<div data-id="be109c3" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="theme-post-content.default" id="isPasted">Technology has a tendency to move from hardware to software, as physical components give way to virtual features. That trend certainly holds in IoT connectivity. For example, see the growth of eSIM, a market that&rsquo;s expected to nearly quadruple in size, reaching&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1344336/e-sim-market-size-worldwide/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">over $16 billion</a>, by 2027.&nbsp;This embedded subscriber identity module (hence &ldquo;eSIM&rdquo;) replaces the manual swapping of hardware SIM cards with remote provisioning. In other words, it replaces hardware with software&mdash;but so far, the benefits of this shift have fallen more heavily on consumer mobile devices than IoT deployments. &nbsp; &nbsp;This difference comes from the technical specifications that govern mobile communication. Specifically, until recently, the standardization authority GSMA offered different technical specifications for remote provisioning in consumer devices and massive IoT deployments: &nbsp;<ul><li>For consumer devices, this is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gsma.com/esim/resources/sgp-22-v2-2-2/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">SGP .22 &ndash; Remote SIM Provisioning Architecture for Consumer Devices</a>.</li><li>For IoT systems, it&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gsma.com/esim/resources/sgp-02-v4-1-pdf/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">SGP .02 &ndash; Remote Provisioning Architecture for Embedded UICC Technical Specification</a></li></ul>With the 2023 release of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gsma.com/esim/resources/sgp-32-v1-0/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">SGP .32 &ndash; eSIM IoT Technical Specification</a>, however, the difference between remote provisioning for IoT devices and consumer devices is starting to align a lot more closely. Simply put, SGP .32 allows massive IoT systems to access cellular networks more like eSIM-enabled consumer devices. It&rsquo;s a simpler process, so IoT product designers are watching the rollout of SGP .32 closely.But does that mean every IoT product line should incorporate SGP .32 standards immediately? Not necessarily. Here&rsquo;s why:&nbsp;<h2>How SGP .32 Is Meant to Change Cellular IoT Connectivity&nbsp;</h2>Before we get to our recommendations for IoT producers, we should explain the significance of GSMA&rsquo;s SGP .32 eSIM standard.&nbsp;The key capability described by this standard concerns how IoT devices access the profiles that tell cellular networks they are, indeed, authorized for access. (This process is called&nbsp;provisioning.)With a physical SIM, the profile is hard-wired onto the SIM card. With eSIM, you can store multiple profiles on a single chip, and you can access new profiles remotely&mdash;without having to swap out hardware, in other words. That provides access to a broader range of cellular networks, an essential feature for global IoT deployments. &nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Remote eSIM Provisioning for IoT Systems (Prior to SGP .32)</h3>Under the old GSMA remote SIM provisioning (RSP) standard for IoT systems, remote access to user profiles required SMS (text messaging) capabilities. The device required bootstrap profiles to send SMS requests to networks, which would then deliver appropriate access credentials.&nbsp;This sometimes clunky process is known as the&nbsp;push model of provisioning, because network systems have to actively send profiles out to devices. It&rsquo;s a complicated backend setup for a cellular IoT system, &nbsp;<h3>Remote eSIM Provisioning&nbsp;</h3>The consumer RSP specification, on the other hand, follows a&nbsp;pull model of SIM provisioning. The eSIM uses a type of application called a local profile assistant (LPA) to access network profile packages from the networks. &nbsp;With SGP .32, LPA use&mdash;the simpler &ldquo;pull&rdquo; model of provisioning&mdash;becomes standard for massive IoT deployments. At least, that&rsquo;s the plan&mdash;but, unfortunately, the hardware ecosystem isn&rsquo;t quite mature enough for immediate deployment of SGP .32.&nbsp;<h2>The Role of IoT Modules in Remote Provisioning &nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>To connect to any cellular network, an IoT device needs an IoT module. This hardware includes a few features that control connectivity:&nbsp;<ul><li>The chipset controls the electromagnetic radio waves that communicate with cellular towers.&nbsp;</li><li>Computing hardware like a processor and memory storage units.</li><li>Antennas to send and receive radio waves (or at least an antenna port).&nbsp;</li><li>eSIM chips, integrated SIM circuitry, and/or SIM card slots.</li></ul>In other words, the module is where the cellular connection takes place.&nbsp;The hardware, firmware, and software standards built into the module control remote provisioning. As we publish, the current generation of IoT modules doesn&rsquo;t incorporate the SGP .32 specifications.If you&rsquo;re building IoT products, you&rsquo;re probably buying your IoT modules from producers. Until those producers start shipping modules that use the SGP .32 specifications, there&rsquo;s not much you can do. It will probably take about&nbsp;5 years&nbsp;for these new capabilities to become widely available in IoT modules. While you can plan for the arrival of SGP .32, a product you release today probably won&rsquo;t be able to take advantage of the new specification. Here&rsquo;s what that means for IoT product designers.&nbsp;<h2>Getting Ready for the Rollout of the SGP .32 RSP Specification</h2>If you need to ship your IoT product soon, you&rsquo;re probably stuck with eSIM remote provisioning via the SGP .02 specification, complete with an SMS bootstrap. If you&rsquo;re not in a hurry, you could keep your eye on the module market and see when this hardware starts incorporating SGP .32.&nbsp;With either approach, however, the best way to prepare for SGP .32 is the same: Partner with a cellular connectivity provider that can handle technical upgrades for you. An IoT connectivity provider links your devices to a network or networks, freeing you from vendor-lock with a single mobile network operator (MNO).&nbsp;That offers a single entryway into global connectivity. It creates redundancy to prevent downtime for your devices. And, with the right partner, it future-proofs your IoT system, as the connectivity experts can incorporate new technologies as they arise.&nbsp;Look for a connectivity partner that works with module manufacturers; they&rsquo;ll be the first to incorporate new features like LPA provisioning with eSIM, according to the SGP .32 specification.&nbsp;In general, if a connectivity-as-a-service provider has a strong track record of technical versatility&mdash;offering not just 4G or 5G networks, but private LTE/5G, satellite, and low-power network choices, too&mdash;they&rsquo;re likely to handle the heavy lifting on new GSMA specifications for you. That will get you ready for SGP .32 and whatever comes next, too.&nbsp;</div><div data-id="1fd13d7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="author-box.default">Maor Efrati</div>

