10 IoT Networking Companies To Know About In 2021

These companies are working on new and better ways to connect IoT devices to networks, operate the networks themselves and enable new revenue-generating opportunities.

It’s Time To Get Connected

If organizations want to take full advantage of the insights they can gain from IoT applications, they will need to ensure their deployments are connected with the best and latest network technologies.

The good news is, there are plenty of companies that are working on new and better ways to connect wireless IoT devices to networks, operate the networks themselves and enable new revenue-generating opportunities. Some of them are rather large, like AT&T. Others are much smaller, like Helium, but they are offering novel ways to keep devices connected and the data flowing.

[Related: The 10 Hottest IoT Startups Of 2021 (So Far)]

As part of CRN’s IoT Week 2021, here are 10 IoT networking companies you need to know about in 2021, with solutions ranging from software and services to hardware.

AT&T

Dallas, Texas-based AT&T is applying its telecom know-how to fuel growth in the IoT market with solutions for connectivity, device management and device development. The telecom giant has partnered with Cisco to power the AT&T Control Center powered by Cisco solution, which gives businesses the ability to see all devices on their network and collect data from said devices to make better business decisions. The two companies are also working on a variety of solutions for 5G and low-power wide-area networking. In addition, AT&T is working on an integrated IoT device solution with Microsoft’s Azure Sphere that can take advantage of AT&T’s massive network.

BehrTech

Concord, Ontario-based BehrTech is giving businesses an alternative to proprietary low-power wide-area network technologies with MIOTY, a protocol that provides long-range, low-power communication for commercial and industrial IoT networks. The startup is using MIOTY as the backbone for its MyThings connectivity platform, which can work with off-the-shelf equipment or the company’s own products. Those ancillary products include the MyThings Smart Sensor, which includes sensors for temperature, humidity, pressure and GPS, as well as the MyThings RF Module for long-range communication.

Comcast

Comcast’s MachineQ division is making low-power wide-area network solutions simpler and more cost-effective with its namesake connectivity platform. The Philadelphia, Penn.-based company recently updated its MachineQ platform, which integrated centralized management tools with gateway hardware that allows businesses to keep things simple and stick with one connectivity provider. MachineQ recently announced that it has partnered with Eddy Solutions, a provider of smart water metering products, to provide intelligent leak protection solutions to commercial and residential prop

Cradlepoint

Cradlepoint is making it easy for businesses to securely connect IoT devices to LTE and 5G networks with routers and its NetCloud IoT edge-to-cloud service. The Boise, Idaho-based company recently demonstrated with its parent company, telecom giant Ericsson, a 5G network slicing proof-of-concept that will allow businesses to run critical applications alongside lower-priority ones without interference. The company is also expanding 5G solutions for businesses, and that includes its recently launched R1900 ruggedized 5G edge router for in-vehicle networks.

Digi International

Digi International is fueling IoT hardware innovation with a variety of cellular modems, gateways, routers, single-board computers and sensors, among other things, to help businesses build IoT devices, systems and networks. The Hopkins, Minn.-based company’s continuously expanding portfolio includes the new Digi IX15 Zigbee router and gateway, which is designed for harsh environments, and the new SmartSense B2 sensor for remote temperature and humidity monitoring.

Helium

Helium is taking a unique approach to building a low-power wide-area networks by incentivizing consumers to buy and set up gateways across the world with cryptocurrency. The San Francisco, Calif.-based startup runs its so-called People’s Network with a decentralized networking protocol called LongFi, and it runs on specialized gateways that reward its owners with a digital currency for simply keeping the device on and when a device connects to it. Companies using Helium’s network include Salesforce, InvisiLeash, LoneStar Tracking, ConnectedFresh and Smart Mimic.

Senet

Senet is promising “carrier-grade” connectivity with its network software and services for IoT applications on its low-power wide-area network. The Portsmouth, N.H.-based company’s portfolio includes network-as-a-service for application providers, managed network services for network operators, RAN deployment and management services for radio access network providers and building blocks system integrators need to build out IoT projects. The company continues to rack up new partnerships, which includes New Cosmos USA, a company that is developing a new version of a wireless natural gas alarm that will rely on Senet’s LoRaWAN network.

Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless is helping organizations simplify their IoT deployments with modems, modules and connectivity services. The Richmond, British Columbia-based company’s offerings include modules for low-power wide area networks, cellular networks, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and it also sells devices for specific applications like fleet tracking and remote monitoring. The company recently expanded its portfolio with the launch of new multi-network 5G routers, which can be used to connect medical devices in emergency vehicles and autonomous robots in factories, among other things.

SigFox

SigFox claims to have the world’s largest low-power wide-area network, which processes billions of messages every month for IOT applications. The Paris, France-based company’s network covers 72 countries, providing on-demand coverage, geolocation and connectivity services to a long list of customers that include General Motors, Domino’s Pizza, BMW and Bayer. The company recently announced the launch of a new asset tracking solution that runs on SigFox’s network as part of a joint venture called Safecube between Michelin, SigFox France and Argon & Co.

Verizon

Verizon is arming businesses with services and solutions for cellular IoT deployments that includes IoT Managed Services, which is meant to simplify applications for resource-constrained organizations. The New York, N.Y.-based company’s IoT portfolio also includes Verizon Connect, an advanced fleet management software solution. The company recently announced major 5G deals with two organizations for IoT deployments: Associated British Ports, which will use a private 5G network for asset tracking and other applications, and Zyter, which will operate its thermal imaging platform on Verizon’s 5G network for sports stadiums.