IoT cellular data traffic forecast

As our world becomes more interconnected, the importance of cellular networks in supporting the Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly increasing. It is projected that by 2028, there will be a notable increase in IoT cellular data usage due to the growing number of connected devices in different sectors like smart cities, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation. Predicting this data traffic is essential to comprehend the future requirements of cellular networks and to guarantee that the infrastructure can meet them. This subject delves into the projected increase in IoT cellular data usage by 2028, investigating the factors boosting this growth, the impact on network providers, and the possible obstacles and advantages in handling and enhancing this data overflow.

IoT cellular data traffic

Cellular IoT data traffic is the sending of data produced by IoT gadgets through cellular networks. These gadgets utilize cellular connectivity like 3G, 4G, LTE, and now 5G more often to interact with one another and with centralized systems or cloud platforms. The data traffic includes the information shared between IoT devices and the connected infrastructure, such as sensors, smart meters, wearables, vehicles, industrial machinery, and other devices.

Key aspects of cellular IoT data traffic:

Data generation: Sensors and devices collect data from different sources like temperature readings, location tracking, status updates, and other sources.

Communication between machines, known as Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, involves devices exchanging information and coordinating actions without human intervention.

Transmission technologies: 2G/3G: Outdated networks are still utilized in certain areas and for simple Internet of Things (IoT) applications with minimal data needs.

4G/LTE is commonly utilized for IoT purposes that need decent data speeds and dependability. 5G is being seen as a revolutionary force for IoT due to its fast speed, minimal delays, and ability to support numerous connected devices.

Types of data: Data from telemetry includes sensor readings, device status, and operational metrics in real-time. Commands are given to devices for specific tasks or modifications. Multimedia data such as images, videos, and audio streams are utilized in applications such as surveillance and remote inspections.

Market statistics of cellular IoT data traffic

Omdia's latest study forecasts a surge in cellular IoT connections that will lead to data traffic reaching 110.8 exabytes (EB) by 2028. The rise is due to the growing demand for data analysis, aiming to enhance effectiveness and generate more revenue streams for companies.

Additionally, it is highlighted in the research that Asia and Oceania are expected to make up 60.6% of worldwide data traffic by 2023, establishing it as the biggest region. This rise is often associated with the prevalent use of video cameras, particularly within smart city initiatives in the region.

Omdia's analysis of Cellular IoT Data Traffic from Cloud to Edge 2024 delves deeply into the current data traffic trends in the cellular IoT sector, offering insights tailored to specific regions and applications.

IoT data management includes gathering, saving, handling, examining, and protecting the massive amounts of data generated by IoT gadgets. These devices, including sensors and smart meters, along with connected appliances and vehicles, continuously produce large quantities of data that need to be efficiently managed to derive valuable information and ensure optimal functioning. Organizations must focus on efficient data management in the IoT due to the projected 16.58% CAGR in the global market from 2021 to 2026.

Conclusion

The prediction of IoT cellular data traffic highlights the significant effect of IoT on cellular networks and the overall connectivity environment. With the increasing amount of connected devices in sectors like smart cities, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing, the need for dependable and high-capacity cellular networks will rise. The expected expansion, propelled by progress in 5G technology, underscores the need for strong infrastructure and creative data management solutions to manage the growing amount, speed, and diversity of IoT data.