The number of IoT devices is poised to hit a new high of 38 billion interconnected devices in 2020, an exponential increase of 285% from 13 billion in 2015. This sudden surge in demand for IoT devices is due to the rising consumer interest and increasing adoption by SMEs. More consumers are now drawn to the idea of a ‘smart home’ that includes a host of devices such as home video security systems, video streaming, online gaming, and smart HVAC.
It is clear that the IoT has become a powerful transformative force that delivers a more efficient digital lifestyle to billions of people. However, this innovation comes at a dramatic cost – the likelihood of failure will increase based on the number of IoT devices in an ecosystem. The sheer number of IoT devices suggests that even if 1% of devices undergo malfunction, it will lead to hundreds of millions of failed devices.
5 Common Challenges Facing IoT Devices
Experts agree that five major factors contribute to the failure of IoT devices in 2020. All of this can be detrimental for businesses.
i) Operating Environment
A key factor in IoT functionality is access to a wide range of operating environments. This includes issues that commonly have to do with IoT uptime and the increased challenges posed by extreme environmental conditions including excessively high (or low) temperatures, poor handling of devices, signal blockage, Wi-Fi availability, and more.
ii) Challenging Configuration of Devices
IoT devices should be relatively easy for businesses and consumers to configure. Sometimes, these devices require manual intervention. It is far more effective to implement AI-based configuration to ensure an effective and fast setup for devices. Manufacturers are faced with the challenge of making their IoT devices smart enough to auto-configure themselves to enable effective deployment.
iii) Problems with Compatibility
Most smart home devices have their own apps that may not be compatible with each other or the user’s routers and other systems. It is true in case of powerful apps that are only available on specific devices. The more devices you have in terms of versatility, the higher the challenge of compatibility with other devices, which spells higher malfunction rates.
iv) Bandwidth Limitations
Device load will significantly increase as more of them are added to an ecosystem. This may require access to a large scale server farm to handle the huge influx of data generated as a result. Manufacturers will have to find clever and innovative ways of improving processing to allow for seamless transfer of data between IoT devices and their servers.
v) Connectivity Issues
One of the major challenges to connectivity will stem from connectivity issues. This includes a lack of signalling between IoT devices for routing and collection purposes. The router should be able to detect when a device goes offline and when it rejoins the network. It makes it relatively easier to monitor the device and promptly fix the issue as it arises.
Addressing these challenges requires access to experienced developers and services that specialize in the IoT ecosystem.
At Tantiv4, we specialize in solving critical IoT application problems. We are trying to change the world by providing results-driven IoT solutions that improve business efficiencies. Click here to contact us and find out how we can help your business.