IoT is increasingly being applied in diverse fields, including environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, and industrial automation. Its role extends to critical systems such as energy grids, disaster response networks, and supply chain management, where dependable and secure connectivity is a fundamental requirement.
To function effectively, IoT systems depend on real-time data transmission that balances speed, reliability, and energy efficiency. Latency—the delay in transferring data between devices and networks—remains a significant challenge, directly impacting the performance and dependability of IoT deployments. Addressing this issue is key to optimizing connected systems.
What is Latency?
Latency refers to the time it takes for data to travel from a source to its destination and back again. For IoT devices, even milliseconds of delay can have ripple effects, especially in applications that rely on real-time data processing.
The Impact of Latency on IoT Devices
- Delays in Data Transmission: High latency can result in delayed responses, making real-time applications unreliable and causing an overall poor user experience.
- Increased Device Strain: Devices underperform or overwork due to inefficient data transmission, shortening their lifespan.
- Higher Power Consumption: Devices with higher latency consume more power, as they remain active longer to complete transmissions. This can be a major challenge for battery-operated IoT devices deployed in remote areas.
Packet Gateways and Their Impact on Latency
What is a Packet Gateway?
A packet gateway (PGW) is a network node responsible for managing data routing between devices and the broader network. In IoT deployments, PGWs play a crucial role by facilitating communication between devices, application servers, and other network layers. This ensures efficient and seamless data flow across the system.
The Role of Local Packet Gateways in Reducing Latency
When packet gateways are located far from a device’s operational region, data must travel greater distances to be processed. This added distance can increase delays, reduce system responsiveness, and create inefficiencies for applications that depend on real-time performance.
By deploying local packet gateways—nodes positioned closer to the operational region—data can travel shorter distances, leading to faster and more reliable transmission.
Picture this: A smart city traffic management system uses IoT sensors and cameras to monitor vehicle flow and dynamically adjust traffic lights.This system is based in the USA but relies on a connectivity provider with packet gateways located in Europe. As a result, data must travel across the Atlantic to the home network and back to the U.S. for processing. This added distance increases latency, causing delayed responses to incidents or traffic conditions, making it difficult for the system to adapt dynamically to real-time changes.
Other Factors That Impact Latency—and How Velocity IoT Addresses Them
Reducing latency requires addressing critical layers beyond just deploying local packet gateways. Velocity IoT’s solution takes a multi-layered approach:
Local Packet Gateways
Gateways are deployed close to where devices operate, minimizing reliance on roaming SIMs and long-distance data routes. This placement reduces latency and is enhanced with advanced features such as mitigation of radio frequency interference, optimized data transmission policies, and efficient consumption rates.
Minimizing Latency Between Network and Application Layers
Latency isn’t limited to device-to-server communication—it also occurs between network and application layers. To address this, application servers are co-hosted near local packet gateways, significantly shortening the data’s journey. This setup enables faster device communication and improves battery life for IoT devices by reducing unnecessary energy usage.
Unique Data Exchange Technology
Proprietary data exchange technology is designed specifically for latency-critical devices. This system optimizes device wake times by storing messages from application layers until the device is active. Once awake, the device receives all pending messages instantly, reducing unnecessary data checks and conserving energy.
Velocity IoT for Localized, Low Latency Connectivity Anywhere!
Not all IoT connectivity providers are equal. Velocity IoT’s solution stands out with a global infrastructure supported by local packet gateways or points of presence (PoPs) that deliver robust localized, low-latency connectivity worldwide. Some additional advantages include:
- Regulatory Compliance: Seamless global coverage with adherence to local regulations.
- Simplified Logistics: Single-SKU, vendor-managed solutions.
- Future-Proofing: Over-the-air updates ensure adaptability to new standards and technologies.
Not knowing where your packet gateways are could be adding unnecessary latency to your IoT deployments—it’s time to rethink your connectivity strategy. Whether it’s smart cities, transportation, or industrial automation, Velocity IoT keeps your devices connected, efficient, and responsive—wherever they operate. Contact us today.
