Deploying IoT on a Business Network Is Easy With a Dallas IT Consulting Firm

There is one set of devices that is rapidly transforming industries and reshaping how businesses operate: internet of things (IoT) devices. As these devices become more pervasive, many industries are leveraging them to improve their daily operations. However, successfully integrating them within your existing network can be complex. Fortunately, Aeko, your local Dallas IT consulting firm, can help ensure the devices are set up for success.

In case you don’t know, IoT is an overarching term to describe internet-enabled smart devices. For example, connected thermostats that optimize your energy consumption or smart sensors on production lines. The use of these devices is growing; in 2023 there were approximately 15 billion devices and by 2026 that number is estimated to rise to 21 billion. 

Here’s how to make IoT work for you:

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Needs

What do you think IoT devices can do for your business? It’s important to understand your goals before jumping into choosing an IoT device and trying to integrate it. As a Dallas IT consulting firm, we highly recommend asking your team a few questions to ensure you’re aligning your business needs with your smart devices needs.

What problem are you trying to solve with IoT?

Whether you want to gain real-time data insights or improve operational efficiency, you’ll want your IoT device to resolve a problem your business has. This helps you ensure you have the right device with all the features you need. 

What type of data will you be collecting?

What is the data you want to collect from your IoT device? What is the nature and volume of that data? Take the time to understand what data you want, as it is essential for choosing the right network infrastructure.

What level of security do you need?

As a Dallas IT consulting firm, we know that cyber security is vital. The security measures needed will depend on the sensitivity of the data collected or the compliance regulations your organization needs to follow. You may need specific security measures solely to protect that device.

Discussing these questions should always be the first step when implementing new IoT devices, whether this is your first or hundredth. This step helps you choose the right device and network solutions needed.

Step 2: Select the Right Devices and Network Infrastructure

Armed with your goals in mind, it’s time to choose the components you need. The components include the IoT devices themselves and the infrastructure of your network. 

IoT Devices

Here are the factors you’ll need to consider when choosing smart devices:

• Data security features
• Scalability 
• Compatibility with your existing infrastructure
• Power requirements

Our Dallas IT consulting firm knows that reputable vendors are important to ensuring your IoT device is working well. We can help you find the right vendor for you. You’ll also want to choose a device that already has strong security features like firmware protection.

Network Infrastructure

If your existing network does not already have IoT devices, then it may be lacking. You’ll want to ensure it is equipped for the extra traffic and data generated by these devices. Aeko, a Dallas IT consulting firm, can help you upgrade your network correctly. From upgrading bandwidth to deploying entirely separate networks or dedicated gateways are all ways we can help. 

Step 3: Focus on Security Throughout the Journey

Cyber security is only becoming more and more important. When a device is compromised, it can be a way into your network and set you up for cyber attacks. Malware attacks on IoT devices increased 77 percent during the first half of 2022. 

Keep these security considerations in mind:

Secure the Devices

Strong passwords are important for any device or login, especially IoT devices. Passphrases have recently gained more popularity as they are much harder to crack than a string of random letters, special characters and numbers. 

Your device should also be regularly updated with the latest firmware. Updating devices can mean more features but mainly it means more security upgrades. When the firmware is up-to-date your device will be much better protected. 

It’s this Dallas IT consulting firm’s opinion that you should choose a device that offers encryption and secure boot features.

Create Separate Networks

When setting up the security protocols and solutions for your smart devices, one of the best things you can do is create an entirely new network for the device. This way if it is compromised it will minimize the potential impact of security breaches on your critical business systems.

Install Network Access Control (NAC)

You’ll want to install NAC controls, like multi-factor authentication (MFA). NAC controls will only allow network access to authorized devices and help to enforce the security policies you have created.

Track and Maintain

You should be monitoring your network 24/7/365 because cybercriminals don’t always attack during your business hours. We suggest you regularly update software and security protocols to stay one step ahead of threats. 

Step 4: Deployment and Ongoing Management

Now that you have the hardware you need and the security measures ready to go, it’s time to deploy your IoT devices.

Here are our deployment tips and tricks:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully during installation and configuration. We suggest you read through them thoroughly before you start as well. 
• Test and confirm the functionality of your IoT devices. This should be done before you fully integrate the device into your network. 
• Create an all-encompassing IoT device management strategy, including regular maintenance, issue monitoring and firmware updates.

Step 5: Continuous Learning and Improvement

The world of IoT is constantly evolving, and so should your approach. Here are some tips for continuous improvement. 

Just as technology is always changing, so are IoT devices. This means your approach to these devices may need to evolve as well. Our Dallas IT consulting firm suggests that you: 

• Analyze the data: Once your IoT devices are up and running and have been for some time, analyze the collected data. This helps you gain insights as well as find areas for improvement. When areas for improvement are found you can then refine your organization’s strategy. 
• Embrace feedback: Ask those who work with the devices, to use the data from them or others to gain feedback. This will help you identify challenges and promptly address them. Once again, this is also a tool for refining the usage of your IoT devices. 
• Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest trends and advancements in the IoT landscape. This empowers you to adapt and leverage new technologies as they emerge.

Successfully deploying IoT on your business network requires careful planning. As well as prioritization of security and a commitment to continuous improvement.  

Continue your education on IoT devices from the latest trends to advancements in the industry. Especially if you have yet to find a device that perfectly fits your needs. This way you can adapt easily and upgrade to better technologies as they come out. 

To deploy your device successfully you’ll need to plan carefully, prioritize security and commit to continuous improvement. 

Get Expert Help for Your Network Devices

Our Dallas IT consulting firm is here to help you embrace a proactive approach to IoT adoption. Let us transform your business operations and set you apart from the competition. Book a meeting with us today to get started.