IoT connectivity: Choosing a reliable foundation for IoT systems

Building and deploying IoT systems requires many elements to work together, but connectivity is often considered among the most critical ones. Without reliable connectivity, even the most advanced IoT solutions fall short of their potential, making investments less impactful. And as reports suggest, stable available connectivity is still something IoT adopters struggle with.

According to Eseye's 2024 State of IoT Adoption report, only about 0.5% of organizations achieved more than 98% IoT connectivity. For 79% of the respondents, especially in industries like logistics, supply chain, and agriculture, reaching 100% connectivity is key for their IoT operations.

This article explores why connectivity is essential for IoT devices and describes IoT connectivity types, trends, and challenges. We'll also describe how N-iX can help you ensure uninterrupted communication for your IoT ecosystems. Let's start with defining the term.

What is IoT connectivity?

IoT connectivity consists of the technologies and processes that enable IoT devices to transmit and receive data and interact with systems between and across IoT infrastructure layers. This article will focus on connectivity that binds device, gateway, and cloud layers of IoT systems.

IoT connectivity relies on three key components:

• Connectivity protocols. They define how IoT devices communicate within a network. They can be commonly used technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth or specialized IoT-specific protocols like LoRaWAN and NB-IoT. Many IoT ecosystems use a combination of protocols to ensure uninterrupted communication.
• Network type. The four primary types of IoT networks include Cellular (3G, 4G, 5G), Local Area Network (LAN), Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN), and mesh networks. The choice of IoT network type depends on various factors we'll uncover below.
• Cloud services. Cloud-based platforms provide the infrastructure needed for remote device management, predictive maintenance, and real-time analytics. At N-iX, we work with AWS, Microsoft Azure, and GCP cloud providers.

These elements must seamlessly work together to ensure smooth system performance. Here's why it's important.

Top 4 reasons connectivity in IoT systems matters

Without connectivity, the whole concept of IoT becomes irrelevant, as it would leave various IoT devices functioning separately. This, in turn, would make a connected IoT ecosystem impossible. Here are a few other reasons it has become a central piece for IoT projects.

Establish a seamless data flow

Connectivity works like a bridge across the layers or between the components, allowing data to be sent and received between the designated devices, networks, or systems. Reliable connectivity ensures real-time data transmission, reducing latency and improving responsiveness.

Ensure device interoperability

Proper IoT device connectivity solutions allow multiple hardware components to communicate effectively, regardless of the manufacturer. It's crucial if your site has many disparate devices that should communicate with data systems and each other. To avoid miscommunication, you should choose the devices that have the same communication protocol or make adjustments to the gateway to ensure smooth data transfer.

Support IoT system scaling

With the right connectivity strategy, you can plan the expansion of IoT networks and keep stable performance. For example, some solutions like cellular, LPWAN, or mesh networks allow companies to add more devices with minimal changes to the infrastructure. Moreover, the chosen connectivity type may also impact whether the business will be able to launch zero-touch provisioning and remote firmware updates.

Enable remote monitoring and control

Connectivity is also important for centralized management of IoT ecosystems (e.g., over-the-air updates). Choosing the right IoT connectivity options allows for troubleshooting, updates, and adjustments from anywhere. This is especially helpful for businesses with assets scattered across different sites or in remote regions.

Since every IoT project has different connectivity requirements and possibilities, you should carefully consider which technology may suit your case. Here are a few IoT connectivity examples to start your research.

Most popular IoT connectivity types

Based on coverage range, connectivity in IoT is classified into the following:

• Contact range
• Short range
• Medium range
• Long range

Let's review some examples of connectivity technologies in IoT for different area coverage.

Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), BLE Mesh

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology that allows devices to exchange data efficiently. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is designed for minimal power consumption, making it ideal for IoT applications like wearables, smart homes, and industrial automation. BLE Mesh extends coverage by enabling multiple devices to relay data, improving scalability and reliability in IoT networks.

N-iX has established partnership with Nordics Semiconductors, a manufacturer of low-power devices for supporting wireless communication, including Bluetooth, BLE, and BLE Mesh. Access to their hardware and services allows us to start the Bluetooth connectivity project faster and ensure seamless communication between the devices.

