IoT deployments need a bottom up approach
What do we mean by a bottom up approach? A bottom up approach requires you to first build the wireless network, then in a stable, scalable and secure fashion, build in the IoT solutions on top. Many organisations take the Top down approach, finding a solution to a problem followed by overlaying a network to connect to the solution.
An analogy we have been given by Ruckus Networks - “Every house needs a solid foundation. You would not want your electrician pouring concrete, nor would you want your brick layer to work on your plumbing. So why do we feel comfortable with sensor, device or manufacturers of “things” providing the components for an enterprise network? We shouldn’t.“
The added problem with “thing” vendors, is they only care about their device, their own network. Deploying a network for vendors each with their own network adds costs, is highly redundant and creates potential security holes.
Benefits of providing a bottom up network with RIOT
RIOT stands for “Ruckus Networks Internet of Things Suite”. An enterprise-grade network that leverages Wi-Fi infrastructure that is also capable of configuring, managing and connecting to things securely across applications and vendors.
- World-class backbone – enterprise-grade network infrastructure.
- Integrated front end – Access Points supporting best of Wi-Fi and IoT technologies (BLE, Zigbee, more…) with integrated coexistence technology to manage interference.
- Converged back end – unified control and services management, allowing all IoT devices, from different vendors to be managed, configured and those that need, connected to relevant local or cloud services. An integrated rules engine that can use information from some “things” as triggers for actions in other “things” is also a huge plus – but can be saved for another blog.
- Enterprise-grade security – hardened devices, admin on-boarding, Over the Air security, IoT/Wi-Fi Network isolation and more.
- Extensibility – the system can be used for a host of applications, from BLE real-time location services to Zigbee connected entry, smart building sensors, security, etc… across applications and manufacturers
- Open – Open System, Open APIs, SDKs to enable the IoT community to collaborate and leverage the network.
Providing the Ruckus Networks IoT Suite, DigitalAir offer IoT Suite as a service (IoT Manager), with an annual subscription model for organisations looking to move their network to the next generation of connectivity, usability and data gathering. If you would like to know more about how IoT Manager can help your organisation, or request a demo of the IoT suite, please get in touch.