Unlocking the Potential of IoT for Small Businesses: A Beginner's Guide

Is your business ready for the Internet of Things (IoT)

Most small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) are not prepared to take the plunge into the Internet of Things (IoT) and are uncertain how IoT can help their businesses thrive. Unlike enterprise-sized companies, SMBs are often resource restrained in terms of workforce or budget and lack specific subject matter expertise for complex IoT projects.

One of the key factors of a successful IoT implementation is having a trusted partner, a one-stop shop that can provide guidance throughout a deployment and understand the nuances of IoT applications and their respective connectivity needs. Connectivity is the link between IoT devices and cloud-based applications that aggregate, analyze, and manage the information produced. Without robust and reliable connectivity, IoT devices are unable to transmit data from the field in a timely fashion. It is the glue that holds the system together.

So, how do you know what connectivity options to choose? How can you ensure predictable data costs while maximizing performance? How can you get your IoT solution up and running quickly and easily? How can you guarantee the security of the data you transmit?

Addressing the Connectivity Challenge

Selecting the right connectivity solution for your business will depend on exactly how you intend to use your IoT devices. Let’s look at some common challenges for SMBs.

Cost

Setting up connectivity infrastructure can be expensive and time consuming. As SMBs have limited budgets, they often prefer scalable operational expenses, rather than having capital outlay and up-front costs. This requires a connectivity solution that can be deployed quickly and can be accessed as a service, with pay-per-usage or other flexible options, which are not always available. In addition, many connectivity plans are rigid with little flexibility to match conditions on the ground, such as seasonal trends or business downturns. It can also be hard to track data usage, resulting in overspending. Being able to accurately predict connectivity costs, even as circumstances change, is vital for SMBs so they can demonstrate a clear return on investment (ROI).

Seguridad

SMBs are frequent targets for cyberattacks as they are often considered to be easier targets than larger companies, it is estimated that 55% of SMBs have experienced a cyberattack. A data breach is serious for all companies, but especially for SMBs due to the potential business losses, reputational costs, as well as fines that can be incurred. Therefore, it is vital that any connectivity solution provides water-tight data security.

Wi-Fi frequencies can have exploitable flaws, especially if they are using unlicensed spectrums. Cellular connectivity, by contrast, uses data encryption by default. Carriers have invested enormous amounts in the security of their networks, so SMBs can be assured that their data is properly secured when it is being transferred from their devices to the cloud.

Complexity

SMBs need solutions that can be easily integrated into their existing technology and an experienced full-service provider to ensure a painless implementation. This is because they often do not have in-house tech teams that are able to implement a connectivity infrastructure, which is highly complex. Recent research shows that 75% of businesses struggle to deploy their IoT solution due to connectivity issues. This demonstrates the value of a reliable partner that can handle all aspects of the deployment and can quickly troubleshoot any issues that may occur. Meanwhile, if the IoT solution spans different regions, it may involve interacting with different carriers. It is time consuming to manage SIMs with a range of partners and it may include multiple invoicing and payment arrangements, which is another factor for SMBs to consider.

Monitoring And Management

Tracking and managing the devices in an IoT deployment is also challenging. An effective connectivity solution should include a cloud-based management platform to aggregate and access IoT data and to provide visibility into device performance, data usage and other parameters. For SMBs this can be a major cost-saver as it enables them to be efficient and proactive, diagnosing and resolving issues in the network quickly and provisioning new devices efficiently.

Speed

Many SMBs gain a competitive advantage from agility. When implementing a connectivity solution, they need to be able to get to market in a short time frame. This can be difficult, whether opting for Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity and requires fully enabled solutions and partners that are experienced in managing IoT deployments. Having a single partner that offers effective, plug-and-play connectivity options can help companies get up and running quickly.

Coverage

After investing in an IoT solution, that last thing a company wants is patchy coverage and poor-quality data transfer. The location of your IoT devices and whether your use cases are mobile or fixed, will have a major impact on your connectivity strategy. Mobile applications such as asset trackers may require fast attachment to various networks as they move across geographies. Fixed assets, like video cameras and vending machines require consistent data throughput with minimal latency and downtime.

