Do you find using wifi to be very convenient? The ability to connect wirelessly is far more significant than most of us realize. Of course, it has already revolutionized how we connect our devices to the internet. Using a router and an internet connection with a Cox customer support number, you can connect to the network as long as you are in range. But wireless connectivity has even more applications in IoT or the Internet of Things. In fact, IoT may become one of the biggest game-changers for businesses in 2022. Read on to discover the 5 IoT trends in 2022 that may shape the future, and beyond.
Increasing Focus on More Secure IoT Devices
The near-global shift towards remote working was perhaps the only possible response to the covid-19 pandemic. And while it helped businesses remain functional, it also opened up new cybersecurity loopholes. An employee at work would typically connect their PC or phone to the employer’s secure network. Therefore, maintaining security and policing the network was less complex. But an employee at home may have any number of vulnerabilities. They, or others in their home, could own outdated devices. Their in-home wifi equipment may be obsolete. Or their network may already be infected with malware.
For businesses, this opened up massive risks, and many had to deal with security breaches in the months following the pandemic. While it may not be possible to prevent a breach 100% of the time, new IoT devices with more robust security features can address at least part of the problem. If remote working continues, businesses may soon distribute secondary security IoT devices along with PCs and other equipment.
New Opportunities for IoT in Healthcare
The healthcare industry was one of the earliest sectors to embrace IoT. Wearable tech, such as heart rate monitors, contaminant detectors, and even automated decontamination are all great examples. But the pandemic has forced IoT to take up broader roles than it used to. IoT can help monitor patients who are isolated at home.
These devices can pick up on irregularities in health in real-time and signal a health provider to take the necessary action. It can track patients, adherence to social distancing, and even monitor chronic conditions. IoT can even assist with keeping hospitals cleaner by automatically disinfecting surfaces that see a lot of use. This may prove invaluable in preventing the spread of infectious diseases in the future, not just now.
Boosting Output and Quality in Manufacturing
The manufacturing process relies heavily on maximizing both output and quality. Both are areas where IoT is beginning to play more significant roles. Smart sensors can detect and isolate problems with, say a manufacturing plant or its complex components. It can also help with quality monitoring and control in real-time.
The right use of IoT technology may even potentially help to pinpoint inefficiencies or abnormal wastages in the manufacturing process. Addressing these problems can help manufacturers boost the volume and quality of output, leading to more efficient production and consistency.
IoT as Onboard Analytics Components
Tesla’s self-driving vehicles and those of other manufacturers are great examples of edge computing. Edge computing involves the use of specialized analytics components built into the hardware. This helps to analyze data based on the various sensory inputs chosen for the job. But it does not have to transmit the information and wait for a response.
Hence, the use of IoT in autonomous vehicles can help them become far more responsive to their surroundings. This is critical when it comes to road safety and avoiding collisions. Using analytics components on the car’s central computer can also adjust fuel consumption, traction, braking, and other aspects of the vehicle as needed.
IoT Supplementing the 5G Ecosystem
5G has been the subject of a lot of controversy over the past few years. But the technology, and the blazing fast speeds it offers, are here to stay. The 5G infrastructure will create a much faster channel for communication and data transmission. However, the next big step could be introducing support for IoT devices.
This may not sound like much, but 5G networks could bridge a much larger gap than two IoT devices connected inside a single home. Instead, the larger ecosystem could bring the concept of a smart community, or even a smart city, much closer to reality.