The sheer number of sensors deployed today (some estimate it will be in the billions in the next few years) means that the number of radios used to transmit sensor data will increase, especially from large, complex, and geographically dispersed networks. Over the years, a lot of research and development has been invested to enable frequency hopping radio technology to work in close proximity and share the same frequency band. To achieve this, radio networks are programmed to use different frequencies, and each network is programmed to "hop" to a different frequency than other radio networks in the area. This hopping allows for the construction of unique communication networks that do not conflict with other nearby networks, which is especially important and beneficial in today's situation of getting a lot of data from different sensors. If the network is programmed correctly, there is no need to worry about saturation points in the network blocking access to important data.
A common misconception is that frequency hopping radios and other radio systems will interfere with each other, especially in modern networks with a proliferation of devices in the field. This is not true because frequency hopping technology is designed with interference in mind. One of the most common frequency hopping bands is 902-928 MHz. Many regions have reserved this band exclusively for frequency hopping technology devices and allow multiple users to share the band. Another concern is interference from other devices, such as cellular technology, in the 900 MHz spectrum. A simple solution is a “bandpass filter” that blocks any noise or interference outside the 902-928 MHz range.
Frequency hopping technology is designed to be rugged and reliable in any radio environment, no matter how challenging, which makes it uniquely suited to be incorporated into almost any IoT network. In addition, today’s IoT landscape is changing rapidly and continuously. Systems require more interoperability between different and often outdated technologies and systems. When considering the needs of IoT networks and the shift to digital operations, the technology requirements have changed. Decision makers are often faced with legacy field communication networks that need to be combined with modern IT systems in some way. Frequency hopping technology can provide the necessary communication links to support interoperability, bringing different communication systems into the same solution.
In the IoT, such as the networks that provide data for smart cities, security is critical when choosing communication links. Frequency hopping technology is designed with security in mind, and modern frequency hopping technology also provides fast frequency switching and additional security layers. Modern switching is controlled by embedded software code, enabling the radio to switch frequencies up to hundreds of times per second, and not only is signal interference extremely unlikely due to the rapid signal hopping, but many technology providers today have added standards-based AES encryption as an additional layer of security. In networks where data needs to be transmitted long distances from sensors back to servers, frequency hopping communications is actually a strong candidate from a security perspective.
The rapidly changing wireless technology landscape has led to significant changes in the way IoT networks operate. However, frequency hopping technology remains one of the most reliable and rugged options for modern IoT communications. It has the range, speed, and throughput required to collect, monitor, and transmit important data from the access layer to the business office. As decision makers grapple with the challenges of adding and connecting sensors at every network endpoint, they must choose a technology that optimizes business operations. Modern frequency hopping technology is ideal for bridging the gap between IoT radios.