Advantages:

• Low power consumption, extending device battery life
• Supports direct and mesh communication for flexible IoT networks
• Cost-effective and widely available technology

Disadvantages:

• Limited range compared to other wireless protocols
• Vulnerable to security risks like unauthorized pairing (bluesnarfing)
• Not suitable for high-bandwidth applications

Zigbee

Zigbee is a low-power, low-data-rate wireless protocol designed for IoT networks requiring long-range communication. It operates on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and is widely used in smart homes, industrial automation, and remote monitoring systems. Zigbee supports mesh networking, where devices relay signals to extend coverage and improve reliability.

Advantages:

• Supports large-scale networks with thousands of nodes
• Energy-efficient, making it suitable for battery-powered IoT devices
• Operates in a dedicated frequency band, reducing interference

Disadvantages:

• Slower data transfer rates compared to other wireless technologies
• Requires compatible Zigbee-certified devices for seamless interoperability
• Higher setup complexity for large-scale deployments

Z-Wave

Z-Wave is a wireless communication protocol designed for smart home and security applications. It operates in the sub-1 GHz frequency range, reducing interference with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks. Z-Wave networks use a mesh topology, where devices can act as repeaters to enhance connectivity.

Advantages:

• Reliable communication with low latency
• Good range and penetration through walls
• Standardized protocol ensuring interoperability among certified devices

Disadvantages:

• Proprietary technology requiring licensed chips
• Limited bandwidth for data-intensive applications
• More expensive compared to open-source alternatives

Wirepas

Wirepas is a decentralized mesh networking protocol designed for large-scale IoT deployments such as smart metering, asset tracking, and industrial IoT. Unlike traditional mesh networks, this technology allows devices to dynamically optimize communication paths, reducing network congestion and improving reliability.

Wirepas is also one of our technology partners for IoT connectivity. We have expertise in building Wirepas-based solutions and collaborate with their support teams when creating reliable solutions. This hands-on experience helps our clients to roll out the project faster and avoid mistakes. In addition, we have access to their resources and new solutions, which support creating innovative connectivity solutions for our clients.

Advantages:

• Highly scalable, supporting thousands of devices in a network
• Self-healing and self-optimizing network topology
• Minimal infrastructure required for deployment

Disadvantages:

• Less widespread adoption compared to Zigbee or LoRaWAN
• Requires specific hardware compatibility
• Not suitable for applications needing high data rates

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is one of the most commonly used IoT connectivity technologies, offering high-speed data transmission over short to medium distances. It is widely used in smart homes, industrial automation, and enterprise environments where real-time data transfer is required.

Advantages:

• High bandwidth, supporting data-intensive applications
• Existing infrastructure in homes and businesses simplifies deployment
• Secure communication with encryption protocols

Disadvantages:

• High power consumption, limiting use in battery-operated IoT devices
• Limited range compared to LPWAN alternatives
• Susceptible to interference in crowded environments

Cellular (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, LTE-M)

This type of IoT connectivity provides long-range coverage, making it ideal for vehicle tracking, smart cities, and industrial automation IoT applications. LTE-M is an optimized version designed for IoT, offering better power efficiency and extended coverage.

Advantages:

• Wide coverage, enabling global IoT deployments
• Reliable and secure connectivity with carrier-grade encryption
• Suitable for mobile and remote IoT applications

Disadvantages:

• High data costs for large-scale deployments
• Requires carrier-specific infrastructure and SIM cards
• Power-hungry compared to LPWAN alternatives

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

This technology is a broad term that includes Wi-Fi and other local wireless networking solutions. It allows IoT devices to communicate within a localized area, such as a smart building or industrial facility.

Advantages:

• High-speed data transmission within a controlled environment
• Secure communication with authentication and encryption options
• Easy integration with existing IT infrastructure

Disadvantages:

• Limited range compared to cellular or LPWAN options
• Requires access points or routers, adding to infrastructure costs
• Not ideal for long-range IoT deployments

ISP (Internet Service Provider) connectivity

ISP-based connectivity allows IoT devices to connect directly to the internet through broadband, fiber, or satellite networks. This method ensures seamless data exchange and remote device management.

Advantages:

• High-speed, stable internet connection for cloud-based IoT applications
• Reliable network availability in urban and commercial environments
• Scalable for enterprise and industrial IoT deployments

Disadvantages:

• High operational costs, especially for large-scale deployments
• Limited availability in remote or rural areas
• Dependence on third-party service providers

NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT)

NB-IoT is a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology designed for applications that transmit small amounts of data over long distances. It is widely used in smart metering, environmental monitoring, and industrial IoT.

