The Internet of Things (IoT) is a growing category of technology that will soon include a variety of items that previously contained no digital elements at all. The rapidly growing market is creating better ways to manage both home and workplace tasks, but it comes with a bigger demand on broadband.

The Internet of Things: The IoT encompasses a wide variety of items, including any element with a sensor that can interact with the internet and other devices. The digitization of everyday items has been shaped by both the shrinking size of sensors and a decrease in the amount of power they require.

There are a lot of different types of items that fit into the definition of the IoT:

• Wearable telehealth monitors that report heart rate, blood sugar levels, and other key information back to a clinic
• Smart appliances that are programmed to run during the time of day that the power costs are lower or that alert a repair technician when they need maintenance
• Cars that warn drivers of upcoming weather changes or traffic jams, allowing them to adjust speed and become more alert as they approach the situation

The IoT is already changing the way people run their households, but it will also have an important impact on the business sector. The result is that countless items of data will be traveling to and from the internet, with much of the data being time-critical.

The impact on network needs: The availability of in-home wireless networks will support the growth of the IoT, but there need to be in-building fiber deployments which are necessary for use in industry and in homes where wireless is not available. Fiber broadband may be required to support the overall advance of the IoT, because experts predict that if the average consumer struggles to get their devices to work properly without the right network support, they’ll abandon the device before they change the network configuration.

The use of smart devices is expected to see explosive growth over the next few years, with homes having hundreds of items. Companies that use the IoT will have a competitive edge and improve the customer experience.

With direct partnerships with the top cable companies, hosted voice companies, CLECs, and ILECs, Innovative Business Solutions provides the broadband solutions you need. Make an appointment to talk with us about how the IoT will shape your business and your network needs in the future.