Keeping Your IoT Devices Online and Reliable

Written By Ben Rodrigue

In today’s connected world, IoT devices are essential for businesses, developers, and tech enthusiasts. Yet many struggle to keep their devices online and communicating properly with platforms like AWS IoT Core. Often, the problem isn’t the device itself, it’s small, avoidable mistakes in setup, code, or configuration that block proper connectivity.

At SoftStackers, we help businesses ensure their IoT devices are secure, reliable, and always online by addressing common pitfalls early, we reduce downtime and improve device performance.



“Reliable IoT isn’t accidental. It’s built on the right foundations secure certificates, clean data, proper policies, and network readiness.”

— Ben Rodrigue, CEO, SoftStackers

1. Ensuring Proper Certificate Installation

Certificates are the foundation of secure communication between your device and AWS IoT Core. Failing to install them correctly can prevent the device from registering or sending data.

SoftStackers’ approach:

  • Ensure proper certificate files are installed on each device

  • Verify linkage to AWS IoT Core during initial setup

  • Automate certificate deployment where possible to prevent errors

2. Sending Data in the Correct Format

Even a small data formatting mistake can break a device workflow. For example, sending a comma-delimited string instead of a JSON object can prevent the device from communicating effectively.

SoftStackers’ approach:

  • Standardize data formats using language-specific libraries (e.g., JSON parsers for C++)

  • Validate payloads before sending to IoT Core

  • Implement error handling to catch and correct formatting issues

3. Configuring Endpoint Policies Correctly

Endpoint policies control access and registration for devices. A misconfigured policy can cause devices to fail registration or create security vulnerabilities.

SoftStackers’ approach:

  • Align IoT Core policies with device registration workflows

  • Test policies during setup to ensure smooth connectivity

  • Maintain clear documentation of permissions and policy rules

4. Maintaining Code Compatibility

Outdated libraries, improper compilation, or incompatible code can prevent devices from connecting.

SoftStackers’ approach:

  • Regularly update libraries and firmware

  • Ensure code is compatible with your device and platform

  • Conduct thorough testing before deployment to catch potential issues

5. Monitoring Bandwidth and Network Performance

Even correctly configured devices can experience connectivity problems due to limited bandwidth. Network congestion, multiple devices on the same connection, or high-data operations like video streaming can interrupt communication with IoT Core.

SoftStackers’ approach:

  • Monitor network performance during critical setup phases

  • Optimize data transmission to reduce bandwidth load

  • Plan network resources based on expected device traffic

Keeping IoT devices online requires attention to detail from certificates and data formatting to code compatibility and network readiness.

By following these best practices, businesses and developers can ensure secure, reliable, and seamless device connectivity.

At SoftStackers, we partner with organizations to provide AWS-aligned IoT support, helping devices stay connected, data stay accurate, and operations run smoothly.

Ready to optimize your IoT setup?

Contact SoftStackers today and keep your devices online, secure, and performing at their best.

Ben Rodrigue https://www.softstackers.com
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