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10 essential questions to better understand the IoT before getting started’

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the way we interact with the world by connecting sensors and devices to the Internet to collect and analyse data in real-time. Whether in smart building, industry, energy management or other sectors, the IoT offers considerable opportunities to optimise operations and reduce costs.

Before getting started, many questions arise: Which sensors should you choose? Which connectivity should you adopt? How can you secure the data?

In this article, we answer 10 essential questions to help you better understand the IoT and make your project a success.

1. What is IoT and how does it work?

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical devices connected to the Internet, capable of collecting and exchanging data. These objects, called IoT sensors or devices, are equipped with sensors, actuators and software that enable them to capture information (temperature, humidity, presence, etc.), then transmit this data via a network connection to a centralised platform for analysis.

IoT sensors can be installed in various environments (buildings, industrial infrastructures, etc.). They provide real-time information that can be used to optimise processes, improve energy efficiency and make informed decisions. These wireless devices are communicating via radio technologies such as LoRaWAN, NB-IoT or LTE-M, avoiding the constraints associated with cabling. Battery-powered, they are easy to install without needing to run wires, considerably reducing deployment time and costs. Their affordable price means they can be deployed in large numbers, enabling extensive coverage and optimised data collection on a large scale.

2. What types of IoT sensors are available for smart buildings and what are their uses?

Smart buildings incorporate a wide range of IoT sensors to improve energy management, occupant comfort and predictive maintenance. Some of the most common sensors are:

Temperature and humidity sensors: these optimise heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to ensure optimal comfort while reducing energy consumption.
Presence and motion sensors: used for smart lighting, space management and security, they detect room occupancy to adjust the lighting or heating accordingly.
Air quality sensors (CO₂, VOCs, fine particles): they monitor indoor pollution and enable automatic ventilation to ensure healthy air for occupants.
Energy consumption sensors: these measure electricity, thermal or water consumption in real-time, thus facilitating the optimisation of energy expenditure and the detection of anomalies.
Opening sensors (doors and windows): essential for security and energy efficiency, they can alert in case of intrusion or turn off the heating/air conditioning if a window is opened.

By combining these sensors with a centralised IoT platform, building managers can automate many tasks, reduce operating costs and improve the well-being of occupants.

Temperature and humidity

Presence et movement

Air quality

Energy consumptions

Opening / Closing

3. How can I be sure that my IoT sensors will work in my specific environment?

To ensure that your IoT sensors are compatible with your environment, it is essential to take several criteria into account before deployment:

Adapting sensors to your project

Connectivity: Check that the sensors are compatible with your network (Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, LTE-M, etc.) and that the network coverage is sufficient to ensure uninterrupted communication. An on-site connectivity test may be necessary to avoid dead zones and ensure reliable data transmission.
The robustness of the sensors: Depending on the environment (indoor, outdoor, industrial site, underground infrastructure), it is crucial to choose sensors that are adapted to the physical constraints (extreme temperatures, humidity, vibrations, exposure to chemicals, etc.). Certifications such as IP65/IP67 for waterproofing or ATEX for explosive environments may be required.
Adaptability: Some sensors offer advanced features such as remote reconfiguration, automatic calibration or compatibility with different protocols, facilitating their integration and adjustment to the evolving needs of your project.

Testing and validation before deployment

Before installing a large number of sensors, it is advisable to carry out a Proof of Concept (PoC) by testing a sample of sensors under real conditions of use. This makes it possible to check the quality of the signal, the autonomy of the sensors, the efficiency of the network and the relevance of the data collected.

Guidance and technical support

IoT solution manufacturers, such as Adeunis, offer support services to help you select the most suitable sensors, configure connectivity and optimise their operation. Supervision and diagnostic tools also make it possible to anticipate possible failures and guarantee a smooth deployment.

4. What are the connectivity options for IoT sensors?

IoT sensors can be connected via different types of networks, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of the network will depend on a combination of criteria, such as the range required, energy consumption needs, throughput required and the installation environment.

The main options are :

1. LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network)

Ideal for connected objects requiring low energy consumption and long range.

LoRaWAN

✅ Long range, up to 15 km in rural areas and 2 to 5 km in urban areas

✅ Very low energy consumption (sensor autonomy of several years)

✅ Public or private network

✅ Very low cost of data, or even virtually nil in an ideal private network (linked solely to the infrastructure put in place)

❌ Limited throughput (~50 kbps max), unsuitable for transmitting large volumes of data

❌ Variable latency (up to several seconds)

Sigfox

✅ Range: up to 10 km in urban areas, 30 to 50 km in rural areas

✅ Very low energy consumption (autonomy of several years)

✅ Global network with existing coverage

✅ Low data cost, but depends on number of messages sent

❌ Limited throughput (a few messages per day), not suitable for applications requiring frequent feedback

❌ High latency (can reach several minutes)

NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT)

✅ Based on existing mobile networks (4G/5G), excellent coverage

✅ Low energy consumption (several years’ autonomy)

✅ Suitable for difficult environments (underground, buildings)

✅ Low data cost, suitable for applications sending data at low frequencies

❌ Latency 1 to 10 seconds

❌ Limited throughput

LTE-M (Long Term Evolution for Machines)

✅ 4G variant optimised for IoT

✅ More bandwidth than NB-IoT, better responsiveness

✅ Suitable for mobile applications (fleet tracking, sensors in motion)

✅ Moderate data cost, suitable for applications sending low frequency data

❌ Higher energy consumption than LoRaWAN

2. Local networks (short range)

Suitable for indoor environments where sensors need to communicate with each other or with a gateway.

