Manage and Monitor IoT devices with IOT Connectivity Management Platform

IoT device management refers to the processes involving the provisioning and authenticating, configuring, maintaining, monitoring and diagnosing connected devices operating as part of an IoT environment to provide and support the whole spectrum of their functional capabilities.

IoT projects vary in their requirements and many of them use different connectivity options depending on their needs.

IoT connectivity is a term defining connection between all the points in the IoT ecosystem, such as sensors, gateways, routers, applications, platforms and other systems. It usually refers to different types of network solutions based on their power consumption, range and bandwidth consumption.

Every connected IoT device is a data collector. So, unless you want other people to know all about the way you live your life, you’ll need to secure each device. You’ll need to secure your network, but you’ll also need to ensure there are no weak links in the network by checking that each individual device is secure.

One simple process is — Every device needs its firmware kept up to date. When you’re installing devices, it’s a good idea to bookmark the manufacturer’s web page so you can easily check for updates to the device’s firmware and software. If you’re lucky, there will be an email alert or even automatic updates; if not, you’ll have to search.

With the existing popular wireless technologies such as cellular, WiFi and Bluetooth in place, many IoT actors overlook the importance of getting their IoT connectivity right, which ultimately may lead to a project failure due to the inability to tame the rapidly growing data deluge.

Cellular IoT

By granting the widest possible coverage with a whopping bandwidth to support it (and with 5G on the horizon), cellular networks are able to face the current challenges of streaming high-definition media to devices that are either connected to an electricity supply or easily rechargeable.

Satellite

When it comes to range, nothing can compete with the satellite Internet. It is an ideal solution for the so-called white spots — locations where it is difficult to find another form of network delivery. However, the advantages of this type of connectivity are not limited to the mere coverage issue. Satellite Internet has long been seen as a form of experiment — an extravagant solution associated more with ambitious plans by companies conquering space (and providing images from there via a network of satellites) than with the technology available to the average Joe. In truth, however, satellite is not only a solution for places with no connectivity — it is becoming an important alternative to other types of connections. Wherever it is difficult to find a fixed-line internet, be it due to logistics or geographical and financial limitations, the solution lies in the satellite Internet. The promise of global connectivity is especially attractive for IoT projects, as it can change environmental monitoring in the most remote places.

Bluetooth

Similarly to WiFi, Bluetooth has been widely used in consumer electronics to provide a high-bandwidth connection for wearable devices. However, in contrast to WiFi, Bluetooth uses lower energy and takes much less to establish a connection between two devices.

Ethernet

Ethernet is a technology that connects wired local area networks (LANs) and allows devices to communicate with each other. In addition, Ethernet works as a protocol that controls the data transmission processes over the LAN. For instance, it defines how network devices can transmit and format data packets so that other network devices on the same network segment can receive, process, and recognize them.

Device management helps companies to integrate, organize, monitor and remotely manage smart assets at scale, providing critical features to maintain the health, connectivity and security of IoT resource-constrained devices throughout their lifecycle. However, safeguarding IoT devices and the networks to which they connect can be a challenge due to the variety of devices and providers, as well as the difficulty of provisioning, ensuring security and establishing reliable device-server communication for devices with limited resources.

With maintenance, we come to another vital point in our list. Unless you’re really out of touch with the real world, you want to be on top of your connected things. You have them securely provisioned and duly configured, so is there anything else to consider? We have to be aware that firmware may come with bugs in it, or, that the project scope may change and new functionalities will come in handy, or, that security vulnerabilities may appear that pose a threat to your smart deployment. To help with all of this, comprehensive IoT device management software offers advanced mechanisms for firmware over-the-air and software over-the-air updates, so that every device in the field is kept secure, up-to-date and bug-free.

Some important security measures you can take to help secure your devices

IoT technologies pose potential dangers to your internet safety. News reports have ranged from an IoT botnet taking down portions of the Internet to hackers exploiting baby monitors.

That’s why it’s a good idea to protect your digital life by securing your IoT-connected devices. Here are ten ways to do that.