Technology has a tendency to move from hardware to software, as physical components give way to virtual features. That trend certainly holds in IoT connectivity. 

Is Your IoT Product Ready for the SGP .32 eSIM Specification?

The internet of things (IoT) is quickly becoming a reality for businesses around the world. As the need for more and more device integration arises, companies are facing many connectivity and security issues. Where traditional approaches are stagnating, <a href="https://monogoto.io/" data-wpel-link="internal" target="_blank">connectivity management platforms</a> are a promising new approach for providing businesses with the IoT connectivity they need.<h2>Traditional MNO Solutions</h2>Traditional mobile network operators (MNO) have been a source of many early IoT connectivity solutions. They are well established and have an extensive infrastructure. During the earliest phase of IoT development and progress, incumbent mobile network operators like AT&amp;T and Verizon were essentially the only option for connectivity. As such, many IoT implementations successfully made use of MNOs for their connectivity.Despite some success, traditional MNO infrastructure was not designed with the IoT in mind. They&rsquo;re moving forward with more LTE and 5G features, but these do not address some of the key areas that distinguish MNO from other IoT connectivity options.&nbsp;<h2>Global SIM Card MVNO IoT Connectivity</h2>A more versatile solution for the diverse needs of IoT connectivity is mobile virtual network operators (MVNO). MVNO IoT connectivity can allow for a more integrated IoT approach, delivering more security, connectivity, and versatility organizations need. While these solutions are a significant improvement, there is still a key component that is missing.There is a wealth of features organizations can find in an&nbsp;<a href="https://monogoto.io/iot-connectivity/" data-wpel-link="internal" target="_blank">IoT connectivity</a> management platform that they cannot achieve with MVNO alone. AVSystem has laid out some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.avsystem.com/blog/iot-connectivity/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">key requirements for IoT connectivity</a>, and it&rsquo;s clear that to transform an organization&rsquo;s hardware, software, and tech into a truly integrated IoT, a more thorough approach will be necessary.<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2><img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://monogoto.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/campaign-creators-K1Sq9qG-c70-unsplash-scaled.jpeg" alt="Connectivity Management Platform" width="749" height="514" srcset="https://monogoto.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/campaign-creators-K1Sq9qG-c70-unsplash-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://monogoto.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/campaign-creators-K1Sq9qG-c70-unsplash-300x206.jpeg 300w, https://monogoto.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/campaign-creators-K1Sq9qG-c70-unsplash-1024x702.jpeg 1024w, https://monogoto.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/campaign-creators-K1Sq9qG-c70-unsplash-768x526.jpeg 768w, https://monogoto.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/campaign-creators-K1Sq9qG-c70-unsplash-1536x1053.jpeg 1536w, https://monogoto.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/campaign-creators-K1Sq9qG-c70-unsplash-2048x1404.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></h2><h2>API-Based MVNO Connectivity Management Platforms</h2>API-based MVNO solutions deliver something that traditional MNOs and even global sim card MVNO solutions can&rsquo;t provide. These types of solutions focus on giving businesses the necessary tools to adapt IoT connectivity to their unique needs.&nbsp;API-based connectivity management platforms increased security and versatility. With them, an organization can configure alerts for any events on the network, send custom commands, and maintain complete control over their security profile. This is the kind of versatility that&rsquo;s needed for an effective IoT connectivity solution.The issue of proper IoT integration cannot simply be ignored, with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1101442/iot-number-of-connected-devices-worldwide/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Statista projecting</a> the number of IoT device connections to nearly triple by 2025. Organizations need reach, security, and efficiency for their IoT integration. A connectivity management platform will deliver results in all of those areas.A connectivity management platform optimizes IoT connectivity, enabling businesses to deploy services faster and reach further. The entire development process is accelerated, with less debug time and many functions offloaded onto the platform.Connectivity management platforms include automation tools that work off of information within the network and automatic commands. Combined with cloud integration with consumption-based pricing, organizations can make more effective use of their resources and their budgets.<h2>Getting Started With Monogoto</h2>Connectivity management platforms represent a new way of looking at IoT connectivity, and Monogoto is at the head of the pack when it comes to this new technology. Our connectivity management platform integrates all elements of your IoT connectivity, meaning there is no need for additional security measures. We know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution here, and we&rsquo;ve built our entire organization around that principle.

