How Telit OneEdge Solves Common Cellular IoT Challenges
By Martino Turcato
February 11, 2020
Modules, Connectivity, Platforms
Challenges of Cellular IoT
Managing a massive IoT deployment can be complicated. Those new to IoT might assume that cellular coverage is available and stable everywhere — for now, that’s not the case. Even in areas with consistent coverage, devices that consume too much bandwidth can be pushed off the network based on providers’ fair usage policies.
Security is another concern. IoT projects often include a patchwork of hardware and software from various suppliers, creating vulnerabilities and difficulties in securing devices and data. While network operators can take steps to harden security in the cellular domain, the process is quite complex, and many make the dangerous choice to ignore cyber threats rather than deal with them.
Adequate security cannot be added once devices are in the field. Safeguards must be built into hardware and software from the beginning to ensure optimal protection.
Launching a successful massive IoT deployment requires enterprises to be able to scale, monitor, secure and operate dozens, hundreds or thousands of devices in multiple geographies. That combination of responsibilities can be staggering, and few companies have the internal expertise to ensure success. Deploying a piecemeal set of IoT technology that fails in the field can cost enterprises a great deal of time and money.
Cellular IoT Deployment, Simplified
Despite its complications, the promise of massive IoT deployment remains unprecedented, and new IoT solutions are helping enterprises simplify the process. Building on our DNA as a hardware vendor, Telit created OneEdge, a suite of software and tools that allows companies to ensure a secure cellular IoT deployment that’s easy to manage. Cellular modules are manufactured with their unique identification and credentials, ensuring a sealed ecosystem with secure communications between devices and platforms. At the device level, the secure boot provides an added level of protection by verifying that the module’s software is uncompromised. If a malicious actor tries to modify the software, the module will shut down and become unusable.
How Telit OneEdge Takes Your Cellular IoT Application from Prototype to Product
OneEdge’s services and server-side components allow solution providers to link IoT device data with third-party analytics and cloud applications already in place, making it easy to integrate enterprise systems. Zero-touch deployment allows providers to provision devices and update firmware and software from afar — a valuable tool for IoT projects, which often require sensors to be placed in remote, inaccessible locations. OneEdge allows providers to program devices to check in when needed instead of always staying connected to the network. For example, in a cold chain deployment, an operator might only need to hear from the device if there’s a problem with the freezer truck. In that case, they can program it to send an alert if the sensor detects temperatures below a certain level. Devices can also be programmed to alert solution provider when they require maintenance services such as a new battery.
Telit is leading the charge toward massive IoT with a suite of tools that streamlines the IoT deployment journey — from The First Mile™ to the last.