Advantages:

• Low power consumption, enabling multi-year battery life
• Reliable connectivity in deep indoor and underground locations
• Uses licensed spectrum, ensuring network stability

Disadvantages:

• Limited data transfer speed, unsuitable for real-time applications
• Requires carrier support, limiting deployment flexibility
• Higher latency compared to other LPWAN solutions

LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network), LoRa

LoRaWAN is an LPWAN technology that enables long-range, low-power IoT communication. It is widely used in applications like smart agriculture, smart city, logistics, and industrial monitoring.

Advantages:

• Long-range communication with low power consumption
• Operates on an unlicensed spectrum, reducing costs
• Supports private network deployment for greater control

Disadvantages:

• Lower data rates, making it not suitable for high-speed applications
• Susceptible to network congestion in high-device-density areas
• Requires gateways for cloud connectivity

By understanding the advantages and limitations of each IoT connectivity type, businesses can make informed decisions to ensure optimal performance, security, and cost efficiency for their IoT networks. However, it's not the only thing you should consider.

Top 6 factors to consider when choosing secure and reliable IoT connectivity

Different IoT use cases require different connectivity solutions. Selecting the right one depends on several critical factors.

Coverage area and connectivity range

When choosing connectivity, one of the key questions would be, "Where will it be, and what should it connect?"

Imagine you have agriculture IoT sensors deployed in a remote field area, whose only job is to measure soil acidity once a day and send these data to the application. In this case, it would be wise to compromise on bandwidth and use technology that covers a wide area, such as LoRaWAN.

However, if your project needs frequent, real-time analytics, you should choose a different option with more data throughput, like BLE. In this case, you would also need more nodes, which will entail more upfront and post-deployment investment.

Security and compliance

IoT networks often handle sensitive information, from industrial telemetry to healthcare data, making them a prime target for cyber threats. Unsecure smart grids or medical device connections could lead to data breaches or system manipulation.

To avoid such risks, businesses should choose network connectivity in IoT projects with built-in encryption, authentication mechanisms, secure firmware updates, and other security options. Additionally, compliance with regulations such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and other industry-specific ones is essential to avoid legal risks and ensure data privacy.

Explore further: Key IoT security issues and how to tackle them

Power consumption of connectivity enablers

Another thing to keep in mind is the power consumption strategy for connectivity enablers. For example, if you opt for battery-powered devices, you need to come up with a reliable battery management strategy and allocate the resources accordingly to ensure availability.

On the other hand, if the solution uses devices connected to the power grid, then you should come up with a plan for an uninterrupted power supply.

Up- and downlink bandwidth

The choice of connectivity solution should also be based on the volume of data IoT devices will transmit. For example, a temperature sensor may send small data packs a few times daily, requiring minimal bandwidth. In this case, LPWAN technologies like NB-IoT or LoRaWAN would be an efficient choice.

However, if the application requires high data throughput, such as during real-time video surveillance or engine activity monitoring, then you should consider high-bandwidth solutions like 5G or Wi-Fi. Correct evaluation of bandwidth needs will help you choose an efficient approach and ensure the smooth performance of your IoT systems.

Required latency

Different applications require various communication latency, or how quickly data travels between devices and the cloud. For example, industrial robotics or autonomous vehicles require ultra-low latency to enable real-time monitoring and decision-making. From this perspective, 5G solutions and on-device AI solutions may work the best.

In contrast, some smart metering solutions or agricultural sensors that don't require real-time data exchange can tolerate higher latency. The optimal connectivity choice would be energy-efficient LPWAN solutions. If you identify what latency may be accepted before the project starts, you will choose the most optimal IoT connectivity option that would be reliable and cost-efficient.

Scalability

Usually, IoT solutions are built small with possible expansion down the line. If you consider IoT ecosystem scalability in the future, think about scalable connectivity to accommodate increasing device numbers without compromising performance.

For example, if you plan to grow from a few hundred connected assets to thousands, ensure that your network can support this expansion. Cellular networks, private LPWAN deployments, and scalable cloud-based management systems help future-proof IoT solutions.

Without a scalable connectivity approach, businesses may face costly migrations or infrastructure upgrades that require more investments.

