What is an access network responsible for in IoT?

The role of an access network in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT) is to facilitate communication by moving data to and from edge devices. Edge devices, which include IoT devices such as sensors, actuators, and other smart technologies, generate and rely on data to function effectively. The access network connects these devices to the broader network, enabling them to transmit collected data to a centralized system for processing and analysis, and simultaneously allowing commands or instructions to reach them.

This function is crucial because it enables the constant flow of data necessary for real-time monitoring and control, interoperability among devices, and overall efficiency in IoT applications. Without an effective access network, the communication between these devices and the cloud or servers would be limited or entirely impaired, hindering the functionality of IoT systems.

While providing power, filtering traffic, and encrypting data are important aspects of IoT infrastructure, they do not specifically define the primary responsibility of an access network. Instead, these functions are generally handled by other layers in the IoT architecture, such as power management systems, security measures at various network levels, and higher-layer protocols that ensure safe and reliable data transfers.