Key Takeaways from the 2014 IoT World Forum in Chicago

Our week at Cisco’s Internet of Things (IoT) World Forum in Chicago proved that the IoT isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a rapidly expanding ecosystem. At Link Labs, we’re excited to share the most compelling insights we gathered.

The IoT’s Future

Wim Elfrink, Cisco’s Chief Globalization Officer, opened the event by declaring, “The IoT is here and now, and it’s going to be big and bold.” With roughly four billion connected devices today, analysts now project between 20 and 50 billion by 2022, a trend that continues to accelerate.

Long‑Range M2M Wireless in Action

At the trade show’s underground floor, we demonstrated our long‑range, low‑power wireless modules by transmitting a 50‑milliwatt signal from one of our units directly to a hotel room on the 28th floor of the same building—no repeaters required. The demo captured the attention of engineers and highlighted how our technology can bridge the distance needed for a true IoT future.

Cities Driving Innovation

Chicago’s leadership, including Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Deputy Mayor Steven Koch, showcased how the city leverages IoT to deliver timely services. From real‑time data collection that improves library services to snow‑clearing notifications that keep residents informed, the city’s initiatives underscore the transformative potential of connected infrastructure.

Check out: IoT World Forum Interview with Link Labs CEO, Brian Ray

Businesses, Consumers, and the IoT

The IoT opens new avenues for connecting operational technology (OT) with information technology (IT). Secure, reliable machine‑to‑machine communication is essential for unlocking these possibilities. As we expand our wide‑area M2M network, users will soon be able to monitor everything from vehicles to pets with unprecedented ease.

Link Labs is committed to advancing the IoT because the benefits are tangible—from smarter cities to empowered consumers. To move from today’s hype cycle to a future of billions more connected devices, we recognize that the greatest hurdle is simply connecting the things themselves. As I always say, “You can’t have the Internet of Things without the things.”