Securing IoT Device Connectivity for Planes, Trains, Automobiles and More

We are living in a new world of connectivity, where industries are powering innovative internet of things (IoT) use cases that are solving business problems. Billions of devices are entering the market and need seamless connectivity, no matter what part of the globe they’re traveling in.  As a result, we’re faced with finding ways to keep connectivity seamless and secure.

To find out more about what’s happening in the IoT connectivity space and explore the exciting industry use cases that are driving business forward, we spoke with Shane Wooten, Senior Product Manager, to learn more about the world of connectivity for today and tomorrow.

1. What is going on in the market that is driving the need for global connectivity?

Shane Wooten: We’re seeing a huge shift in the market towards a connected globe. Major companies around the world are working to power IoT devices that are constantly moving from one network to another to stay connected. That requires a complex understanding of both network connectivity and IoT device management. However, the use cases are truly limitless if done right.

Some pivotal questions we’re focused on are:
• What are the key use cases that are going to drive revenue or operational efficiencies for businesses?
• How do we ensure that IoT device are connecting seamlessly and securely?
• How do we manage all our IoT devices through one single pane of glass?

2. It sounds like there’s a lot of exciting progress being made in the IoT space. What are some specific IoT industry projects that are driving forward?

Shane: Airports are really driving IoT forward by embracing connectivity.Airports are like small cities. There are many different touch points and interactions between IoT devices and people. Take the pilot for example. Every day, thousands of flight plans are downloaded to conduct flights. But these flight plans hold such sensitive information. Through IoT capabilities, airports can ensure flight plans are downloaded digitally by the pilot using only a secure network.

Another great possibility begins with flight mechanics that use data from sensors all over the plane. The safety and security of passengers is key. By having a connected plane and flight crew, the mechanic can understand the health of the aircraft and communicate complex repairs over live video streams with senior personnel using a secure connection. All the while making air travel faster, safer and more efficient. 

There are numerous other industries leveraging IoT capabilities as well.

3. Sounds like the airline industry is exploring innovative ways to secure their operations. Are there other use cases we should keep an eye out for?

Shane: Absolutely. As an example, the healthcare field will continue to explore different applications in IoT. Let’s say there is a shipment of vaccines that needs to travel across the ocean, and there’s a requirement the vaccines stay at a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. By using Syniverse’s globally connected SIM card, we can track and transmit the sensors’ data throughout the entire passage to ensure the correct temperature is maintained. That information can be seamlessly pushed to the cloud through a secure connection, and then down into a centralized dashboard where an administrator can verify the vaccines were not spoiled in transit.  

We’re only highlighting two exciting use cases, but rest assured, the applications in IoT truly are limitless. Manufacturing and logistics are also industries we’re working closely with on global connectivity.

4. These use cases are very interesting. Are there complexities and challenges, though, that companies should be aware of?

Shane: As we talk to companies around the world about IoT connectivity, one of the biggest challenges we hear is achieving interconnectivity. Interconnectivity is having the capability to ensure seamless IoT connectivity between disparate networks and devices. When you throw security into the mix, it gets even more complicated. Why? Because businesses would need to establish connectivity with the thousands of mobile network operators around the world to ensure their IoT devices roam freely and securely. 

That’s where Syniverse comes in. We simplify this complexity by sitting in the middle of businesses and mobile operators. Each business needs only one network connection to Syniverse to connect IoT devices to networks around the world. And conversely, mobile operators need only one connection to Syniverse for their customers or IoT devices to roam with and message to other mobile operator networks around the world. It’s a win-win for everybody. And with Syniverse Secure Global Access, this can all be done with the highest level of security.

5. Can you tell us more about what Syniverse is doing in the IoT connectivity space?

Shane: Syniverse solutions are completely embedded in the IoT space. I’ll outline several solutions that we’re talking about with businesses every day.

The first solution is Global SIM, which provides global connectivity to over 200 countries and territories and 700 roaming partners to give businesses complete control over their IoT devices and data. Our Platform as a Service (PaaS) enables comprehensive policy administration over every device in your program. And because Global SIM uses a single physical or digital SIM card, it’s easier than ever to track and reach connectivity for IoT devices anywhere on the planet. Even better, when connected to Syniverse Secure Global Access network, our private, members-only network, Global SIM shields your IoT device communications from the threats of the public internet.

As a result, businesses will be able to make decisions based upon IoT data securely and in near real time.