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The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing and improving the way we work and live. Still, it's only possible with pervasive IoT solutions built on flexible and long-lived wireless connectivity. At the heart of it all is a tiny device called the IoT module responsible for connecting virtually anything to wireless networks. IoT modules come with a wide range of wireless technology standards, and they provide a variety of features that can impact the success of IoT applications. So, how do you select the right IoT Wireless Module for your solution? Let's take a step-by-step approach and begin with the basics.
An IoT module is a small electronic device embedded in objects, machines, and things connected to wireless networks and sends and receives data. Sometimes referred to as a "radio chip", the IoT module contains the same technology and data circuits found in mobile phones but without features like a display or keypad. Another key differentiator of IoT modules is that they provide always-on connectivity because IoT applications need to send data automatically, in real-time, without someone hitting a send button. In addition, they are engineered for extreme durability and longevity and need to operate continuously for a decade or more to justify the technology's business case and cost.
Unlike consumer devices typically carried by the end-user and used in controlled environments, IoT devices are often deployed in extreme environments and far-flung locations like shipping containers or under seawater in harbor management solutions. IoT environments can be tremendously demanding with extreme temperatures, vibration, and humidity. Besides, they're often in remote, hard-to-reach locations, making it cost-prohibitive to send a technician out for repairs. IoT modules must be ruggedized to provide reliable connectivity without service interruption, regardless of location or wireless network.
IoT solutions are built to meet unique customer needs, and each use-case has specific requirements for connectivity. For instance, large-scale projects connecting tens of thousands of global endpoints are markedly different than those connecting only hundreds of devices. Large projects with complex infrastructures typically require bespoke connectivity solutions that meet specific needs and integrate IoT modules. However, smaller-scale projects can leverage pre-designed and pre-certified IoT Terminals that provide plug-and-play connectivity, saving time and development expense.
IoT modules and IoT terminals use a variety of wireless technologies to stay seamlessly and securely connected. These range from: 5G, 4G, and 3G cellular solutions for high bandwidth applications like connected cars, Low-Power, Wide-Area (LPWAN) solutions such as MTC (Machine Type Communication), and Bluetooth and LoRa are used for intelligent road systems, smart city applications, and enterprise applications. Selecting the IoT RF module with the best features, bandwidth, and price point for each use case is an essential step toward achieving business and revenue goals. These choices can seem daunting at first, but experienced OEMs and developers can help weed through connectivity considerations to find the best match for each use case.
