Comcast has been making a push for better Internet of Things or IoT implementations since the field was deemed to be the future a couple of years ago. IoT brings a wide array of new implementation possibilities thanks to the use of inexpensive sensors and internet-enabled devices, which means a more seamless user experience can be created like never before.
The cable company recently announced its plan to provide better networks for IoT implementations in 12 cities, one of which is Denver. As a rapidly growing tech city, Denver is a potentially huge market for such a network. What will Comcast’s latest project mean for businesses in Denver?
MachineQ Low-Power Network
The main difference between a conventional internet network and a network designed specifically for IoT lies in the power consumption. Project machineQ, Comcast’s aforementioned IoT network, brings reliable connectivity between IoT devices and hubs without the usual high-power consumption of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks.
MachineQ itself is now in its production stage. One of the early adopters, a pest control company, is now using IoT to develop smarter animal traps. Instead of relying on its employees to check the animal traps manually, the pest control company can now receive an automatic notification every time a pest is caught.
Another interesting idea came from a hackathon in Philadelphia, where a team implemented IoT-based sensors on shock absorbers of city vehicles. The sensor can create a detailed map of potholes and other road-related issues, saving the city a lot of money and allowing for faster repair and maintenance.
Great for Businesses
From the previous examples, it is easy to see how IoT can help businesses achieve more and save money in the process. Businesses in Denver are embracing the concept of IoT and its implementations to help improve different parts of the business operations. Real estate agents use IoT for condos in Mandaue and something similar will happen across all industries in the US in the future.
It doesn’t stop with conventional sensors too. IoT sensors can be programmed to work together and capture 3-dimensional data like never before. A restaurant, for instance, can maximize the use of kitchen equipment and take better control over food storage. The same system can also be used to fully automate inventory management based on simple inputs such as the weight of a container.
Support Systems Are Ready
Before a business can successfully implement IoT-based solutions, it needs to have a strong IT foundation first. The best business management solutions and business intelligence software systems currently used by Denver businesses can be configured easily to work with Internet of Things. This is part of the reasons why IoT implementation rate in this city is relatively higher than other 12 cities in Comcast’s new machineQ network.
Other than Denver, Comcast will be implementing its new network in Boston, Indianapolis, Miami, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and five other cities. The 12 cities are part of the first wave of machineQ implementation, with the company targeting an established and mature IoT network by the end of 2018. Other competitors are following suit, which means the race for incredible IoT implementations, especially among businesses, will only get more interesting.