Post-deployment costs

The initial cost of setting up an IoT network is only part of the equation-long-term maintenance, data transmission fees, and energy consumption all contribute to the total cost of ownership. So businesses must assess both short-term and ongoing expenses to ensure their IoT deployment remains financially viable.

For instance, cellular connectivity may offer broad coverage but could lead to high data costs, making it unsuitable for applications transmitting frequent large data sets. On the other hand, self-deployed LPWAN networks or private 5G solutions may require higher upfront investment but offer cost advantages in the long run.

With these factors, businesses should also consider possible challenges that connectivity in complex IoT ecosystems may bring. Below, we describe the most common challenges of connectivity in IoT and how to avoid them.

Challenges of IoT connectivity and how to avoid them

When choosing a connectivity solution for the IoT ecosystem, the business has to consider the challenges it may come with and build the right strategy to avoid them. Here are the most common issues to keep in mind during the consideration stage.

Security risks

IoT connectivity helps merge different devices into one ecosystem but this connection may also become a major vulnerability point, especially when it comes to wireless connectivity. Some devices may be used as a gateway to other devices within the network, making it easier for hackers to get access to other connected devices and systems. You should also keep in mind that the security of the connected IoT ecosystem depends on the security of each level (device, network, cloud, application).

N-iX approach: We ensure network and connectivity security by encrypting data and securing communication between the layers, using subnetworks and safe storage for keys and passwords, authenticating devices, applying sequence number protection, and so on. In addition, we set up firmware read protection, digital signature for firmware updates, SIM card IMEI lock, etc.

Explore the topic: How to ensure IoT security across system levels: a comprehensive guide

Scalability issues

Increased device density due to network expansion can lead to network congestion, latency spikes, and reduced data throughput. As a result, businesses may struggle with unreliable connections, operational inefficiencies, and higher maintenance costs.

N-iX approach: We build scalable connectivity solutions by designing adaptive network architectures and dynamic bandwidth allocation. We also use edge computing and on-device AI to minimize data volume for transmission. Our experts enable seamless device provisioning, optimize network load balancing, and apply cloud-native frameworks to ensure connectivity remains reliable as the IoT ecosystem grows.

Interoperability concerns

Enabling seamless communication often becomes a challenge as IoT ecosystems rely on diverse connectivity protocols, devices, and cloud platforms. Incompatible protocols and data formats can create silos, limiting data exchange, device management, and updates. This fragmentation can lead to integration issues, slowing down IoT deployment.

N-iX approach: We ensure interoperability by implementing standardized IoT communication protocols and developing custom middleware to bridge different technologies. Our engineers integrate API-driven connectivity, protocol translation, and unified data models to create a seamless IoT network that enables reliable data exchange across devices and platforms.

Interference

Connectivity may not always work as planned due to the specifics of the physical environment where it's set up. For example, the signal quality may be affected by the width and the material of the walls, furniture, magnetic field of the machinery, etc.

N-iX approach: To choose the most reliable solution for your project, our experts consider various factors, such as location, site plan, power management, etc. In addition, we use proprietary ones or design custom signal monitoring tools to debug connectivity issues.

Node updates and management

​​Maintaining consistent and secure connectivity for IoT projects requires regular firmware updates, security patches, and device configurations. However, unreliable networks, limited bandwidth, and power constraints can disrupt update processes. Over time, it leads to devices becoming outdated and vulnerable to cyberattacks.

N-iX approach: We implement secure and efficient OTA updates to remotely manage and upgrade firmware and connectivity configurations without service disruptions. Our IoT experts ensure differential update methods to minimize bandwidth usage, establish automated scheduling to reduce downtime and provide real-time monitoring to detect and resolve connectivity issues across IoT nodes.

Trends in IoT connectivity

As IoT adoption grows, several connectivity trends are shaping the future. Here are a few things that may change the way we use connectivity.

Expansion of 5G

5G significantly enhances network connectivity in IoT by providing ultra-low latency, higher bandwidth, and the ability to support scaling. This is especially beneficial for industries like smart cities, automotive, and smart manufacturing that require real-time data processing, seamless automation, and improved responsiveness.

With its enhanced reliability and speed, 5G reduces network congestion and enables IoT devices to operate more efficiently, even in high-density environments. As a result, businesses gain faster decision-making capabilities and the potential for deploying innovative, data-driven applications.

