IoT

Today, if we look around, we will get a clear view of how devices and smart products are dependent on data. From a refrigerator to a coffee cup, room ac to a smart home lock, street lights to a smart city, whatever is connected to the Internet of Things generates data. These devices are connected using either wired networks or wireless networks, depending on the need of the IoT system. Opting for the right and most-fitting network is crucial, as it determines the performance, safety, and future of the IoT facility. The option available comes with both benefits and constraints. But have you ever thought, what if you need a combination of both for your IoT facility? Is it possible to have such a network? Will it be able to connect multiple devices and adapt the future changes?

Let’s dive into the details of different networks present for the IoT facility.

Points to look into before picking the right network

Machinery in modern structures depends more on data rather than operators to function. This dependency on data has been triggered due to the introduction of the Internet of Things in the manufacturing industry. IoT-connected devices allow machine-to-machine communication in which devices in your facility can share information. IoT even allows transmission between devices and cloud computing infrastructures, which supports processing information.

The communication infrastructure of the installation delivers the data for IoT devices and M2M communication. It acts as a backbone of the facility’s communication. Therefore, businesses must think twice before choosing the network to connect their IoT installations. With the boost in the number of connected devices, the choice of the network has become essential for IoT-connected systems. The most popular classification between network types is wireless and wired networks. Both come with pros and cons, making it crucial to know which one will be perfect to complete the needs of the facilities.

While picking a network for your IoT facility, it is crucial to check different vital factors, including:

• Cost: Cost is the primary thing to check before opting for a network; one should check the upfront and ongoing costs of each network, including installation, upgrades, and maintenance.
• Security: Security is the utmost significant concern; it is crucial to know the standard of security offered and the potential for hacking and data breaches of the network.
• Scalability: The capability of the network to stretch and adapt to changing and extending operations without negotiating with the quality.
• Bandwidth: The amount of data your system should be able to handle; thus, choose a network that can match and complete the needs of your facility.
• Latency: The latency needed to make the facility operations perform seamlessly.
• Flexibility: The comfort and feasibility with which one can add or remove devices or make changes to the network.
• Physical environment: The facility’s physical environment, such as any potential sources of signal interference and power sources, etc. Wired networks may be more appropriate for facilities with stable power sources, while wireless networks are best fit for remote or hard-to-reach locations.
• Specifications: The specifications of the device that is connected to the network also play a crucial role. Some devices support only wired networks of specific protocols. Others might support wireless connection.

Besides the points and considerations mentioned above, the specific needs and constraints of the facility play an essential role in determining the right network for your IoT system.

Wired vs. wireless: Which one to opt?

Well, we can count on the factors mentioned above to produce a valid comparison between wired and wireless networks.

• Cost: Wired networks are comparatively more costly in terms of installation as well as maintenance as they need the physical installation of cables. However, in the case of a wireless network, ‘n’ number of devices can be connected to a single wireless router. So, we can simply conclude that wireless networks are generally less pricey than wired networks.
• Flexibility: As we know, wired networks depend on physical cables, making them less flexible compared to wireless networks. This can hinder in expansion or reconfiguration of your network, specifically when you need to add new devices or make changes to the existing physical layout of the facility. Hence, we can conclude that wireless networks are more adjustable than wired networks as they do not demand any physical cables.
• Portability: Wireless networks can be employed in hard-to-reach areas, making them a good option for facilities that require mobile or readily available. Whereas wire networks do not have these advantages as it has no portability.
• Scalability: Wired networks are less scalable as compared to wireless networks. This can create an obstacle in the process of expansion or reconfiguration of the network, especially when you add new devices or perform any changes to the physical look of your facility. Hence, wireless networks are more scalable in comparison to wired networks, as they can be extended and adapted with the expansion and transformation of the facility.
• Security: In terms of security, wired networks are more secure and have less risk of signal interference or data loss. This makes them an excellent option for facilities that control sensitive data or demand high security. Wireless networks are more prone to security issues like hacking, security threats, signal interference, and data loss. This can place sensitive data or critical operations at risk.
• Bandwidth: Wired networks are capable of managing large amounts of data, making them fit for facilities having high bandwidth needs. Wireless networks have limited bandwidth, which means that they may not be best for facilities with high data needs.
• Latency: Wired networks face less latency in comparison to wireless networks, thus making them best for use cases that need low latency.
• Stability: Wired networks are more stable compared to wireless networks as they are less exposed to signal interference or physical damage. This promises to ensure reliable and seamless connectivity for your devices.

Use cases of Wired and Wireless networks

Wired networks are used in facilities that demand large bandwidths, like data centers and manufacturing units. Wired networks are also best for critical systems that need constant, uninterrupted, and seamless connectivity, as they are less exposed to interference and outages in comparison to wireless networks.

On the other side, wireless networks are best for facilities with restricted space as they do not need physical cables and are easier to install and maintain. Wireless networks also fit facilities that need the skill to swiftly add or remove devices, as they provide excellent scalability and flexibility compared to wired networks.

For example, in the healthcare sector, a wired network may be the perfect option, as it provides stability along with security for critical systems.

But in a retail facility, a wireless network may be more appropriate as it offers greater flexibility and scalability in adding and removing devices. Walmart uses a wireless network solution for its stores to obtain real-time inventory tracking and boost efficiency.

A hybrid network is also an option

Apart from wired and wireless networks, IoT-connected devices can also opt for a hybrid network solution. Hybrid networks have the strength of wired and wireless networks and offer a balanced solution for IoT units.

For instance, a hybrid network could use a wired backbone for crucial systems and a wireless network for mobile devices, offering stability and security like a wired network with the flexibility and scalability of a wireless network.

Hybrid networks also provide many other advantages, like the ability to balance the costs and leverages of both wireless and wired networks. It also offers scalability, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to different device and application types.

However, hybrid networks are more complicated to implement and manage in comparison to single network solutions.

Whenever you opt for a hybrid network solution, make sure to consider the specific needs and constraints of your IoT system. Different factors like types of devices and applications, the physical environment, and access to power sources should be the utmost priority in the checklist. Besides this, it is necessary to ensure that the solution is scalable and can adapt to upcoming changes to the network.

Which one is the right network to choose?

Selecting the right network that can fulfill the needs of the IoT facility is the most critical decision, as it can affect the security, functionality, and efficiency of the devices.

This decision can be a challenging task as both offer pros and cons. On the one hand, wired networks offer stability and security; on the other hand, wireless networks provide flexibility and scalability. The selection between a wireless network, wired network, and hybrid network should be made based on the requirement and constraints of your IoT units. When deciding, one must also consider the cost, scalability, security, bandwidth, flexibility, and physical environment of the IoT system to ensure that it best suits the needs.

Consider investing some time to evaluate the options carefully; this will ensure that the IoT facility is well-connected and performs optimally, offering the data and insights required to drive business objectives.