1. Install reputable internet security software on your computers, tablets, and smartphones.
2. Use strong and unique passwords for device accounts, Wi-Fi networks, and connected devices. Don’t use common words or passwords that are easy to guess, such as “password” or “123456.”
3. Be aware when it comes to apps. Always make sure you read the privacy policy of the apps you use to see how they plan on using your information and more.
4. Does your research before you buy. Devices become smart because they collect a lot of personal data. While collecting data isn’t necessarily a bad thing, you should know about what types of data these devices collect, how it’s stored and protected, if it is shared with third parties, and the policies or protections regarding data breaches.
5. Know what data the device or app wants to access on your phone. If it seems unnecessary for the app’s functionality or too risky, deny permission.
6. Use a trusted VPN, which helps to secure the data transmitted on your home or public Wi-Fi.
7. Check the device manufacturer’s website regularly for firmware updates.
8. Use caution when using social sharing features with these apps. Social sharing features can expose information like your location and let people know when you’re not at home. Cybercriminals can use this to track your movements. That could lead to a potential cyber stalking issue or other real-world dangers.
9. Never leave your smartphone unattended if you’re using it in a public space. In crowded spaces, you should also consider turning off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth access if you don’t need them. Some smartphone brands allow automatic sharing with other users in close proximity.

Tools to monitor IoT devices

1. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor

Developed by Paessler, PRTG Network Monitor is an agentless network monitoring tool with enhanced IoT monitoring features. It comes with an auto-discovery option that can detect all devices in your network.

PRTG Network Monitor runs on Windows, iOS, and Android. It has a 30-day free trial, after which you can continue using it for free but with no more than 100 sensors.

More about PRTG Network Monitor:

• Storage, bandwidth, cloud, database, server, and SNMP monitoring
• Ideal for large IT infrastructures
• Can be used in healthcare, education, finance, CCTV, and other industries

2 . SolarWinds Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM)

Designed by SolarWinds, Remote Monitoring and Management is a remote IT management solution you can use to monitor IoT devices in the workplace. It comes packed with a wide range of practical RMM features, which can be operated from a user-friendly dashboard.

SolarWinds RMM supports network discovery, remote access tools, NetPath, automation and scripting, patch management, reports, and predefined monitoring templates. It also has backup and recovery mode, web protection, and a managed antivirus solution.

SolarWinds Remote Monitoring and Management is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Plus, it offers a 30-day free trial without requesting your credit card information.

More about SolarWinds RMM:

• Customizable alerts, performance checks, security monitoring
• Background maintenance, roles and permissions, bulk actions
• Great for small and medium businesses, large enterprises, freelancers

3.ManageEngine OpManager

Owned by ManageEngine, OpManager delivers a 5-in-1 integrated network management solution, including support for monitoring IoT devices. You can use it to keep track of network performance, analyze the bandwidth, manage configuration and firewall settings, as well as to control IP addresses and port switching.

There are three editions available. ManageEngine OpManager Free can be used at no cost to monitor up to 3 devices. The Standard/Professional version is dedicated to system admins that need to keep track of up to 1,000 devices from a single server.

Lastly, ManageEngine OpManager Enterprise gives you the possibility to keep an eye on up to 10,000 devices or 100,000 interfaces. You can set it up for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

4. AWS IoT Device Management

Made by Amazon, AWS IoT Device Management is a web-based solution you can use to register, monitor, and manage IoT devices. In addition to using the IoT management console, it’s possible to upload templates through the API.

Unlike the previous tools on this list, AWS IoT Device Management doesn’t have a network discovery feature, so you can’t use it to automatically detect and map all devices. Instead, it relies on the data you provide.

More about AWS IoT Device Management:

• Quickly and safely register devices with their attributes
• Organize IoT devices in a simple manner
• Supports remote device management

5. Microsoft Azure

Created by Microsoft, Azure is an elaborate cloud-based solution for building, testing, deploying, and managing your applications. It also has a Remote Monitoring accelerator that you can use to monitor IoT devices fast and easy.

With the aid of Azure, you can view all your connected IoT devices in an intuitive dashboard, filter the devices by various properties, check out telemetry in real time, receive alerts on critical events, as well as view the system KPIs. It works with Windows and Linux.

More about Azure:

• Infrastructure, network, and application monitoring
• Monitoring logs and analytics tools
• Data collection and customizable alerts