According to a report by Juniper Research, the global number of cellular internet of things (IoT) devices will increase from 3.4 billion in 2024 to 6.5 billion by 2028.
The report noted that 90 per cent growth in connections will require the deployment of new services enabling the efficient automation of IoT device management and security.
As per the report, the research identified intelligent infrastructure management solutions, which enable IoT users to automate the configuration of devices, security processes and connectivity in real-time, as key to handling the large increase in cellular data. The report predicted that global cellular IoT data generated will grow to 46 petabytes in 2028, up from 21 petabytes this year, leading to further investment in IoT automation services, such as federated learning.
At present, the majority of machine learning (ML) models are trained via data sources that are stored in a single location, making opportunities for fraudulent players a simpler task. Therefore, the report recommended that operators transition to federated learning models, a subset of ML that leverages a decentralised data approach to minimise the chances of data fraud over IoT networks. Further, federated ML limits the exposure of sensitive IoT data, thus reducing the threat of data breaches.
Commenting on the report, Alex Webb, research author, Juniper Research, said, “As the number of cellular IoT connections grows, it is imperative that both platforms and operators ensure data is secure in transition and on device. A failure to do so will dissuade IoT users in industries with sensitive data from using a cellular IoT-based approach to connectivity.”
