Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) are opening new possibilities for connecting IoT devices in remote and underserved areas. However, satellite-based connectivity can introduce challenges related to security, data reliability, and cost. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection between Monogoto’s cloud and your application server offers a streamlined approach to address these hurdles. Below, we examine some of the main issues in NTN IoT and explain how VPNs offer a practical solution.
Challenges with Traditional Data Traffic in NTN IoT
Data usage over satellite networks is significantly more expensive than in terrestrial IoT deployments, making it crucial to manage bandwidth efficiently. Most NTN IoT implementations rely on the UDP (User Datagram Protocol) because it is lightweight and simple. However, UDP does not include built-in encryption and lacks delivery guarantees, leaving critical IoT data susceptible to interception or loss.
Devices typically embed identification details within their data packets to enable traceability. This, however small, increases the size of the data packets, further driving up costs. A mere 50 byte decrease in the size of a data packet already affects the transmission costs.
How VPNs Address These Challenges
VPNs add an additional layer of security by encrypting data traffic and isolating the network from public exposure. This mitigates UDP’s lack of encryption and reducing the risk of unauthorized interception. When devices connect through a VPN, they are assigned private IP addresses within the customer’s network, removing the need to embed identification information in each packet. This eliminates unnecessary overhead and helps reduce data transmission costs.
Managing devices via private IP addresses also simplifies network administration and improves traceability. When devices and servers communicate within a secure, private environment, two-way communication becomes more reliable and cost-effective, even under the constraints of satellite bandwidth. The VPN’s encryption adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that sensitive data is not publicly exposed and remains accessible only to authorized entities.
Conclusion
VPNs play a critical role in ensuring secure, reliable, and cost-effective connectivity in the NTN IoT ecosystem. By reducing data overhead, protecting transmissions, and facilitating streamlined device management, a VPN connection with Monogoto’s cloud helps organizations maximize the benefits of satellite-based IoT deployments. This strategy delivers valuable advantages for any enterprise seeking efficient and resilient connectivity in remote or underserved locations.
