The Internet of Things (IoT) connects more than consumer products like smart speakers and lights. Projections suggest that the total number of business IoT connections will surpass the number of consumer connections within the next few years. Most of those business IoT connections will be cellular, led by the automotive, industrial, utilities and transport sectors.
What is cellular IoT, and how is it different from consumer-grade connectivity? Learn about the advantages of cellular IoT and the different types of cellular connections used in IoT.
Cellular IoT connections utilise the same 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G networks as mobile phones. The difference is that IoT devices use M2M SIM cards and other types of connections specifically designed to meet the needs of commercial and industrial applications.
Cellular IoT projects present the following benefits:
Since cellular IoT uses pre-existing mobile networks, there is an extensive coverage area already in place. This allows you to manage device deployments in different cities and countries. This is essential for any IoT project where accessing the data is key and especially for asset tracking, transportation and other global enterprise applications.
Unlike consumer SIMs, M2M SIM cards can switch between carriers with steered or non-steered open roaming capability. With a non-steered SIM card, the device will automatically connect to the network with the strongest signal in the area. This ensures constant, reliable connectivity and minimised downtime.
There are several subcategories of cellular IoT connections (see below), and you can select the one that matches your data transmission needs. There’s no need to pay for the most expensive option if your devices don’t carry heavy data loads (like video) or require constant connectivity and immediate reaction time.
Cellular IoT devices may be managed remotely with an IoT platform, which lets you connect, disconnect, or troubleshoot devices wherever they are. With the right IoT platform, you can also monitor device downtime, usage and any other relevant metrics helping you to make the most of your IoT project.
Any IoT application needs security measures to protect against unauthorised access. This is especially true for any device tracking sensitive information, such as healthcare devices, or those susceptible to malicious acts, like smart city technology. Cellular IoT devices can utilise private network technology (VPNs, APNs and IPsec protocols) to add layers of security to the device, network and data.
Cellular IoT connections include many sub-categories of network technology. The right one for your use case depends on factors like response times, cost and the amount of data being transferred.
Although commercial accessibility to 5G networks may become available later this year, 5G, the next generation of 4G networks, has yet to hit the market. Once it’s available, there will be a transition period while networks expand and SIM manufacturers can adapt. However, since not all IoT devices need advanced connectivity, it will be more expensive and offer more capabilities than many IoT devices need.
To minimise the stress and struggle of migrating to a new mobile operator, the entire eSIM Insure process is supported by industry professionals. They're there to address any questions or problems you encounter along the way.
Device testing is one of the primary services our professionals provide. Before and after your migration to a new mobile operator, our experts will test each of your devices to make sure that they're in working order. This allows you to move to your new operator with complete confidence and security.
Velos IoT offers many resources for moving forward with IoT. Read more at the following links or contact our team and describe the problem your business seeks to solve.
[1] statista.com/statistics/671216/global-m2m-and-nb-iot-connections-forecast