More on the topic: How reliable connectivity solutions define the future of IoT-powered smart manufacturing

Zero-touch provisioning

Zero-touch provisioning enables the onboarding of IoT devices without manual intervention. For the businesses, it means less operational complexity, decreased deployment costs, and enhanced security by ensuring standardized setup processes.

This trend is more likely to be followed by enterprises managing large IoT ecosystems. In this case, zero-touch provisioning accelerates scaling while minimizing human error and maintenance.

Adoption of satellite IoT

One of the challenges of connectivity in IoT is getting 100% coverage even in remote areas, and satellite IoT ensures reliable communication where traditional networks fall short.

This trend is particularly popular for industries like agriculture, maritime, and logistics, where real-time monitoring and data transmission in different locations are crucial. Satellite IoT helps businesses achieve uninterrupted global coverage, enhancing operational resilience and expanding IoT applications beyond urban areas.

Private IoT networks

Businesses seek greater control, security, and reliability for their connected systems, and private networks enable that. Unlike public networks, private IoT networks allow organizations to tailor connectivity to their specific needs, ensuring optimized performance, reduced latency, and enhanced data security. This trend is particularly relevant for industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, where uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity is crucial for operations.

Hybrid connectivity solutions

Businesses combine multiple network types (e.g., cellular and LPWAN, or Wi-Fi and satellite) to reach maximum reliability and coverage for uninterrupted IoT device communication.

This approach helps maintain reliable connection across diverse environments, from urban centers to remote locations. As a result, organizations can optimize costs, improve network redundancy, and enhance IoT system resilience against connectivity failures.

Since reliable connectivity is an important element for IoT ecosystems, N-iX leverages technical and industry expertise to design and implement solutions that would enable your IoT projects.

How N-iX can help you establish reliable IoT connectivity for your systems

At N-iX, we build connectivity solutions that ensure seamless data exchange and device interoperability in IoT ecosystems. Our IoT connectivity expertise includes the following:

• Connectivity assessment and research. We conduct initial analysis and help you choose the most appropriate connectivity solution for your IoT project based on the location, requirements, and scaling strategy.
• Connectivity hardware selection. Depending on the IoT system needs, business requirements, and site specifics, we help you choose hardware to connect IoT devices and systems.
• Middleware development. We write middleware for solutions and devices from different vendors to securely communicate with each other.
• Custom connectivity deployment and integration. Our IoT engineers help you ensure smooth communication between legacy systems and new IoT deployments by implementing the best-fit connectivity solutions.
• Network set up and monitoring. Our engineers design custom or use proprietary signal monitoring tools to ensure continuous monitoring to detect and resolve connectivity issues.
• Device interoperability and API integration. We ensure seamless communication across IoT platforms and industry protocols.
• Connectivity testing. We help you build a successful IoT test automation framework for your connectivity solutions and enhance communication between the layers.
• Low-power RF system design and integration. Together with the leading RF technology partner, we design and optimize low-power RF solutions for IoT, ensuring energy-efficient communication, extended battery life, minimal interference, and seamless integration with industry standards.
• Security assurance between and across layers. We implement encryption, authentication, and secure communication protocols to protect data as it moves between devices, gateways, and cloud platforms.
• Edge and cloud connectivity optimization. N-iX helps you optimize data flow between IoT devices, edge nodes, and cloud platforms, reducing latency and bandwidth usage.
• Scalability and performance optimization. Our expertise allows businesses to expand IoT networks without compromising efficiency.
• Custom connectivity services. No IoT ecosystem is the same in scale and complexity, which is why we offer our comprehensive connectivity and development services to ensure success of your IoT project.

Our tech partnerships with Nordic Semiconductors, Raspberry Pi, Wirepas, as well as cloud hyperscalers such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform help us design and deploy reliable connectivity solutions for our clients faster. And since N-iX has over 22 years of experience developing custom solutions and applications for businesses in finance, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, retail, telecom, automotive, healthcare, energy and utilities, and agritech, we create custom connectivity solutions that align with specific industry needs and IoT infrastructure.

Whether you need to enhance an existing IoT infrastructure or build a new one from the ground up, N-iX has the expertise to ensure secure, scalable, and efficient IoT connectivity. Let's build a connected future together!