Wi-Fi

✅ Range: up to 100 m indoors

✅ High throughput (several Gbps, suitable for real-time data)

✅ Easy to integrate into existing infrastructures

❌ High power consumption, not suitable for battery-powered sensors

❌ Limited range (requires relays or repeaters)

❌ Low cost of data, but depends on underlying Internet subscription

Bluetooth

✅ Range: 10 to 100 m

✅ Low energy consumption (autonomy of several months to years)

✅ Ideal for sensors connected to a smartphone or hub

✅ Moderate throughput (~2 Mbps max)

✅ Low latency (~a few milliseconds)

❌ Limited range

❌ Requires connection to a relay to send data to the cloud

Zigbee/Z-Wave

✅ Mesh networks for intelligent buildings

✅ Very low energy consumption

❌ Requires a gateway to relay data to the cloud

❌ Low cost of data, but linked to the infrastructure put in place

3. Conventional cellular networks (3G/4G/5G)

Used when sensors need to transmit a large volume of data over long distances.

4G/5G

✅ Worldwide coverage thanks to mobile networks

✅ Very high throughput (4G: up to 1 Gbps, 5G: several Gbps)

✅ Low latency (4G: ~20-50 ms, 5G: <10 ms)

✅ Full mobility support

❌ High power consumption, unsuitable for battery-powered sensors

❌ High data cost, charged by the volume of data transferred

5. What is the lifespan of IoT sensors?

The lifespan of IoT sensors depends on several factors, including their type, their use and the environment in which they are deployed. As a rule of thumb, the lifespan of sensors can vary between 3 and 15 years. Battery-powered sensors, for example, can last for several years before needing to be replaced or recharged, while sensors connected to an external power source can have a longer lifespan.

Manufacturers often offer low-energy solutions to extend the lifespan of sensors while ensuring optimal operation.

3 to 15 years

6. How can the data collected by the sensors be managed and analysed?

The data collected by IoT sensors is generally sent to a cloud platform or a central server via a network connection. This data can then be analysed using dedicated tools, which enable the information to be visualised in the form of graphs, reports or real-time alerts.

Analysis algorithms can be used to extract useful insights, such as trends, anomalies or forecasts. These tools enable decisions to be made based on objective data, such as reducing energy consumption or optimising maintenance processes.

7. What are the costs associated with an IoT deployment?

The cost of an IoT deployment can vary considerably depending on the size of the project, the number of sensors and the type of network chosen. The main costs to be considered are as follows:

Purchase of sensors: the price of sensors can vary depending on their type and functionality.
Connectivity: the choice of network (Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, etc.) can influence connectivity costs.
Set-up costs: configuring the sensors and integrating them with data management software or platforms can incur additional costs, especially if customised solutions or adjustments to the existing system are required.
Installation: the installation costs for wireless sensors are generally low, but there may be a need for field analysis and deployment support to ensure the success of the project.
Data management: The data generated by the sensors must be processed, stored and analysed. This may require investment in software platforms, data analysis and visualisation tools, or cloud services to store and process the information.
Training and support costs: the teams responsible for managing and maintaining the IoT system in the building will need to be trained in the use of sensors and data management platforms. Technical support or assistance services may be needed to troubleshoot or adapt the system to the specific needs of the building.

However, the savings made through the optimisation of resources (energy, maintenance, management) make these costs profitable in the long term.

8. How can the security of data collected by IoT sensors be guaranteed?

Data security is essential in any IoT project. Here are some security measures that can be implemented to protect your data:

Data encryption: All data transmitted by the sensors must be encrypted to prevent interception or manipulation.
Strong authentication: Access to IoT data and systems must be restricted and secured via strong authentication mechanisms.
Regular software updates: Sensors and platforms must be regularly updated to fix security vulnerabilities.
Securing networks: Use private networks or secure communication protocols to ensure maximum protection.

9. Is the IoT scalable? Can I add new sensors to my network later?

The IoT is scalable by nature. You can add new sensors as your needs evolve, without having to completely redo your infrastructure. Modern IoT platforms are designed to adapt to the addition of new devices, allowing you to manage and analyse new data flows with ease.

This allows you to start with a small deployment and gradually expand the solution as your business grows.

10. What is the return on investment (ROI) for an IoT project?

The ROI of an IoT project depends on many factors, including the type of sensors used and the objective (reduction of energy costs, predictive maintenance, improvement of comfort, etc.).

However, a well-deployed IoT project can generate substantial savings by improving efficiency, reducing energy consumption, anticipating breakdowns through predictive maintenance and optimising operations in real time.

94 %

of companies that have invested in IoT have seen a positive return on their investment.

https://uac-m.org/

18/03/2025