Connectivity best practices to set up your IoT backend

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the way we interact with the world around us. IoT devices are becoming an integral part of day to day processes, from healthcare to industrial applications. However, to fully tap into the potential of IoT's power, you’ll need make sure your backend is robust and secure.

This post will guide you through best practices for setting up your IoT backend, with a focus on connectivity.

What is an IoT backend?

IoT backend refers to the server side of an IoT system. It’s where the data from various IoT devices is gathered, processed, stored, and managed. It's an essential component of an IoT system, and it encompasses multiple functions, including:

• Data storage and management
• Device management
• Data processing and analysis
• Security
• Integration and interoperability

By setting up an effective IoT backend, organizations can better handle the complexities of an IoT system, making it easier to manage and gain valuable insights from the vast amounts of data generated by their connected devices.

Connectivity: The heart of your IoT backend

Connectivity is the lifeblood of any IoT system. It allows devices to communicate with each other and the backend. Several connectivity options are available for IoT devices, including Wi-Fi, cellular, and satellite. However, each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice largely depends on your IoT system’s specific requirements.

Cellular connectivity

Cellular connectivity is a popular choice for IoT systems due to its comprehensive coverage and reliable connection. It's beneficial for IoT devices that are mobile or located in remote areas.

Private LTE networks

Private LTE networks are an excellent option for IoT systems that require a high level of security. These networks provide a dedicated and secure connection for your IoT devices, isolating them from the vulnerabilities of the public internet.

Wi-Fi connectivity

Wi-Fi is a prevalent and affordable option for IoT systems in fixed locations like homes or offices. Its capacity for high data transfer rates is a strength. Yet, its range is limited, typically up to 100 meters and its reliance on unlicensed spectrum can result in interference.

Satellite connectivity

Satellite connectivity is optimal for remote IoT systems due to its global reach. However, it comes with high deployment costs, potential latency issues, and increased power consumption.

The choice of IoT connectivity—be it cellular, private LTE, Wi-Fi, or satellite—should be guided by your system's specific needs. Each option offers unique benefits and limitations, so choose wisely to ensure an efficient, reliable IoT system.

IoT connectivity best practices

When setting up your IoT backend, there are a few best practices you should keep in mind:

Choose the lowest power network that will do the job

Power consumption will always be at odds with range and throughput. The more range and throughput you need, the more power your IoT devices require. Since power is one of the things you’re paying for when you operate an IoT network, a lower-power network will be more cost-efficient.

Plan for device maintenance and updates

Every IoT device on your network represents an access point to that network. One of the most common causes of security breaches is IoT devices with outdated software. It’s easy to forget to update the software and firmware on your IoT devices, especially when they’re small things like sensors. Before setting up your network, establish policies and procedures for updating and maintaining your IoT devices.

Never use default passwords and credentials

Most IoT devices ship with default access credentials. These default credentials often get used because people don’t think to change them or don’t even realize there’s a way to access the device with a username and password. Make sure you check and secure every IoT device before deploying it on your IoT network.

Build a strong IoT backend with the right partner

Setting up an IoT backend can be a complex task, but with the right partner, it doesn't have to be. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can set up a robust and secure IoT backend that can handle the demands of your IoT system. However, the stakes of not doing things right can be high. A poorly set up IoT backend can lead to connectivity issues, security vulnerabilities, and scalability problems.

A partner that offers global connectivity, robust security measures, and scalable solutions can help you navigate the complex landscape of IoT, providing the tools and expertise you need to set up a robust and secure IoT backend.

At Telnyx, we’re more than a provider of IoT services. We’re a leading authority in the IoT space, offering a comprehensive suite of IoT SIM cards and eSIMs to help you navigate this complex landscape.

Telnyx IoT SIM cards provide reliable global connectivity in over 180 countries, while our private LTE network ensures the security of your IoT devices. We offer a multi-carrier SIM with intelligent network switching, so no matter where the device is, it will automatically connect to the best available network in that country. Our API lets you activate and monitor all your devices remotely with one global SIM.

Telnyx's IoT solutions are designed to meet the needs of various industries. In healthcare, Telnyx IoT SIM cards enable secure and reliable remote patient monitoring. In the industrial sector, SIM cards facilitate efficient machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. We also enable IoT solutions for retail and transportation.

We've helped customers like Clair Global, Valor Paytech, and Sitemetric build innovative IoT experiences and solutions for years. Our experts can help you find the right approach to deploy IoT for the first time or help you iterate on existing IoT deployments with better cost efficiency on a global scale.

Get in touch with our experts today to purchase and deploy your IoT SIM cards.

To learn more about IoT…

• Control your IoT devices with Telnyx Messaging.
• Explore top IoT trends and use cases.
• Scale your customer experiences purposefully by integrating IoT and Messaging.

FAQ

What is an IoT backend? An IoT backend is the server-side system that ingests device data, manages devices, applies business logic, and exposes APIs. It ties together connectivity, storage, security, and integrations so devices and applications can communicate reliably.

What programming languages are used in IoT backends? Teams commonly use Python, Go, Java, Node.js, and Rust for backend services, with C or C++ on embedded devices. Choose based on protocol support like MQTT, performance needs, and your team’s expertise.

What are the four main components of an IoT system? Most IoT systems include devices or sensors, connectivity, data processing, and a user interface. Identity, security, and device management operate across these components.

What are the four types of IoT? IoT deployments are often grouped as consumer, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure. Each category has different reliability, safety, and compliance requirements.

How should an IoT backend handle alerts and notifications? Start with simple, low-latency channels like SMS for critical alerts, and weigh the differences between SMS and MMS when images or longer content improve clarity. Build retries, rate limits, and quiet hours into your notification pipeline.

Which communication channels should an IoT backend support for user messaging? Use dashboards and email for detailed reports, and add SMS or MMS for time-sensitive field alerts. If you use SMS or MMS, align payloads with the supported messaging types to avoid truncation or format issues.

Can an IoT backend send rich media like images or video to users? Yes, backends can attach photos, diagrams, or short clips to alerts via an MMS API when visual context speeds up troubleshooting. Compress media, observe carrier size limits, and protect sensitive data.