What is IoT device Management?
IoT devices once installed may need software updates or bug fixes. Sometimes it
has to be replaced or repaired. This may result in downtime. In order to solve
what can we do? We can effectively manage the devices using IoT Device
management. IoT device management is the method of authenticating,
configuring, monitoring, provisioning and maintaining the software and device
firmware that offers its functional capabilities.
In order to maintain the security, health, and connectivity of the IoT devices,
effective device management is essential. Normally, Solutions along with broad
device management will also be provided by IoT application vendors.
Requirement for IoT management system:
Given below are the four basic requirement of needed for IoT Management
system:
1. Provisioning and Authentication
Provisioning is the process by which a device is enrolling in a system. It has two
parts-
1. By registering the device, the establishment of an initial connection between
a device and an IoT solution is done.
2. Based on the requirements of the particular solution, a configuration is done
to the device.
Only after completing these steps, we can say that the device is fully provisioned.
Authentication
Authentication is a process by which devices with valid credentials only get
enrolled. It helps in trusting the device by validating an actual device is used with a
trusted software and trusted the user. Even though the process of Authentication
differs in each and every device, the device that is deployed will be having a
certificate or key that checks whether it is authentic. When a new device is
installed, it authenticates by validating credentials and several unique data such as
model number, serial number, etc.
2. Configuration and Control
Whenever a new device is getting installed, there has to be some configuration
done before start using. For example, a location tracker is the device that is
installed in a truck and data is getting uploaded in the cloud every minute. Before
start using that device, some settings have to be done in the device such as truck
number, truck speed, truck driver name, etc.
Otherwise, it may create some confusion on the same. Devices can be said as
imperfect if this step is not done before start using. Even after deployment, the
ability to control and configure devices is critical to ensure certain aspects such as
functionality, performance, and protection from security threats.
Also, the user needs to remotely reset the device to attain a good state, error
recovery, and implementation of new configurations. This will help in
implementing control capability in the system.
3. Monitoring and Diagnostics
Sometimes, there may be software bugs or certain other issues that can occur
which in turn results in the downtime of the device. In order to solve the issues,
the user needs to identify them first. For that, constant monitoring of devices is
essential. Software’s with device management helps in diagnosing these issues by
continuously logging. This software can also use certain cloud-hosted analytics to
offer solutions.
4. Software Updates and Maintenance
When a device is installed, it needs to be updated for the flawless working of the
device. Sometimes there will be additional functionalities to be included. As
already said, devices are increasing day by day. So it is hard to update all the
devices manually. The ability to update and maintain remote device software
securely is thus one of the most important components of good device
management.
Advantages of IoT Management
Following are the advantages listed below:
1. Know your Device
IoT device management helps the product owners to track, manage, monitor,
track, sustain and secure the connected devices. Since the platform is associated
with dashboard, it is also easy to remotely access and allows the devices to
manage, decommission and provision them.
2. Less Operational Costs and Maintenance
With the help of device management, it is possible to undergo Predictive
maintenance as an effective solution for periodic maintenance, and several other
issues. Thus, the time consumed will be less and in turn, operation costs will be
less.
3. IT and OT Convergence
In order to have a successful business, it is essential to have parallel coordination
of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). It helps in a
seamless flow of information to work parallel in different projects.
What is SNMP?
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a way for different devices on a
network to share information with one another. It allows devices to communicate
even if the devices are different hardware and run different software.
Without a protocol like SNMP, there would be no way for network management
tools to identify devices, monitor network performance, keep track of
changes to the network, or determine the status of network devices in real time.
SNMP architecture
SNMP has a simple architecture based on client-server Model.
The server, called manager, collect and process information about devices on
network.
The client, called agents, are any type of device or device component
connected to the network. They include not just computer, but also network
switches, phones, printers and so on.
