In this episode of IoT Insider, Editor Kristian McCann sits down with Svein-Egil Nielsen, Chief Technology Officer at Nordic Semiconductor, to explore the burgeoning realm of cellular IoT, its pivotal role in asset tracking, and the transformative impacts of recent advancements in technology.
Cellular IoT’s rise within the digital ecosystem marks a pivotal shift, driven by continuous advancements in cellular technology and network capabilities. Emerging from the foundational layers of mobile communications, its evolution has been characterised by significant breakthroughs in power efficiency and connectivity solutions, making widespread deployment feasible and cost-effective. Today, cellular IoT brings reliable, high-speed connectivity to devices globally, enabling a vast array of applications from smart city infrastructures to industrial automation. This expansion is reshaping how we monitor, control, and optimise processes, allowing for the seamless flow of information across devices and platforms. Despite its rapid growth, cellular IoT faces its own set of challenges, including spectrum allocation concerns, interoperability issues, and the ongoing need for enhanced security measures. Moreover, as cellular IoT continues to integrate with the broader Internet of Things ecosystem, it must navigate the complexities of working alongside other wireless technologies, ensuring seamless and efficient operation across a diverse technological landscape.
Nielsen shares his insights into the journey of cellular IoT from NB-IoT’s inception in 2016 to its current state, highlighting the significant strides made in overcoming initial market reluctances and the critical role of roaming capabilities in facilitating cross-border asset tracking. With a keen focus on the expanding market for asset tracking, Nielsen elucidates how cellular IoT is carving a niche for itself by providing solutions that are both reliable and expansive in scope.
The conversation delves into the technical advancements that have underpinned the success of cellular IoT, including low-power requirements that ensure devices operate efficiently on minimal energy. Nielsen discusses the challenges faced in achieving global connectivity and the continuous efforts to enhance network security and device reliability. The discussion also touches upon the broader implications of these technologies for sustainability and their potential to drive significant environmental and societal benefits.
For these compelling insights and more of Svein-Egil Nielsen perspectives on the future of wireless technology, listen to the full podcast episode available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at the link below.
Charting connectivity: the evolution and challenges of cellular IoT – IoT Unplugged
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