THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING
Network Infrastructure Magazine | Monday, September 28, 2020
A success or a failure of Internet of Things (IoT) projects is relying on numerous things but in the absence of a reliable connection between the devices, sensors, and an IoT platform the project is impossible even to begin.
FREMONT, CA: IoT begins with connectivity, but as IoT is a very diverse and multifaceted realm, it isn’t easy to find a one-size-fits-all communication solution. Connectivity is not just a matter of selecting a preferred wireless technology. Understanding the requirements of an application is equally important before choosing the network technology that fits best.
Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.
Here are three types of IoT networks.
1. Cellular
Cellular networks use mobile networks similar to smartphones in order to allow IoT devices to communicate. Because these networks were initially designed for power-hungry devices such as smartphones, they were not always considered the best fit for IoT devices. But finally, the cellular industry developed new technologies that were more appropriate for IoT use cases. Currently, this kind of wireless network is prevalent and is considered a reliable and secure method of IoT connectivity. Cell service is available in most locations in the U.S., and this type of network covers a vast area. However, cell connectivity often isn’t functional in the places that most need monitoring sensors—for instance, inside utility closets, elevator shafts, basements, and so on.
2. Local and Personal Area Networks (LAN/PAN)
Networks that cover shorter distances are called personal area networks (PAN) and local area networks (LAN). PAN and LAN networks are considered to be cost-effective, but the transfer of data can sometimes be unreliable.
Wireless personal and local area network technologies that are commonly incorporated into IoT connectivity solutions are WiFi and Bluetooth. WiFi can be used for applications that run in a local environment, or a distributed setting if there are many access points integrated into a larger network. One downside to WiFi is that it works only if the signal is strong, and the device is closer to the access point. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a more energy-efficient wireless network protocol, if the device is not receiving data constantly, a single battery running BLE could last up to five years. However, compared to WiFi, it is slower to transmit and is more limited in the amount of data it is capable of sending.
3. Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN)
IoT devices that run on LPWANs send small packets of information infrequently and over long distances. This kind of wireless network was developed in response to the early challenges of cellular connectivity. Proponents of LPWAN position it as longer-range than WiFi and Bluetooth, but using less power than cellular.
More in News