The Role of Networking Standards in Building the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) promises widespread connection of sensors and devices such that smart cities, connected transport and other similar visions can be realised. However, to realise this a new wireless technology is required that is optimised for this particular application, providing very low cost, extremely long battery life and excellent coverage. This wireless technology needs to be an open global standard in order to foster a vibrant eco-system of key players. This paper discusses the issues involved in developing standards in the wireless telecommunications space before using a possible new IoT wireless standard as a case study to illustrate the issues with standardisation.