Page 60 - Reference framework for integrated management of an SSC - A U4SSC deliverable on city platforms

The number of connected IoT, machine-type communications (MTC) is expected to exceed 27
billion by 2025, impacting almost every aspect of daily life. Figure 11 shows how IoT traffic will
25
be dominant in networks, with growth curves above 22 per cent, in contrast to HTC traffic with
a practically flat growth forecast. This trend clearly demonstrates the need to face not only the
challenge of how to connect heterogeneous devices to a common infrastructure but also the use
of public space for the installation and power supply of these elements.

In this sense, the characterisation of these new traffic profiles requires a significant effort on the
part of international standardization organizations to adapt telecommunications networks. ITU-T
Study Group 20 addresses the requirements of IoT technologies by developing standards that
leverage IoT technologies to address urban development challenges. A central part of this study
is the standardisation of end-to-end architectures for IoT and mechanisms for interoperability of
applications and datasets.

Figure 11: Evolution of connected IoT devices (estimate 2025)

Note: loT Connections do not include any computers, laptops, fixed phones, cellphones or tablets. Counted are active nodes/devices or gateways
that concentrate the end-sensors, not every sensor/actuator. Simple one-directional communications technology not considered (e.g., RFID,
NFC). Wired includes ethernet and fieldbuses (e.g., connected industrial PLCs or 1/0 modules). Cellular includes 2G, 3G, and 4G. LPWAN includes
unlicensed and licensed low-power networks. WPAN includes Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or similar. WLAN includes Wi-Fi and related protocols.
WNAN includes non-short-range mesh, such as Wi-SUN. Other includes satellite and unclassified proprietary networks with any range.
Source: loT Analytics Research, 2022 https://iot-analytics.com/number-connected-iot-devices/

For the development of a city communications infrastructure, it is necessary to jointly analyse the
ecosystem formed by a large number of elements and devices (people, infrastructures, sensors-
actuators) of heterogeneous characteristics that generate data flows of a very diverse nature and
by the network itself that provides the necessary connectivity with quality, security and availability
at minimum costs. Aspects such as geographical coverage, energy consumption and the cost of
devices are variables that need to be considered.

46 Reference framework for integrated management of an SSC | June 2023