Posted by Manju Amarnath

The Internet of Things network of interconnected devices such as sensors, gateways, and computers that transfer the data over a wireless network eliminates the need for human intervention. IoT devices can be remotely tracked, and controlled in real-time. It also enables users to connect and interact with others over the internet. The applications of IoT are tremendous and it can be found in every part of human life, ranging from smartwatches to self-driving cars.

What Is IoT Device Management?

IoT device management refers to the ability to remotely accessing, monitoring, tracking and managing the functionality of IoT devices in order to ensure the deployed devices are secure, up to date and compliant. Here’s a breakdown of the reasons why businesses need an IoT device management platform:

• Accelerate time to market

One of the biggest perks of the IoT device management platform is that it helps developers to reduce the time frame of product development and testing, thereby enabling them to release products to market on time. Furthermore, streamlining and automating network and device management tasks enables businesses to concentrate on their core competencies while lowering costs.

• Secure device on and off boarding

A smart device is not, and should not be, automatically connected to an IoT network. A secure approach is required to configure and add only authorized devices to the network architecture, and a network and device management tool makes this simple and straightforward. End nodes can be authenticated and secure communications established via a web interface by registering and attaching them to the authorized base station using their network keys and identification credentials. Only after the node has completed the onboarding process it will be allowed to join the network and securely transmit data using network-level encryption. Similarly, if deployed nodes are no longer required, they can be easily offboarded from the web UI – without having to travel to the field.

• Streamline network monitoring and troubleshooting

IoT device management platform enables firms to gain a top to bottom view of all registered nodes, network traffic and their status in a single interface. It acts as a central hub for data aggregation across base stations in a network with multiple base stations. This is especially useful for monitoring and identifying unexpected network and device problems. Businesses can quickly identify and determine the root causes of bottlenecks with real-time visibility into incoming data, battery level, and keep-alive messages from individual nodes. For example, if a node fails to deliver messages on a regular basis, the radio traffic may be overloaded. If, on the other hand, it completely disconnects from the network and stops sending messages, it could be due to a hardware or firmware flaw. Similarly, by continuously monitoring battery levels, firms can schedule maintenance for multiple devices at the same time, saving time and money.

• Simplifies downstream application deployment

IoT device management platform serves as a link between the edge network, downstream data servers of users and enterprise applications. Using protocols like MQTT and API calls, a versatile IoT device management solution allows for easy integration with any backend system, whether on-premises or in the cloud. As a result, firms can easily deploy and scale IoT applications to meet changing business needs, whether by adding new devices to an existing app or connecting to a new analytics platform. It also enables businesses to gain a better view of all current integrations and applications from a single window thereby simplifying the management of an entire IoT project.

• Eliminate security risks

Considering the ever-increasing complexity of cyber-attacks, it is critical to equip connected IoT network components such as base stations and routers with the most up-to-date security features. A manual approach cannot keep up with the demand for continuous and timely updates to these critical network infrastructures, particularly those deployed remotely - Here comes the need for an IoT device management tool. It will enable businesses to update operating systems automatically and run security updates from afar, helping them to save money while also ensuring their remote base stations are well-prepared against malicious attacks. Furthermore, round-the-clock monitoring of the network assists firms in the early detection of unusual patterns, such as an increase in data traffic, which could indicate a breach and eliminate security hazards.

Conclusion

The advancements in IoT and AI services have made it critical for businesses to rely on efficient and secure methods to manage and control their networks and devices at scale. An IoT device management platform helps businesses to track, manage and gain real-time insights into all devices and stay on top of their deployment. When combined with a robust wireless solution, it enables firms to seamlessly expand their IoT network and solutions at minimal cost and complexity.