0G network – making IoT-enabled smart cities that much smarter
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the smart city technology, providing data-led insights that can inform sustainability initiatives, enhance operations and influence municipal planning and budgeting. However, the potential of IoT in smart cities is currently facing critical barriers of security and cost, says Florian Splendido is head of Sigfox IoT Agency.
To capitalise on insights derived from the IoT and become truly “smart,” resource-strapped cities need a solution that requires lower upfront investment than traditional options, and ensures high-grade security. What is that solution? It could be a 0G network.
A complementary network
The 0G network is a dedicated, low-bandwidth wireless network that is specifically designed to connect simple, low-powered and low-cost IoT devices to the Internet. Without complex connections or SIM cards, IoT devices send and receive small messages on a 0G network. These messages, despite their size, enable the vast majority of IoT applications today.
Most importantly for cities, a 0G network supports IoT applications that are cost-efficient and inherently secure.
Due to the simplicity of a 0G network, cities can avoid IoT solutions that require SIM cards, which can cost up to $40 (€36.3) each. Instead, by connecting IoT devices to a 0G network that enables the transmission of small amounts of data over long ranges, stakeholders can secure the IoT-enabled insights they need to steer decisions and operations, at a significantly lower cost than traditional network options.
0G networks do not support traditional two-way communication sessions; rather, once the IoT device sends the data to the base station, it goes into sleep-mode. This creates an extremely small window for hackers to break into the network and take control of the device. As such, devices connected to a 0G network are not beholden to it and therefore significantly less susceptible to network attacks.
Additionally, a 0G network can mitigate the occurrence of DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, through which devices are captured and manipulated, sending so many messages that the network becomes overwhelmed and shuts down. Radio frequency jammers can simulate these attacks. However, due to the randomness of its data transmissions, a 0G network is almost impossible to jam; to do so would require extremely high-power levels and significant investment.
By addressing cities’ cost and security concerns around the IoT, 0G networks present a gateway to new IoT-enabled insights that can steer strategic and innovative municipal operations and programs.
The benefits of 0G for smart cities
Cities around the world are already leveraging 0G networks to tap into insights from IoT solutions. In Spain, IoT devices connected to a 0G network and attached to streetlights are helping to optimise energy consumption, automate predictive maintenance and improve lighting quality.
In the UK, 0G-connected IoT solutions are being used to alert home and building owners to leaks, so reducing the impact of water damage. In Denmark, IoT solutions connected to a 0G network signal when bins are full so rubbish can be collected more efficiently, resulting in cleaner, healthier urban environments.
Florian Splendido
Mikkel Daa Hansen, formerly of IoT Denmark, commented recently, “Looking at data that we can produce with 0G, I am quite amazed with what we can do with 12 bytes… there is no doubt that this is the tip of the iceberg because there are so many use case scenarios we haven’t thought of yet.”
The future of smart cities with 0G the network
As more cities look to 0G networks to enable cost-efficient, secure IoT applications, we can expect even greater innovation. Some historic urban areas might consider using 0G-connected sensors to help monitor the structural integrity of old bridges, buildings or tunnels, getting ahead with restoration activities by identifying solutions that can ensure residents’ safety and convenience.
Other cities might consider using IoT solutions connected to a 0G network to detect crime, for example, gunshots. By attaching 0G-connected sensors equipped with a special microphone to existing infrastructure, cities can better track gunshot location and dispatch police to the scene.
The opportunities IoT devices present to smart cities are boundless. And by connecting these devices to a 0G network, cities can ensure security and cost-efficiency with their IoT investments — making them that much smarter.
The author is Florian Splendido is head of Sigfox IoT Agency
Comment on this article below or via Twitter @IoTGN