Reliability

Reducing downtime and maximizing reliability is a crucial element for any connectivity solution. For SMBs, outages can result in lost revenues and poor customer experience. If a vending machine is out of action, then it directly impacts sales, if an industrial printer breaks down during a print run, then it can cause substantial monetary reference after loss, if an IoT sensor goes dead, it could result in inventory being mislaid. Traditional Wi-Fi bands such as 2.4 GHz can be heavily used, resulting in interference. Meanwhile, options such as the 5 GHz band have a far shorter range and can struggle to penetrate objects like walls in buildings. By contrast, some cellular solutions may rely on a single carrier, with no back-up, which can be risky if there is a network outage. To maximize resiliency, you need a cellular solution that provides access to a range of networks in each region or country, with multiple redundant routes to each network.

Benefits of Cellular Connectivity

There are many options for IoT connectivity including wired networking, traditional Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands), or wireless wide-area technology. However, due to drawbacks in these technologies such as cost, coverage, flexibility, and security, many SMBs are opting to use cellular networks. With low-power wide-area (LPWA) technologies designed specifically for connecting IoT assets, cellular networks have many advantages:

Secure

Mobile network operators (MNOs) make huge investments to ensure that that their networks are stable and reliable and must guarantee quality of service (QoS). Data is encrypted by default giving best-in-class security.

Cost-Effective

Companies do not have to invest in setting up their own connectivity infrastructure, they can leverage existing carrier networks.

Flexible

Cellular networks can transmit any type of data, from a location or temperature sensor to rich media, like videos and provide reliable connectivity from almost anywhere. As a result, they can provide great flexibility and enable a range of IoT applications.

Interoperable

4G technologies are standardized and easy to integrate with existing technology stacks, helping to reduce complexity.

Cellular Connectivity Options

Cellular internet connectivity was initially created to service consumer devices, such as mobile phones and tablets. IoT assets, by contrast, have different technical needs. They sometimes require far less data transfer but must remain in the field for many years without losing power. It is common for IoT devices to be distributed over large areas, or in challenging environments such as remote locations, or in basements. To address these operational needs, the 4G low-power wide-area (4G LPWA) standards were created. These offer ultra-low power consumption, while providing robust coverage and security from anywhere. There are two main LPWA standards Narrow Band IoT (NB-IoT) and LTE-M.

While LPWA options, like NB-IoT and LTE-M, are growing in popularity, they still only represent around 20% of IoT modules. Many companies use earlier technology iterations such as 4G LTE Cat 1+, which also provide global coverage, low latency and good power efficiency and are well suited to most static IoT applications.

Whatever option an SMB goes for, cellular technology can be a key enabler for many IoT use-cases. Vending machines, smart lockers and customer kiosks can be installed anywhere in a building or shop floor, without the need for a fixed-line infrastructure. This means they can be in optimal positions for customer flow and convenience. Applications like smart meters or digital signs, which are often in outside settings, can also be reliably connected. 4G cellular technology has latency rates of 50-100ms, which makes it effective for video streaming, whether enabling surveillance cameras, or video for home schooling or home-offices.

Because cellular can connect mobile assets, it is also used for supply chain monitoring or fleet management. IoT sensors can provide data on the location and condition of cargo, or on the speed, mileage and engine performance for fleet vehicles. In the health setting, cellular IoT is also a common choice for wearable devices and home health monitoring, as it gives patients the freedom to move around while remaining connected.

The 5G Revolution

As 5G networks spread around the world, they will offer a step-change in capabilities for IoT devices, including ultra-low latency, massive data transfer and the ability to connect large numbers of devices in small geographic areas. This technology will enable many exciting IoT use cases such as autonomous vehicles, real-time 4k video streaming and smart city infrastructure. One benefit of 5G technology is that companies will be able to carve out their own slice of the network, allowing them to optimize their deployments based on how much data is needed. Not all companies will be able to shift to 5G applications in the next few years, especially as the infrastructure is still being rolled out. However, LPWA technologies are based on 4G and will offer a pathway to 5G, making migration easier.

