Did you know that in 1982 there was a vending machine that was connected to the internet which could monitor stock levels*? Or that in 1990 a device was connected to the internet which could perform the amazing feat of converting bread into toast?
The ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) has come a long way since then, now delivering ‘smart’ homes, healthcare devices, efficient last-mile deliveries, real-time rail schedules, driver telematics, automation of industrial machines and the list goes on. The number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices worldwide is forecast to almost double from 15.9 billion in 2023 to more than 32.1 billion IoT devices in 2030#. It’s worth noting at this point the differences between IoT devices that are portable, and those that are static (e.g. smart home gadgets). On-the-move IoT devices rely on a good mobile data network connection in order to deliver IoT services whereas the IoT smart devices at home usually run off the local Broadband Wi-Fi.
For these on-the-move IoT devices, they rely on the Communication Service Providers (CSP) to deliver suitable data coverage and connectivity service levels.
We have identified three groups that are interested in testing IoT service levels:
- The first, most obvious group, are the CSPs who now have more QoS and SLA objectives to fulfil than ever before.
- The second group identified is that of on-the-move IoT device/service providers, who want to ensure that their IoT services are accessible to their customers. These IoT providers have realised that their customers will not accept finger pointing to blame the CSP.
- The third group are those that require bespoke IoT testing solutions to monitor the success of their IoT devices. This could be for example, railway lines, transport routes, sporting events, VIP locations and holiday destinations.
Our test event generators have full capability to test, survey and verify all mobile data aspects of IoT, including Quality of Service (QoS) through to final bill.
What are the Business Cases for Testing and Assuring IoT Services?
CSP Risk Management
A CSP must meet the contracted SLA. These contracts could be with the IoT service provider or of course the standard subscriber. In either instance, an intelligent risk-prevention approach will utilise Test Event Generators to continuously monitor customer experience (CX) and alert quickly when SLAs are breached. Once the risk assessment has identified the technology (e.g. 4G/5G), location and the service application requirements for success then a test strategy can be rolled out.
Due to the nature of IoT services, extra importance is given to the QoS KPI reporting. This helps the CSP to distinguish areas of strength and weakness, along with verifying network changes and updates. Lastly, the record generation, metering and billing accuracy of IoT data travelling across the network can also be verified using TCG. This approach shows that the CSP has risk-mitigation strategy in place via a full end-to-end verification of the IoT service delivery.
IoT Service Delivery Evidence
Do you need evidence of SLA compliance (perhaps for resolving customer disputes)? Our test event generators offer independent verification of SLA compliance, at both network and location level. Our TCG tools can be used to verify on-site performance levels being delivered as well as providing SLA compliance across the core network
IoT Testing of High Importance Coverage Areas
Sometimes failure is not an option. If you have a location or route that needs to be verified for IoT signal, then TCG testing or surveying is an excellent way to validate the mobile networks data delivery status. Our customers use mobile data and GPS surveys to determine if their new IoT equipment functions, before they roll it out.
Proactive testing of IoT can provide notable benefits where the network has been enhanced for special events such as festivals or major sporting events like the Olympics. Specialised IoT devices are often brought in for these events and require the highest QoS levels. TCG testing alerts to any IoT affecting QoS issues, delivering accurate information for fault diagnostics and fix validation.
Our test equipment has a strong history of providing quality of service (QoS) reporting to the TETRA police network, the Olympics, the London Underground, global telecommunication Tier 1 operators, train manufacturers and more.
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