Entering the world of the Internet of Things (IoT) can be daunting for a business trying to figure out what you require. One challenge that often arises is deciding on the right IoT connectivity for your use case. We created this blog to guide you through the five crucial areas you need to know when considering IoT connectivity for your business: the type of connectivity, coverage, tariff, security, and management platform.

1. Type of Connectivity for Your Use Case

The first step in choosing IoT connectivity is understanding the specific needs of your use case. The typical questions would be how many sims are needed for your project? How much data is required? And what countries is connectivity needed in? Different IoT applications demand different types of connectivity. For example, a fleet management solution might require cellular connectivity for real-time tracking and alerts, while a smart farming application might be better suited to a low-power, wide-area (LPWA) network that can cover large distances.

There are several options available, including cellular (4G/5G), bonding & failover, and VoLTE networks. Each has its strengths and limitations concerning data rates, power consumption, cost, and range. It’s essential to choose the one that aligns best with your requirements.

2. Coverage

Once you’ve identified the type of connectivity that suits your use case, you need to consider the coverage you need. Multi-network SIMs are standard in IoT, but understanding what networks they have roaming agreements within the country you need connectivity in is very important for reliability.  If your IoT devices will be deployed locally, you might only need a solution that offers excellent coverage in that country. However, if your devices will be used globally, you’ll need a provider to ensure reliable and uninterrupted service worldwide.

Here at Anvil, we recommend testing before committing to an IoT project because of the complexity and different types of use cases, which means that proof of concept is an essential milestone in the IoT implementation stage. That’s why we provide our customers with the option to test; this factor becomes even more critical for businesses in industries like logistics or supply chain, where IoT devices often move across borders. In such cases, a connectivity solution that supports global roaming could be the best choice.

3. Tariff

Cost is a significant factor in any business decision, and IoT connectivity is no exception. It’s crucial to understand the pricing models of different providers and how they align with your usage patterns. Some providers charge based on the amount of data transmitted, while others offer unlimited data plans or yearly tariffs. Remember, the cheapest option may not always be the best. Consider the value you are getting for your money – the reliability, speed, and quality of service are just as important as the cost. Here at Anvil, we offer an array of different tariffs; we can provide bespoke pricing for your use case, unlimited SIMs, pay per MB, pooling on a monthly rolling contract, or a longer-term contract, depending on your needs.

4. Security

Security should be a top priority when choosing IoT connectivity. The interconnected nature of IoT devices makes them potential targets for cyberattacks, which could lead to data breaches or service disruptions.

Ensure your IoT connectivity provider has robust security measures in place. These might include end-to-end encryption through a VPN, Fixed IP SIM, secure device authentication, and regular firmware updates to protect against vulnerabilities. Additionally, check if the provider complies with relevant industry standards and regulations for data protection and privacy.

5. Management Platform

Last but not least is a management platform offered by the IoT connectivity provider. A comprehensive and user-friendly management platform can make monitoring and managing your IoT devices easier, track data usage, and troubleshoot issues.

Look for features like real-time analytics, remote device configuration, and alert systems for unusual activity. A good management platform should provide the tools to handle your IoT connectivity and optimise its performance efficiently. By considering the type of connectivity, coverage, tariff, security, and management platform, you can ensure that you select a solution that meets your business needs.

Remember, the right IoT connectivity can transform your business operations and unlock new opportunities for efficiency and productivity, if you have any connectivity questions, contact us below, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you soon!