The new year has just begun. Just as time does not stand still, the world of IoT is always moving.
In this blog we look at the 5 expected IoT trends for 2024 in the areas of 5G, NB-IoT and Smart Building. After reading this blog, you will start 2024 completely up to date!
IoT trends that you cannot ignore in 2024
1. Revolutionary 5G changes in the Netherlands and Belgium
At the end of 2023, 5G still took off with the possibility of requesting Private 5G spectrum-at the RDI. This marked an important step in the Netherlands towards Private 5G for mission- and business-critical networks for organizations.
Auction frequencies 3.5 GHz frequency band
In 2024, companies can really make a splash with 5G. In addition to Private 5G spectrum, the auction of frequencies in the 3.5 GHz frequency band will finally take place this year.
This was postponed for a long time after several appeals were filed with the court. At the end of last year, these appeals were rejected and the way was cleared for the auction. After the auction, organizations and consumers can start using 5G via national communication networks.
Belgium is also making major 5G steps
There is also good news about 5G in Belgium this year. The Belgian government, together with BIPT (Belgian Institute for Post and Telegraphs) created a framework and completed the technical implementation. This makes it possible to roll out Private 5G networks in Belgium from 2024.
The frequencies do differ from the Netherlands. In the Netherlands the n78 band is used, but in Belgium it is the n77 band. MCS puts together affordable hardware and software solutions with 5G suppliers such as Druid, Baicells and Nokia, which also work optimally on Belgian frequencies.
It is expected that concrete Private 5G steps can be taken in Belgium from Q2 2024.
5G the new standard for wireless communications
In 2024, 5G will become the standard for faster, more reliable and more efficient wireless communications. These improvements are crucial for IoT devices. These often depend on real-time data exchange and connectivity.
With the introduction of 5G networks, companies experience significant improvements in, among other things, latency, bandwidth and availability for specific applications (based on slicing).
2. Energy monitoring and sustainability: progress through legislation
Since the high energy prices in 2022, the demand for energy monitoring solutions increased exponentially. While the biggest motivation at the time was to reduce costs and energy consumption, there is now another motivation.
Complying with the new standards
Sustainability is of paramount importance today. At European level, there is a lot of attention for energy savings and sustainability. Various guidelines such as EPV2.0 and EPBD III have been set for the construction of buildings and how the buildings should be managed in terms of energy consumption.
But the renovation of existing buildings is also driven by legislation to encourage sustainability. This legislation requires monitoring of energy consumption. This will further increase the demand for energy and IoT solutions.
Challenges and opportunities
The introduction of these new legislative guidelines brings both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, integrating IoT into existing buildings requires an investment in time and money.
On the other hand, it offers organizations the opportunity to improve their operational efficiency and achieve their sustainability goals. Technological innovation and ecological responsibility will go hand in hand in 2024.
3. Outsourcing of design and management of IoT processes
More and more devices are coming online, which means that successfully managing all these devices has now become a daily task and a challenge. Immediately reliable remote management solution you make this task a lot easier and less time consuming.
Leave technology to specialists
But to each his own. And that is why we are increasingly seeing IoT experts being called upon for the technical aspects of the IoT infrastructure. Organizations are increasingly outsourcing processes that require a lot of specialist knowledge to external parties with expertise.
Companies have a lot of knowledge about their own market, but they prefer to leave the design, configuration and management of IoT systems to specialists. Through this outsourcing, organizations are guaranteed reliable technology while they can focus on what is really important – their business and core activities.
Digital twins for optimization
In addition to remote management, digital twins are also increasingly being implemented. With such a virtual replica of physical IoT devices, companies can better understand, analyze and optimize their systems.
This technology offers enormous advantages. Consider reducing downtime, improving system performance and facilitating preventive maintenance.
Customization from idea to project delivery
But the added value of specialist help does not only lie in remote management. Experts can also make a valuable contribution in the start-up phase of a project. For example, by supplying hardware sets and packages so that organizations can get started immediately with pre-configured devices.
Or actively participate in the development phase of a product/service so that it is taken to a higher level with specialist technology than previously thought.
The rollout of IoT projects also includes outsourcing of the logistics process. For example, deployment and installation of IoT devices are pre-integrated with linked customer equipment. This way, the end customer receives a working total solution that he can start using immediately.
4. NB-IoT is here to stay
NB-IoT When it was introduced, it was seen as the golden IoT technology next to LoRa. But large-scale implementations have not yet really happened. We think it's a shame. NB-IoT has a lot of potential for, for example, smart meters, asset tracking and smart building applications.
LoRa proven and reliable
LoRa, on the other hand, has already more than earned its stripes in the IoT world. It is seen as a proven and reliable solution for IoT applications. In addition, a private LoRa network can be set up quickly locally and cost-efficiently so that results are achieved immediately.
NB-IoT is becoming increasingly prominent in IoT
The future for NB-IoT is promising. With increasing investments in 5G and improved IoT network infrastructures by public operators, NB-IoT is expected to take a more prominent place in IoT communications standards. The technology is particularly suitable for applications that require low costs, long battery life and high connectivity density.
Various manufacturers are also increasingly seeing the potential of NB-IoT. More NB-IoT sensors are being developed, creating a more varied range to start using this technology. Keep a close eye on our website for an expansion of our NB-IoT range.
5. Sunset from 2G and 3G
This year there is no escape: 2G and 3G will be permanently switched off by various Dutch and Belgian operators. The gradual phasing out of 2G and 3G networks is also called the sunset of 2G/3G. And this development will have a major impact on the IoT world.
Paving the way for faster 4G/5G networks
Switching off the 2G and 3G signal is necessary to free up frequencies and resources for more modern, faster networks such as 4G and 5G. For the IoT industry, this means that devices that still rely on 2G or 3G networks will need to be upgraded or replaced.
Opportunity for innovation and growth
The sunset of 2G/3G is more than just a technological change. It is an opportunity for innovation and growth for organizations. By proactively responding to this change, companies can not only meet future challenges but also seize new opportunities in an increasingly connected world.
Connected equipment is not required to be replaced
Sometimes linked equipment, such as PLCs or BMS controllers, is not yet ready for 4G/IP communication and replacement is not financially justified. In that case, solutions are available to simulate 2G/3G communication. Consider, for example, a modem emulator. This way, legacy devices can still keep up with 4G/5G developments without replacement.
Embracing change and innovation in IoT
The world of IoT remains dynamic and developments follow each other quickly. As a result, the possibilities for organizations and the profits they can achieve with IoT are increasing.
It is crucial that companies not only stay abreast of these trends, but that they also actively develop strategies to integrate these new developments into their business models. This means investing in new technologies, collaborating with the right partners, and continually looking for ways to improve efficiency, sustainability and value.
Knowing more
Has this blog made you enthusiastic about (starting with) IoT? And are you curious about what possibilities it offers for your organization? We are happy to help you! Take Contact Contact our account managers so that you can see together how you can successfully start with IoT applications.
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