SkkyHub vs. Cisco IoT Field Network Director

In numerous IoT applications, the cloud often functions solely as the endpoint for data accumulation. Conversely, SkkyHub™ revolutionizes this concept by transforming the cloud into an agile channel that enables instantaneous data streaming from any site to any chosen destination. This groundbreaking platform fosters effortless integration between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT), promotes machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and creates connections among distant locations, all while achieving incredibly low network latency in microseconds. Whether you seek to oversee data from your devices or facilities or require the transmission of commands, updates, and configurations back to your system, SkkyHub™ accommodates both needs with ease. The DataHub gateway, along with endpoints featuring ETK, employs the DHTP protocol to ensure a data-only connection, negating the need for VPNs and preserving the integrity of your OT and IT networks. By leveraging outbound DHTP connections, all incoming firewall ports remain secure and closed, effectively minimizing any potential vulnerabilities in your environment, devices, or workplace. Capable of streaming up to 100,000 data points in real time, this system allows you to attain a thorough understanding of your operations. Furthermore, with three unique service tiers—Basic, Standard, and Professional—you can choose a service plan that aligns with your specific needs and budget, thereby enhancing the adaptability and scalability of your IoT solutions. This strategy not only empowers organizations to fully utilize their data but also guarantees high levels of security and operational efficiency while accommodating future growth. As your requirements evolve, SkkyHub™ continues to offer the flexibility necessary to adapt to changing demands seamlessly.

The management of IoT field area networks, which can consist of thousands or even millions of interconnected devices, presents numerous complexities that require careful oversight. Cisco's IoT Field Network Director (FND) emerges as a robust network management solution designed specifically for large-scale FAN deployments. The performance of IoT gateways and devices can be significantly influenced by environmental changes and the variability of cellular network coverage. Cisco FND is tailored to assist operations teams in effectively dealing with the lifecycle management of expansive FANs, allowing them to adjust to shifting conditions and network constraints to ensure uninterrupted service. Notably, it offers features such as zero-touch deployment and secure enrollment processes that facilitate the integration of a large volume of IoT gateways and endpoints. The platform also includes role-based access controls, maintains user audit trails, and utilizes secure communication methods to safeguard IoT data as it traverses networks and VPN tunnels. Moreover, it guarantees reliable communication over cellular and low-power networks, which is crucial for effective lifecycle management, supplemented by round-the-clock monitoring and alert systems. The automation of enrollment and provisioning for gateways and endpoints significantly boosts operational efficiency. By providing this comprehensive array of functionalities, Cisco FND stands out as an indispensable resource for navigating the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of IoT networks, ultimately ensuring seamless connectivity and management.