Reliable and Secure M2M/IoT Communication Engineering - Physical Implementation

This dissertation investigates the capacity of 5G networks to provide reliable communication for critical applications in Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) systems, using Denmark as a case study. Recognizing that existing 5G infrastructure may not fully satisfy the stringent requirements for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) defined by 3GPP standards, this research investigates the performance of 5G when combined with other technologies. The study adopts a user-centric approach, evaluating network performance based on reliability metrics across a range of safety-critical applications. This includes an examination of a smart insole application designed to classify lifting techniques in factory workers and prevent back injuries, assessing 5G’s ability to support real-time processing, and evaluating user experience through questionnaires. Furthermore, the research conducts a comparative analysis of 5G, WiFi, and 4G LTE networks in a teleoperated driving scenario, measuring key metrics such as latency, jitter, and packet loss against the standards set by the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA). The suitability of ground-based 5G networks for supporting non-terrestrial applications, such as Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), is also investigated. This involves analyzing signal strength data from UAV flights to develop a pathloss model. Additionally, the research explores the potential of multiconnectivity, where devices connect to multiple networks simultaneously, to enhance reliability in teleambulance services. Drive tests with a multi-network setup revealed that while multiconnectivity improves reliability by reducing packet loss and round-trip time, it can also introduce higher levels of jitter and may not necessarily improve throughput beyond that of the strongest individual network. A pathloss analysis in U-Space, the airspace designated for UAV operations, demonstrated that signal strength decreases with altitude, indicating that path loss is height-dependent. In conclusion, this dissertation offers a comprehensive evaluation of emerging technologies such as 5G, smart sensors, and multiconnectivity, highlighting their potential to address the challenges of reliable and secure M2M/IoT communication. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of these technologies and inform their future development and implementation. Further research is recommended, particularly in optimizing the power efficiency of multiconnectivity to broaden its applicability across a wider range of M2M and IoT devices.