Understanding
IoT architecture
and the advances
it enables

As businesses increasingly understand the return on investment and competitive advantages associated with Internet of Things (IoT) innovation, they are pursuing IoT projects in greater numbers. A Gartner survey reveals that “47% of organizations will increase investments in IoT despite the impact of COVID-19.”¹ However, in order to fully maximize the potential IoT offers, business leaders need to know how IoT architecture makes it all possible.

Here's a look at three important aspects of IoT architecture and how they enable IoT success.

Because IoT devices rely heavily on network connectivity, especially where edge computing is concerned, a strong IoT network architecture is essential to a winning IoT strategy. This network foundation often includes narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) as well as CatM1 radio connectivity that enables industrial applications, smart city functions like smart street lighting and even smart grid solutions.

A strong IoT network architecture goes beyond narrowband connectivity, however. A robust 5G network enables low-latency connections in cases where they are absolutely essential, such as mobile edge computing. These 5G links, in turn, can deliver transformative 5G and IoT edge computing innovations such as immersive augmented and virtual reality experiences, next-level logistics improvements that enhance supply chain delivery, robotics applications in industries like healthcare, and autonomous vehicles.

5G could also drive the rapid expansion of IoT on an unprecedented scale in the coming years. 5G is expected to be capable of supporting up to 1 million devices in a square kilometer, which will in turn enable businesses to deploy and manage IoT solutions on a far broader scale. 5G network architecture is also anticipated to ignite a radical increase in the number of connected devices and systems, generating a massive IoT comprising somewhere in the range of 55.7 billion devices across the globe by 2025, 75% (or roughly 40 billion) of which will be connected to an IoT platform.²

Managing an ecosystem of IoT devices at scale is a complex endeavor, which is why your IoT platform will have a significant impact on your ability to bring your IoT vision to life. A robust IoT platform can help you quickly and securely activate your IoT devices on your 4G LTE and  5G network, locate them, troubleshoot any issues they may be having and manage their entire life cycles from end to end. By optimizing your IoT devices and operations in this way, you can improve your IoT performance, increase your deployment scalability, enhance your IoT device security and compete more effectively in the market.

An IoT platform can help you do all of these things at scale in the cloud without having to make costly upfront capital expenditures. If you need to begin with a prototype, you can easily start there. As your IoT program becomes more ambitious and fully integrated, a high-quality IoT platform can keep it fully orchestrated and delivering on its intended goals—all with manageable and predictable costs. Along the way, IoT managed services solutions can also lend you the deep expertise needed to ensure that your IoT strategy is fully on track and reaching its maximum potential.

As many business leaders know, IoT integrations can greatly accelerate time to market. That's why IoT integrators and partners are such an important aspect of your IoT architecture. Whether you're designing your own IoT solution from scratch or want to partner with an experienced IoT resource to create one, you have several options at your fingertips for doing just that.

Cloud partners can help you securely stream IoT sensor data to the cloud, for example, while hardware partners can make sure your IoT concept is simple, effective and cost-efficient. Design houses can help you create an IoT product or service that is truly cutting edge, making sure that it is properly conceived to achieve the goal you have in mind. System integrators take a holistic approach, guiding your innovative idea from its initial concept all the way to production.

An IoT solutions provider that has deep expertise in IoT network architecture can make all the difference in bringing your IoT strategy to life. For this reason, it's wise to seek an IoT partner that can provide a solid network foundation, a robust IoT platform, a full IoT ecosystem and vertical-specific solutions that are tailored to your unique business needs.

Once you're fully acquainted with the benefits of a strong IoT architecture and have an experienced IoT partner on your team, you will have everything you need to take full advantage of the IoT's massive potential.

Discover how Verizon's IoT solutions can bring your IoT vision to life.