5g Advancing Existing & Enabling New Use Cases
Real Time Communications through ultra-high bandwidth and low latency

• Freight
• Videovigilancia
• Sistemas GPS
• Cryptocurrency Atm
• Digital Vending
• Fleet Mgmt.
• Public Safety
• Networking
• Utilities
• Manufacturas
• Asset Monitoring

Key Connectivity Considerations

The connectivity partner you choose depends on the exact needs of your IoT deployment. Important decisions include network speed (4G LTE or even 5G), the number of devices and location, monthly data requirements, how much flexibility you need in your arrangements and how quickly you have to get to the market. When it comes to IoT deployments, it can be common for companies to have relationships with multiple carriers, which can be difficult to manage. As the IoT grows it will become increasingly fragmented, which can lead to system compromises. It is crucial to have a connectivity solution that minimizes security risks. It is also important to consider scalability and flexibility. For instance, will it be straightforward to add new devices to the network or expand the deployment into new locations?

A Secure, One-Stop Shop for IoT Connectivity

NEBULACLOUD works with SMBs to ensure that their managed connectivity is made simple, helping them accelerate the connectivity journey from planning to deployment and management. Our Smart Connectivity and Ready-to-Connect solutions are specially designed to simplify IoT and give our clients more control over their assets.

One-Stop Shop with One Iot Partner

There is no need to go to multiple vendors. With NEBULACLOUD?s global SIM you can integrate multiple tier one carriers without having to manage relationships with each one.

There is one point of accountability and one invoice for your deployment, simplifying operations and streamlining inventory. NEBULACLOUD has over 25 years? experience in network troubleshooting, giving you fast and reliable support for any connectivity issues you may face. NEBULACLOUD can act as a single partner for your entire IoT deployment helping to de-risk the solution and increase speed to market.

Predicable Costs and Reliable Connectivity

Avoid unexpected bill shocks with a predictable monthly bill for data usage. Smart connectivity allows companies to seamlessly connect with more than 600 carrier networks in 190 countries. NEBULACLOUD?s use patented technology means that if there is an outage for one network, it will automatically connect with the next best available option, minimizing downtime.

Connect Quickly

NEBULACLOUD offers easy to purchase SIMs that you can activate and manage them with the management platform. Simplify your deployment with modules and router modules that are pre-integrated with eSIMs that give instant access to our Smart Connectivity service. This eliminates the need to provide individual devices. With full integration from the device-to-the-cloud, SMBs can cut their start-up-times and reduce the total costs.

Built-In Security for Peace of Mind

NEBULACLOUD?s eSIMs offer built-in security, providing end-to-end data encryption. For added security, our connectivity offers come with static or dynamic IP addresses along with private APN/VPN options.

Predictable Costs

NEBULACLOUD provides real-time usage information allowing you to keep on track of data spending, with automated alerts if any pre-set thresholds are breached. This allows you to carefully track and predict costs with no surprises bill shocks. Our clients can also suspend or change plans at any time, to give them maximum flexibility to manage their IoT deployments. There are no upfront development costs for our connectivity solutions, which can be accessed as a service, with multiple different packages to suit your needs.

Unified Management Platform

NEBULACLOUD?s cloud-based platform provides a single view of all devices and SIMs in your IoT deployment. This makes it easy to provide SIMs, track usage, monitor devices and diagnose issues in the field.

Maximize Uptime

Downtime caused by a cellular network outage can mean a loss of revenue to businesses. NEBULACLOUD? Smart Connectivity has built-in resilience offering multiple networks on one SIM, that can intelligently attach to available networks to keep your devices connected.

NEBULACLOUD ? A Trusted Partner of IoT Connectivity for Small Business

Connecting IoT assets can be hard. NEBULACLOUD takes the pain out of the process, helping SMBs to deploy quickly. We understand the operational challenges faced by SMBs and have products and pricing plans that are specially designed for this market. We work with our customers and keep them informed about IoT trends and how they can get the most out of their applications. We believe that by giving customers greater visibility and control over their IoT network, they can optimize costs and simplify management, while ensuring that their data is secure.