The Interest in IoT is There

Are SMB NetworksReady for IoT?The short answer is not really. But there is no shortage of interest in IoT among SMBs, according to our survey. The #1 question is how much they are willing to invest in their network infrastructure to make it happen.

SMBs Benefit from IoT by

IncreasingWorkplace Safety

SavingMore Energy

StreamliningBusiness Operations

ImprovingEmployee Productivity

66%

Manage 50+Endpoints

38%

Manage 200+Endpoints

98Median Number

of Endpoints

50Median Number ofEndpoints to Add

Within 3 Years

But Investment is LimitedFewer than half of SMBs increased their network infrastructure budgets for 2019.

10%45%

45%

Increased Budget

Kept Budget The Same

Cut Budget

SMBs Are Using Outdated Wireless EquipmentDespite getting ready to add endpoints.

50%

Use 802.11n orOlder Equipment

Standards (8+ Years Old) 5x

802.11ac Wave 2with MU-MIMO Support

Can Be Up To...

faster

This Improves OverallPerformance & Efficiency

of a WiFi Network

Outdated Networks Hamper IoT Implementations

say the #1 deterrent to deploying IP-based building managementautomation is limitations to network infrastructure and management.49%

But There are Some Encouraging Signs

50%

59%

62%

40%

28%

Use 802.11ac Equipment

Have deployedmanaged switches

Use VLANs (virtual LANs)to segment traffic

Use QoS Configurations

Plan to add QoS Configurations

These are positive moves because adding endpoints increases complexity,which requires more capacity, better management and QoS controls.

Investment in PoE+ is Growing

40% SMBs Have Already DeployedNetwork Switches 33% Plan to Do the Same

Within Three Years

SMBs are planning to connect various devices toPoE+ networks, with the following leading the way:

69% Surveillance Cameras

39% Access Control/Door Locks

With Power over Ethernet (PoE), networking equipmentpowers up through the networking cable and doesn’t need tobe plugged into an electrical outlet. In an IoT environment,various devices will require either PoE or PoE+.If you’readding newer, more robust devices, which draw more power,consider deploying the latest PoE+ standard which deliversmore power over existing Cat5e/Cat6 cables.

Office Safety is a PriorityAs they invest in building management automation, securitysolutions are the first IoT use cases in office environments.

69%

56%

Plan to deploy IP-based surveillancesystems immediately or within 3 years

Plan to implement IP-basedaccess control systems

48%

Will Invest in IP-BasedPower Monitoring Systems

�34%

Plan to Deploy IP-BasedLighting Systems

�

Power Conservationis Next on the List of

Priorities:

Interest in PoE Lighting is Growing for Two Main Reasons:

1. Improved Control OverLighting Quality

2. Lower Power Costs

$

34%Already Partner With an IT

Solutions Provider/ManagedService Provider (MSP) for

Network Administration

25%Are Actively Pursuing a

Partnership or Assessingthe Need for One

TO LEARN MORE

Linksys.com/business

Outsourced IT on the RiseSMBs Look to Technology Partners for IoT Support