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[Operto Connect] Successful Network Design for an IoT Ecosystem

Getting Started:

  • Are there any issues with the current setup, or do things seem to be working well?

  • What is the current service running into the building (cable, DSL, LTE, fiber)? 

  • Is there an opportunity to improve the connection type or upgrade the service plan with the ISP?

  • How are the service contracts managed with the ISP (one, many)? 

  • Is the network equipment commercial or residential grade?

  • Are there dedicated network closets in the building?

  • Is there adequate wifi coverage in both rooms and common areas? 

  • Was setup done by a network contractor, or by the end-user?

  • Is the service managed by a service provider, or by the end-user?

  • Is there a software interface into the network?

Evaluating and planning a network:

  • Service type: Fiber is the best service type and should be connected whenever possible. Even the lowest fiber service packages will provide more than enough bandwidth to run IoT devices and provide a good guest browsing experience. 

  • Bandwidth:  IoT devices do not require much network bandwidth in order to function. A network with 5-10 Mbps should be sufficient enough to run a smart home. 

  • Latency:  The lower the latency, the better. Latency measures how long it takes for a request to transmit and come back with a result. Ping is returned as a value in milliseconds.

  • Noise:  IoT devices can create a lot of channel noise. Depending on the amount of IoT devices competing on a network, it may take some effort to reduce noise on the 2.4GHz band.

  • Dedicated network: IoT devices should be set up on their own dedicated 2.4 GHz SSID (network) whenever possible, separate from guest and staff networks. Ensure that band steering is configured ‘off’ in the network settings so that devices remain fixed on 2.4 GHz.

  • Communication ports: Certain firewall communication ports may need to be set up to whitelist an IoT device’s MAC address.(usually Port 80)

  • Wired Access Points: In general, wired connections are preferred over wireless connections. Consider wiring a new access point to gain more coverage before adding extenders or repeaters into a wifi network. 

  • Coverage: Having sufficient wifi coverage is crucial. Consider having wired access points installed in each room, and make sure there is adequate coverage around the perimeters of the building and common areas in order to extend to smart locks installed on common doors.

  • Redundancy: Consider installing a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) on the network switch. This will maintain uptime in the event of a power outage, and continue to deliver power to IoT devices with a wired PoE connection.

Service options:

  • Fully-managed service with a professional setup

    • Turnkey solution - equipment is supplied, installed and monitored by the service provider.

    • Pros: This option will result in the most reliable network, and a better customer service level than the ISP(internet service provider)

    • Cons: Most expensive option 

  • Self-managed service with professional setup

    • Equipment is set up by a professional and is monitored by the client

    • Pros: Cost savings by managing own network, high performance, and flexible hardware, interface to see what’s going on in your network and to configure network settings

    • Cons: Expensive hardware, have to deal with ISP directly

  • Self-managed service with self setup

    • Same as previous, but installation and setup is done by the client

    • This option is only recommended if the property has an in-house IT person. At a minimum, a basic understanding of network design is needed.

    • Pros: Flexibility to design your own network, cost savings from not having to hire an installer, interface to see what’s going on in your network and to configure network settings

    • Cons: Not a simple approach, costly hardware, have to deal with ISP directly

  • Un-managed service with or without professional setup

    • This hosts a wide range of solutions. Mostly plug-and-play, off-the-shelf, consumer-grade products.

    • This approach is only recommended for extending a strong and stable network, not to fix a poor network 

    • Pros: The cheapest option and can be performed at the same time other IoT devices are being installed

    • Cons: Results are widely spread, in most cases doesn’t address fundamental issues and limited insight into what's going on inside the network

  • Alternatives to an internet service

    • If the internet is non-existent or unreliable, there are other options

    • LTE hotspots - cheap and easy option. Use cheaper hardware, so reliability can be an issue at times

    • LTE modem - more expensive option, but is more reliable than a hotspot. Works similar to an internet modem. Separate network SSIDs can be created 

    • Offline hardware - if the property has non-existent wifi and poor cellular reception, there are still options. Offline locks can still provide a great solution