Telecom is one of the most technologically sophisticated industries. Besides, it’s been one of the first few industries to embrace the Internet of Things or IoT to enhance business analytics, make remote sites safer, and reduce operational costs. Today, it is widely used in the telecom sector. As per a report by an IoT analyst company, in the next four years, there will be 4.15 bn IoT devices connected to cellular networks. IoT for telecom is constantly being refined and enhanced to help the sector overcome some of its biggest challenges, like – ensuring the reliable quality of service. Below are some of the leading IoT trends for telecom that will influence the sector in the coming years.
Real-time data streaming with the help of IoT
With the help of data analytics tools, telecom operators can have access to visually rich insights, but the challenge arises when the data has to be analyzed before it is stored.
With the help of streaming analytics, data streams can be pre-processed in real-time. For example, IoT data streams consist of IoT devices information, which can be pre-processed in real-time. To possess such large amounts of data, big data platforms or stream processing tools are usually leveraged.
There are quite a few real-time streaming platforms out there. Some examples are:
- Apache Cassandra can handle massive amounts of data across many commodity servers. Apache tools – Apache Kafka, connected with Apache Hive, Hadoop, and Spark, is utilized by platforms like Netflix for massive concurrent data streams processing.
- Amazon’s Kinesis is used for the real-time processing of streaming data on the cloud.
What’s the need for streaming analytics?
Analytics detect potential unusual data patterns in data collected using IoT sensors. If it is not addressed on time, it can cause massive issues.
The big data in the 5G IoT ecosystem is only going to increase exponentially in the future. With the help of data stream processing in real-time, the decision-making process can be better automated. It also enhances data quality, safety & security.
5G for Telecom IoT Solutions
5G adoption is still at its outset but in 2021 and ahead, the 5G technology will keep expanding over a wide range of verticals. The combination of 5G and IoT is set to open a world of new opportunities for telecom enterprises. They will set the stage for a connected future where each element will be controlled by IoT and data. They will also speed up smart concepts like Industry 4.0 and smart cities. These technologies also have the potential to turn the possibilities of remote healthcare delivery, education delivery, natural disaster prediction, and accurate weather forecasting into a reality.
Ultra-fast internet will guarantee unobstructed connectivity of the millions of IoT devices, which will ensure the following benefits for the telecom sector:
- Faster data transfer for IoT from IoT-connected devices and sensors.
- Using 5G Radio Access Network architecture, the telecom sector will be able to seamlessly manage sudden spikes and network congestion.
- 5G helps IoT networks reach their full potential by delivering a thousand times higher capacity.
- With the help of 5G, IoT devices will just take five milliseconds to transfer data.
Narrowband or NB-IoT
It is a narrowband radio technology for IoT devices, helping connect devices that need low bandwidth and small amounts of data. They use little power for long battery lives. It is especially useful for IoT applications that require more frequent communications.
NB-IoT is highly cost-effective, not requiring additional gateways or routers, which simplifies IoT arrangements.
LTE-M and narrowband IoT are two protocol technologies telecoms use to connect IoT devices to their networks. Vodafone has partnered with AT&T for NB-IoT roaming in Europe and the US.
Use Cases of NB-IoT:
- Monitoring remote parking, street lights, and complete waste management.
- It can seamlessly track all sorts of pollution.
- It can scrutinize air conditioning, alarm systems, and complete ventilation system.
Roaming capabilities for IoT
Global network connectivity is a crucial requirement for all IoT devices. IoT devices with roaming capabilities mean devices can connect to a cellular network even in areas where the primary telecom does not have any infrastructure. Telecom companies like Verizon, Vodafone, and AT&T boast of roaming capabilities for their IoT devices.
Artificial Internet of Things
Artificial IoT or Artificial Intelligence in IoT is revolutionizing the telecom sector by using cognitive systems for making decisions more experience and context-based.
It involves the following:
- Linking the computer to the connected devices and the internet.
- Analyzing big data and supplying the necessary amount of data to the system.
AI is integrated into IoT via chipsets, devices, and edge computing systems.
Artificial IoT is combined with predictive analytics for enhanced telecom functions. With the help of real-time data analytics and prediction models, errors or anomalies in the network can be identified. It also facilitates complete remote monitoring & management of the assets.
Some use cases of AI amalgamated with IoT
- Remote access
- Theft exposure
- Fraud examination
Final words:
The Internet of Things serves as a great adjunct to the telecom industry. The emerging IoT technologies like 5G and big data will help the industry tap remarkable benefits and expand a service portfolio with a range of IoT-enabled services in different areas, such as – smart cities development, smart retail, asset tracking, and others.
