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Using Internet of Things (IoT) Devices in business

Writer's picture: Howard RabbHoward Rabb

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The Internet of Things (IoT) is no longer a futuristic concept. It's rapidly transforming industries and reshaping how businesses operate. IoT is a blanket term to describe smart devices that are internet-enabled. Examples include smart sensors monitoring production lines and connected thermostats optimizing energy consumption. We also classify (perhaps incorrectly) different types of computer connected industrial production equipment as being (at the very least) IoT adjacent.


Experts project the number of connected devices worldwide to continue growing, rising from about 16 billion in 2023 to more than 22 billion in 2026. IoT devices are weaving themselves into the fabric of modern business operations. However, successfully deploying them on your existing network isn’t always easy. It can feel like navigating a maze.

Have you been struggling with the integration of smart devices? This guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps you need.


a graph from statista.com showing the forecasted growth of IoT connections from 2024 - 2033
Source: Statista.com https://www.statista.com/statistics/1183457/iot-connected-devices-worldwide/

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Needs

Before diving in, it's crucial to have a clear vision of your goals. Ask yourself and your team a few questions to ensure you’re aligning smart devices with business needs.


What problem are you trying to solve with IoT? Are you aiming to improve operational efficiency, gain real-time data insights, or enhance remote monitoring capabilities? Targeting your IoT device deployment by defining the issue it’s meant to solve helps you stay focused.


What type of data will you be collecting? Define the nature and volume of data generated by your chosen devices. This is essential for choosing the right network infrastructure.


What level of security do you need? Security measures depend on the sensitivity of the data collected. You might need specific measures to protect it from unauthorized access.

By going through these questions as a first step, you'll gain a clearer picture of your specific needs, enabling you to select the most appropriate IoT devices and network solutions.


Step 2: Select the Right Devices and Network Infrastructure

With your goals in mind, it's time to choose your components. You’ll want to look at both the devices and the infrastructure of the network.


IoT Devices When choosing smart devices, consider factors like compatibility with your existing infrastructure, data security features, scalability, and power requirements. Research reputable vendors and choose devices with strong security protocols and good firmware protection.


Network Infrastructure Your existing network might not be equipped for the extra traffic and data generated by IoT devices. You may need to upgrade your bandwidth, deploy separate networks for IoT devices, and invest in dedicated gateways that manage communication between devices and the cloud.


Step 3: Focus on Security Throughout the Journey

Security is paramount in the realm of IoT. Compromised devices can become gateways for cyberattacks. Malware attacks on IoT devices increased by 77% during the first half of 2022.


Here are some key security considerations:

Secure the Devices Ensure the chosen devices have strong passwords and are regularly updated with the latest firmware. Choose devices that offer features like encryption and secure boot. Although these are illegal in some parts of the world including the United States, some IoT devices still come shipped with weak passwords like admin/admin or the ever popular 1234. Some allow you to change this, but if you're deploying hundreds of devices this will add considerable time to your rollout plans.


Network Segmentation Create separate networks for IoT devices and critical business systems. This minimizes the potential impact of a security breach on your core operations. As a managed services provider serving businesses throughout the Golden Horseshoe including Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Niagara and Beyond 256 Solutions considers it a best practice to deploy IoT devices within a company on their own segregated network and VLAN. This approach protects the rest of the infrastructure in case an IoT device becomes breached. Segregating IoT devices ensures that even if a device is compromised, the impact on your critical systems is minimized.


Install Network Access Control (NAC) Install NAC solutions, such as multi-factor authentication, to restrict access to your network only to authorized devices and help enforce security policies automatically.


Track and Maintain Continuously monitor your network for suspicious activity and regularly update your security protocols and software to stay ahead of evolving threats.


Step 4: Deployment and Ongoing Management

With the necessary hardware and security measures in place, it's time to deploy your IoT devices. Here are some tips:

  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully during installation and configuration.

  • Test and confirm the functionality of your IoT devices before fully integrating them into your network.

  • Develop a comprehensive management strategy for your IoT devices, including regular maintenance, firmware updates, and issue monitoring.

Step 5: Continuous Learning and Improvement

The world of IoT is constantly evolving, and so should your approach. Here are some tips for continuous improvement:

Analyze the Data Once your IoT devices are operational, analyze the collected data to gain insights, identify areas for improvement, and refine your strategy.

Embrace Feedback Encourage feedback from stakeholders within your organization and use it to constantly refine your implementation and address emerging challenges.

Stay Informed Keep yourself updated on the latest trends and advancements in the IoT landscape to adapt and leverage new technologies as they emerge.

Successfully deploying IoT on your business network requires careful planning, prioritization of security, and a commitment to continuous improvement.


Get Expert Help for Your Network Devices

Need help embracing a proactive approach to IoT adoption? 256 Solutions, a Managed IT services provider serving Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Niagara, and beyond, can help you transform your business operations and unlock the full potential of smart devices.

Contact us today to learn more.


Article modified and used with permission from The Technology Press.

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