Are you up to speed with the Internet of all of these Things…

So you have probably heard of IOT (the Internet of Things) and IOE (the Internet of Everything, which includes IOT but encompasses people and data as well as things) and here at Fast Lane we take them very seriously indeed.

One of Cisco’s key messages to its partners is that for every Internet connected device for IT (information technology) they believe there is the opportunity to connect between 5 and 15 devices for OT (operational technology), and of course the vast majority of those devices will be connecting things not people. Cisco also takes this very seriously, seeing areas of growth in IOT within both the public and private sectors, predicting that by 2020 there will be 50 billion Internet connected devices globally compared to the current 18.2 billion, and of course the vast majority of that increase will be IOT related.*

The core difference between IT and OT is this; in the world of IT we connect users (and some devices) using IP over Ethernet. In the world of OT we connect devices (and some people) using proprietary protocols over proprietary networks. The core value that Cisco and the new Cisco IOT System brings to the world of IOT is the transformation of OT connectivity away from proprietary protocols on proprietary networks and onto IP over Ethernet.

Cisco recently announced sweeping changes to its IOT portfolio, including 15 brand new products and the launch of “Cisco IOT System”.

A fundamental quality of Cisco IOT System is that it utilises IP over Ethernet to deliver its results. This brings its own intrinsic value in terms of efficiency (eg one set of routers and switches, one common security policy, etc) and also brings productivity and agility benefits (eg data analytics, management information, centralised and automated control over devices, etc). Over time, the worlds of IT and OT will inevitably connect, bringing further benefits from shared infrastructure such as data centers, WANs and network management and security systems.

In line with this, Cisco have also recently announced the CCNA Industrial certification, a certification for professionals involved in the convergence of IT and industrial networks. It focusses on providing the necessary skills to successfully implement and troubleshoot the most common industry standard protocols while leveraging best practices needed for todays connected networks, combining theoretical knowledge with practical hands on lab experience.

To learn more about the CCNA Industrial certification, please click here.

If you or your organisation would like to understand more about IOT or IOE, please check out some of the scheduled classes below from our course portfolio, or get in touch and we can develop a bespoke or tailored offering to meet your learning objectives.

Industrial Networks / CCNA Industrial Preparation

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  • !Introduction to IOT - The Transformation of Industries through IOT (Manufacturing) (IOTF)

Cisco Learning Services

  • !Implementing and Managing Cisco IE 2000 and IE 3000 Industrial Ethernet Switches (IIE2K)
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Cisco Networking & Security Basics

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Don’t forget, Fast Lane also offer Professional Services, and with access to more than 2,000 certified experts across the globe, we are perfectly positioned to provide a highly streamlined, efficient and cost effective solution for your organisation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss how we can enable your business.

Should you require any advice regarding your existing training requirements, please call Fast Lane on 0845 470 1000 or email enquiries@flane.co.uk