Unlocking the potential of the Internet of Things

[Commentary] The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) presents some opportunities for some exciting new applications for IoT as well as some challenges in upgrading wireless infrastructure and securing networks of connected devices. Capturing the benefits of the Internet of Things will not happen without effort, however. The traffic created by a large increase in the number of connected devices will strain existing wireless infrastructure unless upgrades can be made. Rural areas with few people may lack needed wireless coverage, while urban areas may have too many devices to handle. Further complicating the issue is the fundamentally limited quantity of wireless spectrum available for IoT devices. Fortunately, wireless carriers and industry groups are already collaborating to design the next generation of wireless technology with IoT in mind.