What do you do if you need to optimize your mobile device's networking capabilities?

Absolutely critical to IoT. We get updates on our phones monthly, if not weekly. Why wouldn't we enable and design software updates via FOTA to IoT devices.

Defining your OS update strategy and practices early in the development process is critical as it will define long term success and efficient use of network resources. Using practices that implement differential based updates, scheduled releases, standards based Update processes will help deliver the appropriate updates in a network efficient way. - Differential: Pro-lowest amount of data transmitted; Con-higher initial development effort - Scheduled releases: Pro-multiple updates/fixes provided at once; Con-Urgent fixes may take to long opening security risk - Standards based: Pro-leverages others learnings and enables cross platform integration; Con- limits differentiation in offering.

Updating the operating system (OS) on your mobile device is a critical first step in optimizing networking capabilities. This not only ensures that you have the latest features and support for new network protocols but also patches any security vulnerabilities that could compromise your device's performance. For instance, newer versions of Android and iOS have introduced improvements such as enhanced LTE connections and Wi-Fi performance, which can significantly boost your networking capabilities.

First and foremost it’s important to ensure being on the latest SW version. They provide security updates, feature improvements, and also adjust network attachment in case something changes on provider side. If inside buildings, keeping Wi-Fi switched on and using it’s signal support helps maximizing network coverage. And finally, closing apps while not in use helps optimize device capabilities.

One of the easiest ways implementing with network troubleshooting except updating to latest Os is most of the times something so easy to be true.....Keep all antennas free of materials that absorb electromagnetic waves.

In most cases the huge OS updates result in consuming all the bandwidth resulting in degraded services rate limiting updates will certainly make improvements

Implementing an app manager that limits the amount of back ground processing/tranmission by unused apps is a great practice for enterprises that manage their own device OS. For individual users there are apps out there to help with this but a simple App clean up practice 3-4 times per year is a great alternative.

Many resource intensive apps like navigation, other location aware services, and search functions easily remain active after use. E.g. when just closing the navigation app after reaching the destination. It’s however important to understand, that these services continue to draw device resources, even when no longer used. Thus it’s a good practice to deactivate apps no longer in active use through swipe-up in the app scrolling window.

Managing apps is important to ensure efficient use of device resources, optimize performance, maintain security, and prevent unnecessary battery drain.

Managing apps effectively is essential for optimizing the networking capabilities of your mobile device. Many apps run background processes that can consume network resources without your knowledge. By regularly auditing your installed apps and disabling background data for those not in use, you can free up network bandwidth and reduce latency. For example, I found that by restricting background data for streaming and social media apps, I was able to improve data speeds and reduce battery drain.

Managing WiFi settings is important for ensuring a stable and secure internet connection, optimizing network performance, conserving battery life on mobile devices, and protecting privacy by connecting to trusted networks.

Identifying what data is being transmitted is the first step, as many solutions/applications could be communicating over the network slowing everything down. Using embedded tools like Wireshark are a great start in identifying IP packet traffic by type and destination. Cell providers are starting to offer similar solutions based on the data they see at the network level. Once high volume offenders are identified you can define a plan to address and improve functionality.. Many applications require "admin" data which goes unnoticed, much of the time, but can greatly reduce network resources.

Adjusting your Wi-Fi settings can greatly enhance your device’s networking efficiency. This includes setting your device to connect to the 5 GHz band rather than 2.4 GHz where possible, which offers faster speeds and less interference. Additionally, using features like Wi-Fi Assist or Smart Network Switch can help your device manage connections more effectively by automatically switching to the strongest network available, preventing any drop in connection stability.

In todays world of IoT. Multiple connectivity devices need to be a part of the device. Devices need cellular, BLE, Wi-Fi and potentially LoRaWAN in the device to ensure coverage and connectivity.

It’s essential to have a network toolbox of sorts to achieve data optimizations successfully and if you want to get anywhere to begin with.

Network tools aid in monitoring, diagnosing issues, ensuring security, and optimizing performance across computer networks. Network tools are software or applications designed to help manage, monitor, analyze, or troubleshoot devices networks.

Utilizing network tools can help diagnose and optimize your device's network settings. Apps like Network Analyzer and Wi-Fi Analyzer provide detailed insights into network speed, strength, and stability, helping identify channels with less interference or problems affecting connectivity. By regularly using these tools, I've been able to optimize the placement of my Wi-Fi router, adjust my network settings, and choose less congested channels, significantly enhancing overall connectivity.

Visualization is critical for a solution providers success. Every level in the equation of solutions needs to see behaviors, usage, overage, location and how the device is communicating to multiple networks.

The synchronization time is important for data management, this simple setting in mobile devices, could significantly improve data consumption in the time to sync settings. Also, the most common social network apps, are big data eaters, plus, the reduction in battery life. We live in a connected world, where real-time information and events are crucial in our daily routines, and having awareness of data usage prevents extra charges. Prioritizing which emails/apps need free use (e.g. our bank app, SMS, IM, job emails) vs the less priority ones (social, dating, personal) and data/battery saving modes as well, is a good way to balance data consumption. The idea is to have a healthier relationship between you and your mobile screen.

Improving signal strength can significantly enhance your mobile device's networking capabilities. This can be achieved through the use of signal boosters or amplifiers, especially in areas where network coverage is weak. Additionally, simply changing the location of your device when indoors (such as placing it near a window) can improve signal reception. I've personally benefited from using a high-quality signal booster, which has improved my LTE and Wi-Fi reception in low-coverage areas.

In our opinion the application/solution drives the equipment. From the perspective of a business use case, for mobile networking, we would typically recommend addition of a router or gateway. These devices enable not only more sensors and devices that can be networked, but also have security and routing capabilities not available on a smartphone. The enhanced features and additional benefits far outweigh the USD500 cost.

MDM (Mobile Device Management) remains the first thing to look at and a key solution for analysing mobile devices networking capabilities and conditions, understanding and monitoring network coverage and possible issues/improvements, especially for deskless workers or IoT deployments.