IoT: A Network of Networks

Come and hear from committee members of the newly re-formed IoT Technical Network committee.  the strategy and plans will be shared, plus you'll hear from committee members in different specialities.

IoT and SATCOM (Aaron Russell)

Major Aaron James Russell is a qualified and experienced Chartered Engineer. With over 22-years of experience in military telecommunications networks he now sits as the Operations lead for Land and Air customers. Additionally, he is a member of the team that reviews user requirements to design and deliver an End-to-End COMSAT/MILSAT solutions for customers in defence and across government for UK and global operations.

Prior to his current role Aaron was a Technical Officer Telecommunications, managing the design and delivery of globally deployable headquarters and their associated reach-back bearers. In his early career he spent time working in satellite ground terminal engineering, electronic warfare, and electronic countermeasures.

Aaron is the Executive Committee Chair for The Institution of Engineering Technology’s Internet of Things Technical Network, a STEM Ambassador and Professional Registration Advisor.

Satellite Communications and the Internet of Things (IoT) are two interconnected technologies that play a significant role in our increasingly connected world. They have a strong relationship that is likely to grow even more intertwined in the future.

Satellite Communications involve the use of communication satellites to transmit and receive signals, enabling long-distance communication across the globe. These satellites serve as a critical infrastructure for various applications, including broadcasting, navigation (GPS), weather monitoring, and, importantly, IoT connectivity. 

Looking ahead, the relationship between Satellite Communications and IoT is poised to become even stronger:

Expanded IoT Deployment: As IoT devices become more prevalent, including in remote environments, satellites will become increasingly crucial to providing reliable and ubiquitous connectivity.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Networks: Companies are launching constellations of small satellites into low Earth orbit, aiming to provide high-speed global internet coverage. In addition, these networks could improve real-time data transmission and control for IoT devices through low-latency connectivity.

Cost Reduction: Advancements in satellite technology and manufacturing are driving down the costs of launching and maintaining satellites. As a result, satellite-based IoT connectivity might become more cost-effective.

5G Integration: With the rapid development of 5G networks, satellite communications will be able to provide comprehensive coverage to IoT devices, ensuring that they remain connected wherever they are in the world.

Advanced Data Analytics: Advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in extracting valuable insights from IoT devices via satellite, which will improve decision-making processes across sectors.

Across vast geographic regions and challenging environments, satellite communications and the Internet of Things address connectivity challenges. With the continued growth of IoT deployments and the advancement of technology, their relationship is likely to become even more symbiotic, allowing seamless global connectivity and transformative applications across industries.

IoT and Cyber Security (Raj Malla)

The link between IoT and cybersecurity is characterised by a complex interplay between innovation and vulnerability. IoT's proliferation of interconnected devices, from household appliances to industrial machinery, creates a vast attack surface susceptible to cyber threats. 

Inherent challenges like resource constraints and diverse device ecosystems often result in inadequate security measures, making IoT devices attractive targets for cyberattacks. Besides compromising personal privacy, these devices pose significant risks to critical infrastructure and data integrity. 

It is imperative that robust cybersecurity practices be integrated into every stage of device development and deployment to ensure a secure IoT ecosystem, including strong encryption, regular patches, authentication protocols, and continuous monitoring, thus strengthening the fragile balance between IoT's transformative potential and safeguarding digital landscapes.

Industrial IoT (Rob Taylor) 

Rob is a business leader with demonstrable success in a number of sectors including IT/Cyber disciplines in both military and private sector roles.  Broad experience as a professional engineer, operations and project/programme management, combining an empathetic, transformational leadership style to influence, communicate and build strong working relationships at all levels.  Analytical, with strong planning skills, and accustomed to dealing with complex change management problems, multiple stakeholders, compliance and risk management. His IoT experience gained through close working with the Manufacturing Technology Centre and has sector experience across Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Rail, Logistics, Defence and IT/Cybersecurity.  Part of the team delivering a Cyber security improvement programme for the Royal Mail in 2021 as the senior cyber incident handler, and was a key stakeholder in the implementation of the SIEM capability and onboarding the MSSP.  Rob foresees the tremendous benefits and risks associated with IIoT and is keen to get the best balance to leverage environmental advantage to positively impact NetZero programmes.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) represents a paradigm shift in the industrial sector, where traditional machinery and infrastructure are integrated with advanced sensors, data analytics, and connectivity to enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and decision-making. 

By embedding sensors and communication capabilities into industrial equipment, facilities gain the ability to collect and transmit real-time data on performance, maintenance needs, and operational conditions. This influx of data allows for predictive maintenance, optimised resource allocation, and the automation of complex processes. 

With IIoT, industries can switch from reactive to proactive approaches, reducing downtime, maximising efficiency, and developing innovative and competitive solutions. However, this transformation also brings challenges related to security, interoperability, and data management that must be addressed to fully harness the potential benefits of the Industrial IoT.  Ultimately, IIoT will drive NetZero initiatives to optimise the resources needed to produce the output as more businesses sign up to the triple bottom line; People, Planet, Profit in that order.

• Internet of Things