IoT interoperability is still a challenge: StarHub CTO

IoT innovation hinges on 5G, edge computing, and overcoming interoperability challenges. Image courtesy of Growtika.

Seamless integration of diverse IoT hardware and software remains a significant challenge — not only because of the billions of connected devices in operation but also due to the varied communication standards in use.

Interoperability continues to be a major concern for enterprises implementing IoT, despite the availability of 5G, acknowledged Ayush Sharma, Chief Technology Officer of StarHub.

“Ensuring that all these devices can communicate effectively within the 5G ecosystem is vital for businesses to realise the full potential of their IoT applications. This is especially true in APAC, where device manufacturers and vendors are spread across multiple countries, each with its own standards,” he observed.

Enterprise challenges

In the fragmented IoT ecosystem, enterprises face the daunting task of navigating a wide range of devices, platforms, and communication protocols, spanning from legacy systems to state-of-the-art 5G-enabled hardware. This poses a significant challenge for organisations requiring real-time access to data generated by IoT devices.

“Achieving seamless interaction between these disparate elements is no small feat,” Sharma remarked. “Compounding this issue is the diversity of connectivity requirements. In today’s digital world, some IoT applications require the high-speed, low-latency capabilities of 5G. Ensuring compatibility across these networks introduces layers of complexity to both deployment and operation.”

The lack of interoperability further exacerbates the problem by creating data silos, which diminishes the value that businesses can extract from their data.

“Integrating IoT data into existing enterprise systems often proves challenging, as does maintaining consistent performance and operability across thousands of devices as IoT deployments scale,” the CTO continued.

Focusing on the APAC market, Sharma highlighted that a major hurdle in integrating IoT with 5G networks is the region’s varied regulatory landscape. With differing 5G deployment schedules across countries, the pace of IoT adoption varies significantly. 

“Some nations are ahead in their rollout, while others are still addressing fundamental connectivity issues. This disparity can slow the pace of IoT integration, especially when businesses need to deploy solutions across borders,” he explained.

Adding to these challenges, the cost of 5G infrastructure and the complexity of scaling IoT networks often deter businesses — especially SMEs — from fully embracing digital transformation. 

“While larger corporations may have the resources to invest in advanced technologies, smaller players may struggle to fund and sustain them.  Public-private partnerships and government initiatives to subsidize 5G and IoT adoption can help bridge this gap and make these technologies more accessible to businesses of all sizes,” he said.

Areas of opportunities

One of the benefits of 5G to IoT, according to Sharma, is the enablement of real-time data exchange. For hospitals, this means quick access to medical data, which can save more lives. For factories, it improves efficiency by identifying and eliminating bottlenecks.

Ayush Sharma, Chief Technology Officer, StarHub. Image courtesy of StarHub.

In addition, 5G enables massive device connectivity, allowing businesses to deploy one million devices per square kilometre.

“This is particularly valuable for smart cities and automated logistics, where large numbers of sensors and devices must work seamlessly together,” Sharma said.

Meanwhile, edge computing, combined with 5G, supports data processing and analysis closer to its source. This enhances decision-making by delivering real-time insights.

“This integration of 5G and edge computing accelerates digital transformation across sectors like manufacturing, where adjustments can be made in response to real-time production data,” Sharma noted.

Among these features, Sharma highlighted network slicing as an often-overlooked but highly valuable 5G benefit to enterprises. By segmenting the network into dedicated slices tailored to specific use cases, businesses can secure bespoke connectivity that aligns with their unique requirements, he said.

“5G isn’t just a technical upgrade — it’s a foundation for the next generation of IoT innovation. By enabling smarter, faster, and more reliable solutions, 5G empowers businesses to reimagine what’s possible and deliver real-world benefits to the people and communities they serve,” Sharma added.

Security risks

Around the world, there have been numerous instances of compromised IoT devices, resulting in financial and reputational damage, and in some cases, loss of life. As IoT platforms advance, so must the security protocols necessary to safeguard data and people, Sharma emphasised.

“With billions of connected devices generating and sharing sensitive data, traditional security models are no longer enough. To address this, emerging zero-trust architectures (ZTA) are gaining traction. ZTA ensures that no device or user is implicitly trusted, even if they are inside the network perimeter, effectively mitigating risks from compromised devices,” he said.

Sharma also recommended the adoption of the following measures:

  • Enhanced encryption methods.
  • Continuous monitoring.
  • Automated threat detection.
  • Managed services.
  • IoT-specific security platforms.
  • Cyber resilience.
  • Edge computing in IoT platforms.

Solving the equation

One way to address the interoperability challenge in IoT, Sharma suggested, is through cloud-hosted solutions. Hosting IoT deployments on cloud-based platforms allows businesses to scale quickly without the burden of managing infrastructure.

“These cloud-hosted solutions offer robust capabilities for device management, real-time data processing, and seamless integration with enterprise applications. For example, smart facility managers can use predictive modelling to identify occupancy trends and optimise cleaning schedules proactively, while utility companies can adjust energy production to match demand, reducing waste and environmental impact,” he explained.

As IoT devices continue to generate massive amounts of data, sending all of it to centralised cloud servers can result in network congestion, increased latency, and higher operational costs. To address this, Sharma recommended integrating edge computing.

“This localised approach enables real-time decision-making, crucial for applications like industrial automation and autonomous vehicles, while also improving resilience by keeping systems operational during connectivity disruptions. However, its effectiveness relies on low-latency networks, which facilitate seamless communication between edge devices and centralised systems when needed. For instance, in a factory setting, real-time coordination between edge and cloud systems is optimised with low-latency connectivity, ensuring minimal delays in critical processes,” he explained.

Finally, Sharma outlined five key actions enterprises can take to navigate the rapid development of IoT:

  • Invest in infrastructure: Build networks capable of managing the high data demands of IoT, particularly with 5G connectivity.
  • Enhance cybersecurity: Adopt robust measures like ZTA to secure IoT ecosystems against breaches and unauthorised access.
  • Leverage IoT as a service: Simplify deployment and scaling of IoT solutions, enabling businesses to focus on core operations.
  • Collaborate with governments: Align with regulatory standards and urban initiatives to meet sustainability goals and ensure compliance.
  • Stay Agile: Continuously explore and adapt to evolving IoT technologies to maintain competitiveness.