Technology Enabling IoT

Table of contents

Key technologies enabling IoT

IoT protocols and standards

Security technologies for IoT

Future Trends in IoT Technology

Working with Focus Group

The Internet of Things (IoT) is now a critical part of modern technology. But what can it offer your business?

Across our digitised world, IoT technology supports everything from industrial automation to our fridges and cars. But what makes IoT work so smoothly is the technologies working behind the scenes. From connectivity solutions to cloud computing and AI, all of this ensures IoT systems are smart, scalable and an optimal business solution.

Today, we're exploring the key technologies that make IoT, its protocols and standards, the importance of security technologies and what the future holds when it comes to the IoT age.

Key technologies enabling IoT

The IoT ecosystem is powered by multiple technologies, making it possible to collect, transmit, and analyse data in real time across millions of devices. Let's break them down!

5G

5G technology strengthens IoT by delivering ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and massive device connectivity; something traditional wireless networks can't provide.

With 5G, IoT applications get unparalleled advantages, such as network slicing and edge computing, which allow for customised network performances - perfect for businesses looking for that tailor-made experience.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

It wouldn't be a modern solution if we didn't talk about AI, right? The variety of IoT-AI resources are an absolute game-changer.

AI allows IoT systems to make sense of vast amounts of data, enabling real-time decision-making, automation and predictive maintenance. Even better, by continuously analysing data, AI algorithms can identify patterns and anticipate equipment failures, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Connectivity

Connectivity is the backbone of any IoT deployment; the method of connectivity determines your device’s range, power consumption, and data capacity - which is why selecting the right connectivity solution is critical! Applications with low data needs and long-range requirements will benefit from different technologies, while high-data applications - i.e. video surveillance - utilise solutions like 5G or Wi-Fi 6.

Cloud computing

Cloud platforms provide that extra oomph in power and storage that IoT systems need, providing secure data storage, centralised management, and seamless integration with analytics tools.

Cloud computing facilitates the delivery of IoT solutions at scale, supporting the deployment of applications across potentially millions of devices. Ultimately, cloud computing allows your business to build resilient, globally distributed infrastructures.

IoT protocols and standards

When billions of devices need to communicate effectively, seamless and secure data flow is an absolute must!

Luckily, that’s where IoT protocols and standards come in. These rules ensure devices can connect, share data, and work together.A few common protocols include:

• MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport): Lightweight and ideal for low-bandwidth applications.
• CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol) Suitable for constrained devices in resource-limited environments.
• Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Z-Wave: Short-range wireless protocols used in home automation and wearable tech.

Security technologies for IoT

With a greater amount of devices, comes the greater potential for vulnerabilities. Security for IoT is essential to protect sensitive data and maintain trust in connected ecosystems.

Here’s a few security practices you should consider:

• End-to-end encryption: Ensures data is protected from the device to the cloud.
• Device authentication: Verifies that only trusted devices can access the network.
• Secure boot processes and firmware updates: Prevents unauthorised software from being installed on devices.

With more industries relying on IoT technology, robust cyber security cannot be overstated.

Future Trends in IoT Technology

Looking ahead, we think there are several areas we've discussed above that the future of IoT will be shaped by.

For example:

• Edge computing: Shifting processing closer to the source of data to reduce latency.
• AI at the edge: Running lightweight AI models directly on devices.
• Sustainable IoT: Reducing power consumption and utilising recyclable materials.
• Advanced analytics: Using machine learning to unlock deeper insights from IoT data.

As IoT solutions become more accessible, businesses continue to invest in the technologies and security strategies that make it worthwhile.

Working with Focus Group

The future is increasingly connected - and the technology enabling it is evolving just as quickly. So, if you're looking for a comprehensive offering when it comes to all things IoT, Focus Group is here to help!

Be it market-leading cloud services, expert insights into AI, or the most robust security for your buck, we can ensure your business has the right tech in place so your IoT infrastructure has that competitive edge! Get in touch with our team today.