Thriving In The Interference Of Things

In wireless devices, signal interference causes data loss and network malfunctions, but experts at Keysight Technologies say these problems are preventable.

The huge growth in the Internet of things (IoT), and the myriad of wireless connections it uses to intercommunicate, are quickly becoming the foundation of entirely new economies—until they fail to work as expected. It’s a scenario quickly becoming all too real thanks to the 28 billion connected devices Ericsson predicts will be in the market by 2021.

The sheer number of wireless devices sharing the radio spectrum with growing numbers of wireless laptops and cell phones that connect us all creates a perfect storm of interference that poses a serious threat to the IoT economy. When wireless devices are unable to peacefully coexist, they can experience slowdowns, service interruptions, data loss, or outright failure.

For companies that develop or rely on IoT devices, the implications are staggering—lost revenue, damaged brand, costly recalls, or worse. Surviving, much less thriving, in this “interference of things” requires companies to be aware of these challenges and have a plan to minimize and mitigate interference.

GAINING AWARENESS IS KEY