What is the Internet of Things?

One hears a great deal about the Internet of Things (IoT) today, leading many casual observers to ask “What is the Internet of Things exactly—and what does it have to do with me?"

Here’s a short introduction to this new technology that answers the question “What is the Internet of Things?” and provides a brief overview of the enterprise network solutions that will be critical to managing the IoT successfully.

What is the Internet of Things?

The phrase “Internet of Things” simply refers to the growing number of connected devices, sensors and technologies that can collect and transmit data—from smart thermostats and lighting systems to security cameras and manufacturing equipment to medical devices and parking meters.

What is the Internet of Things’ purpose?

By collecting, aggregating, analyzing and using this data, organizations can improve revenue, drive productivity, deliver better service and reduce operating costs. Ultimately, the Internet of Things is about making lives easier, processes more efficient and technology more effective.

What is the Internet of Things’ requirements for connectivity?

Each IoT device typically has low bandwidth requirements of 250 Kbps per sensor. But when hundreds or thousands of low-speed sensors are aggregated on a single network, the impact on enterprise network bandwidth can be significant.

What is the Internet of Things’ impact on network performance?

The rise of the IoT will have a dramatic impact on Internet and wide-area network (WAN) traffic. Upstream traffic will dominate, as sensor data typically flows from the edge to the cloud. That means network solutions offering symmetric capacity will be critical.

What is the Internet of Things’ timing for implementation?

The Internet of Things is already upon us, with the number of connected devices expected to grow exponentially over the next few years. This reality has business leaders scrambling to put IT infrastructure and network management solutions in place to meet the demand.

What will the Internet of Things require in terms of new technologies?

More than new technologies, enterprises will likely need managed services solutions that allow IT teams to offload the many tasks involved in managing an overwhelming number of IoT devices. These may include managed security, managed WiFi and managed routing solutions.

What does Spectrum Enterprise offer to help optimize and manage the Internet of Things?

Spectrum Enterprise offers fiber technology and managed cloud and network services that can help to streamline and simplify management of IoT devices and networks. Providing managed WiFi and router services along with high-speed gigabit Internet service with symmetric connectivity, Spectrum Enterprise is positioned to be an ideal partner for enterprises seeking to ride the IoT wave to greater profitability.

Learn more about Fiber Internet services from Spectrum Enterprise.