How IoT is Changing the Landscape of Network Infrastructure
In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a game-changer in communications and data transfer, optimising business activity, sustainability and profitability. With the use of IoT often resulting in thousands of connections, this innovative technology is having a significant impact on network infrastructure.
In this blog, we will explore how IoT is transforming network infrastructure, the challenges it creates and what network solutions you can adopt to maximise the potential benefits of this digital technology.
The IoT Transformation
IoT refers to the network of interconnected devices and sensors that collect and exchange data over the internet. IoT is considered a significant contributor to the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’, where organisations are leveraging technology to automate their operations.
IoT devices range from smart thermostats and security cameras to industrial sensors and healthcare monitoring equipment. Their rapid proliferation is reshaping various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and logistics.
One of the critical challenges posed by the IoT revolution is the sheer volume of data generated by these devices. Managing, analysing, and securely transmitting this data has become a top priority for businesses. This challenge is where the role of network infrastructure becomes pivotal.
The Impact of IoT on Network Infrastructure
The substantial growth in the use of IoT devices is having a significant impact not only on operational activity across numerous industries but also on the demand placed on network infrastructure. While IoT brings immense opportunities, if your organisation is expanding the number of IoT technologies used, it is also vital to understand the challenges this increase places on your network.
Below, we explore the key implications of this IoT-driven transformation on network infrastructure:
Increased Data Traffic
IoT devices continuously generate and transmit data. With this surge in data traffic, your network infrastructure needs to have the capacity to handle high bandwidth and the low latency to ensure real-time communication between devices and systems.
Security Challenges
By increasing the number of devices connected to your network, the attack surface also expands. Protecting sensitive data and ensuring the security of IoT devices then becomes a critical concern.
Scalability
Utilising more IoT devices also means that your network infrastructure needs to have the agility to seamlessly scale to accommodate this growth in activity without compromising performance or reliability.
Reliability and Uptime
Interruptions and downtime can be hugely costly to your business, especially in today's always-on world. Your network infrastructure must be resilient and have redundancy solutions in place to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for your critical IoT applications.
Addressing the IoT Network Infrastructure Challenges
At Hughes Europe, our Managed Network Services offer a range of solutions designed to meet the growing demand for robust, flexible and secure network infrastructure in the era of IoT. With our extensive range of partnerships and technology-agnostic approach, we can seek out the best solutions to ensure your business is well-equipped to harness the full potential of IoT.
We work closely with our clients to design and optimise their network infrastructure to accommodate IoT devices. This approach includes assessing their current network capabilities, identifying potential bottlenecks, and implementing solutions that enhance performance and scalability.
Here's how some of our key tailored solutions address the challenges posed by IoT:
Managed SD-WAN
IoT devices require seamless connectivity across distributed sites. Our Managed SD-WAN Solutions optimise your network performance by intelligently routing traffic, ensuring that critical data from your IoT devices reaches its destination efficiently. This process reduces latency and enhances the overall user experience while maintaining security and reliability.
Wireless WAN
IoT devices aren't confined to traditional wired connections. On the contrary, IoT devices connect wirelessly to networks to transmit data. Moreover, if your organisation operates in remote locations, these devices may be out of the range of cellular coverage and require an alternative connectivity option. To address these connectivity challenges, a flexible, resilient solution that offers ubiquitous coverage is needed.
Our Wireless WAN solution closes the terrestrial connectivity gap, offering a flexible hybrid network service that connects your devices wherever they are located. Whether remote monitoring in the field or connecting IoT sensors in a dynamic environment, Hughes Wireless WAN provides consistency of service that ensures uninterrupted data flow, optimal performance and security.
Managed SASE
Security is paramount in the IoT landscape. With the increasing attack surface due to IoT devices, comprehensive security and access control are essential. Our Managed SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) solution integrates network security and wide-area networking capabilities into a single cloud-based service, providing secure, scalable, and efficient access to IoT resources, data, and applications, no matter where your devices are located.
Monitoring and Management
IoT devices require constant monitoring to ensure they are operating efficiently. We provide 24/7 network monitoring and management services, allowing us to identify and address issues proactively before they impact your operations.
Scalability and Future-Proofing
As your number of IoT devices grows, so does the need for scalable network infrastructure. Our Managed Network Services provide the network agility needed to support your business’s growth and evolution, future-proofing it as digital technology continues to advance.
The Internet of Things is undeniably changing the landscape of network infrastructure. With the proliferation of IoT devices, businesses face new challenges and opportunities in managing their networks. As IoT technology evolves, those that invest in robust, agile network infrastructure will be better positioned to harness its full potential.
At Hughes Europe, our Managed Network Services are designed to support the seamless integration of IoT devices into your network infrastructure. With our tailored approach to delivering network solutions that meet your precise needs, we can help your business thrive in the IoT era.
To find out more, please get in contact with our team.