The continued and predicted growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) means that more diverse industries are feeling the effects, with yet more on the verge. This does throw up some challenges, such as how can the IoT reach the more isolated or low cost businesses.
Can machine to machine (M2M) really be an all-encompassing solution? It has been suggested that the IoT will shortly need its own, independent wide area network (WAN) if the current level of growth is to be sustainable. Whilst this may sound unlikely, the development of Long Range, Low Power (LRLP) networks could be the answer, says Anton Le Saux, head of connectivity and partner sales at
Telefónica UK
Historically, WANs require a large battery or a continual power source, which results in high level power consumption. This does not make for an appealing solution. More contemporary LRLP networks eliminate this issue through the provision of a highly efficient network with wide area coverage, alongside low power consumption; a much more economical and ecologically sound option. The combination of cost-effectiveness and streamlined performance makes for a much more appealing solution, especially when it comes to smaller businesses managing tighter budgets.
M2M’s growth naturally means that ever-more devices are becoming connected, which inevitably results in more solutions on the market. This cycle of growth means more connectivity and further demands on the network. Organisations that require any kind of remote contact, such as logistics companies or isolated sites like train platforms, will need long-range, low power solutions to make m2m feasible. Traditional WANs would be too expensive to run efficiently and, apart from this immediate obstacle, network congestion becomes an inevitable difficulty as the number of connected devices goes up. LRLP networks can redress these problems, by presenting an alternative option that is cost-effective to implement and run.
To maintain its present rate of growth, the IoT will have to seek out solutions like LRLP networks. Putting options like these into place could well ensure that M2M becomes a technology available for all.
New technology will always introduce questions and challenges, but there will always be answers and solutions. Choosing the right provider can make all the difference when approaching these decisions and, with over a decade’s experience in this field, O2’s is a reliable partner when it comes to the IoT.
The author of this blog is Anton Le Saux, head of connectivity and partner sales at Telefónica UK, anton.lesaux@telefonica.com
