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In 2020 21 billion internet of things devices (IoT) will be used globally. Out of these devices 6 per cent will be used as industrial IoT applications, but IT companies are having some issues identifying these devices and considering them as part of their network according to Gartner.
Not only will there be billions of these devices, they will outnumber users with laptops, tablets and smart phones by more than three times.
Gartner suggests infrastructure and operations (I&O) leaders should update their network access policies in preparation for IoT devices.
Tim Zimmermann, research vice president at Gartner said: "Having embraced a bring-your-own-device strategy, organizations must now get employee devices on the enterprise network and start addressing the 21 billion IoT devices that we project will want access to the enterprise network.
"Whether a video surveillance camera for a parking lot, a motion detector in a conference room or the HVAC for the entire building, the ability to identify, secure and isolate all IoT devices — and in particular "headless" devices — is more difficult to manage and secure.
"Many IoT devices will use the established bandwidth of the enterprise network provided by the IT organisation (wireless 1.3 Gbps of 802.11ac Wave 1 or 1.7 Gbps of 802.11ac Wave 2). However, it is important that the IT organisation works directly with facilities management (FM) and business units (BUs) to identify all devices and projects connected to the enterprise infrastructure and attaching to the network.”
Creating a network policy once all devices have been identified will help to ensure that the network is and will stay secure. This will be one of the main challenges facing organisations as the IoT continues to emerge.
