosing a connectivity type that suits the needs of their business. Devices have different ranges, power needs, and bandwidth constraints. For example, a Wi-Fi setup would be more ideal for indoor settings with frequent data collection, such as healthcare practices; however, cellular IoT can be more efficient for remote areas.
Businesses can also choose Ethernet, Bluetooth, or other connection types if their setup warrants them. An experienced cellular IoT provider can help businesses match their workflows to the connectivity type they should be using.
Hardware Requirements
Hardware environments should be aligned with the demands of the business’s hardware and software deployment, including these essential hardware features:
- Gateways, which collect and relay device data
- Antennas, including signal boosters
- Routers, which direct data over the network
- IoT sensors, which route edge devices
- Power supplies for off-grid installations
This hardware should be optimized for the intended working conditions, including temperature, site size, and more.
Software Considerations
In addition to hardware requirements, businesses need robust software to coordinate their cellular IoT device environment. Consider how different device management platforms provision, monitor, and update connected IoT devices. Different providers also offer network management tools, including system configuration options and diagnostic tools, to help businesses set up new data processing and analytics platforms.
Evaluating Network Requirements
Once these considerations are recognized, businesses should know the technical requirements that limit their future applications. This will help them choose the right network approach for their workflow.
Bandwidth Needs
Depending on the bandwidth needed, cellular IoT applications will have different functionality. For example, high-bandwidth devices tend to be used for remote diagnostics, surveillance, and other tasks requiring long-distance network communication. By contrast, low-bandwidth networks are often sufficient for on-site monitoring, such as environmental and device performance sensors.
Coverage Requirements
In addition to bandwidth, businesses should analyze their physical footprint to plan their wireless network coverage needs. While Wi-Fi networks may work for single-building healthcare practices, some businesses need to maintain network connectivity across multiple locations, requiring cellular IoT or other options.
Scalability Factors
Businesses must consider their current, planned, and potential connectivity needs when choosing a reliable cellular IoT network. Device provisioning should be flexible to help businesses introduce new applications. Modular architecture can allow them to adapt to new use cases as their workflows change. Cloud-managed IoT networks make adaptation easier for businesses with changing needs.
Security and Reliability Considerations
Reliable network foundations begin with updatable security protocols. Poorly protected networks will be vulnerable to numerous unnecessary risks, such as data theft, production downtime, and legal repercussions.
Network Protection
Building modern network security relies on several core features, including:
- End-to-end encryption
- Authentication systems, such as certification and MFA
- Network segmentation
- Behavioral analysis
- Intrusion detection and alerts
These processes help businesses protect data at each step of their IoT communications, from data collection to analysis.
Redundancy Planning
Businesses with IoT networks rely on device uptime to maintain resilient data flows. Businesses should form a network foundation with redundancy planning, including multiple connectivity options, power backups, and cloud redundancies to plan for potential connection failures.
Cost Analysis and ROI Planning
Cost control is an essential part of forming reliable network foundations. Businesses should consider not only the initial infrastructure and hardware costs but also ongoing data and cellular transmission costs, licensing fees, maintenance costs, security investments, and more. Well-built networks can compound in value over time, but they often require continuous investment to remain flexible at scale. ROI planning is key to remaining competitive while promoting network growth.
Implementation Best Practices
To deploy a solid network foundation and avoid costly infrastructure changes, these practices are essential:
- Lead with pilot deployment and infrastructure tests
- Plan physical infrastructure requirements, including device points, cables, antennas, and more
- Configure company documents to allow for expansion and troubleshooting
- Train staff on device usage and long-term expectations, including escalation, scaling, and maintenance
- Audit network performance to maintain continuous improvement
Experienced cellular IoT providers can help businesses choose and maintain the network foundation that makes the most sense for their business’s needs.
Build Your Cellular IoT Network Foundation Today
At Allpoint Wireless, our experienced team designs, deploys, and optimizes IoT device networks for a business’s specific needs, including their security requirements, hardware limitations, and plans for scalability. We support the full lifecycle of a business’s device deployment, from onboarding to testing, analysis, maintenance, and retirement.
As America’s #1 Low-Cost Wireless Provider, we are backed by prompt support and Allpoint Command, our powerful self-service portal. Contact our team today to build a reliable IoT device network and unlock the full potential of your business’s data transformation.