IoT Connectivity: How to Choose the Right Connectivity Management Platform for My Organization?

How to Choose The Right IoT Connectivity Platform? Monogoto

Knowing the distance between two short-range transceivers is useful for many applications. Examples include proximity measurement for making sure people maintain a set distance apart for safety reasons, indoor navigation, and tracking items in a warehouse.There are several techniques for measuring distance from straightforward received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and time-of-flight (ToF), through more complex phase-based measurements to advanced techniques such as Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) and estimation of multipath channel impulse response from frequency spectrum measurements. Each trades off some combination of accuracy, resolution, calculation time, processing resource, and energy.It&#39;s possible to try out each of these techniques to find out which is best for your applications using the Nordic Distance Toolbox (NDT). NDT is a proprietary technology that&rsquo;s an easy-to-use development tool for measuring the distance between two Nordic short-range radios. It is included in Nordic&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Development-software/nRF-Connect-SDK?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nRF Connect SDK</a>, the company&rsquo;s scalable and unified software development kit. Let&rsquo;s take a closer look at these various distance measuring techniques.<h2>Using signal intensity to estimate distance</h2>While not able to focus a signal nor determine the direction from which it has come, a short-range radio such as a Bluetooth LE transceiver with a single antenna can measure signal strength, the frequency of the incoming signal, its phase, and its time of arrival. This information is useful for estimating the distance to the transmitter.When transmitting, the short-range radio broadcasts a 2.402 to 2.480 GHz signal that forms a sphere expanding at the speed of light. As the sphere propagates, the intensity (power per unit area) of the signal in a vacuum and without obstructions drops off according to the formula 1/r2 (where &ldquo;r&rdquo; is the radius of the sphere). With knowledge of the original transmission power and incoming signal strength, the receiver can therefore work out approximately how far it is from the transmitter.But a vacuum without obstructions is not the usual operating environment for a short-range radio. In typical use, for example, in a house or an office, the intensity drop will be greater. To compensate and improve distance measurement accuracy, engineers instead use the formula 1/rn where &ldquo;n&rdquo; is the &ldquo;path loss factor&rdquo;. For example, in a home with walls made of wood, n is around 4.5.RSSI is a cheap and inexpensive way to estimate the distance between two transceivers. The downside is that the path loss factor introduces errors even if it has been carefully assessed for an anticipated operating scenario. Nordic conducted some tests in an office environment that compared the distance between two short-range radios measured very precisely using LIDAR with those obtained from RSSI measurements. RSSI proved precise up to a few meters, but beyond that distance estimates became increasingly inaccurate. When people were moving through the measurement area, RSSI precision deteriorated markedly, and the useable range dropped to half a meter.<h2>Time-of-Flight and phase measurements</h2>A second technique that brings greater precision to distance measurement is ToF. The technique measures the time it takes for a signal to travel from the transmitter to the receiver and back, and then calculates the distance based on the speed of light. (ToF (seconds)/2 x c (meters per second) = distance to object (meters).) There is a small correction, because the receiving radio will require a short but finite time to switch from receive to transmit and &ldquo;reflect&rdquo; the signal back. However, such a correction is easily included in the distance calculation.A third technique that also offers greater accuracy than RSSI is phase measurement. It&rsquo;s a technique that has been used for many years in radar installations. The math is complex, but in essence the measurement relies on different radio frequencies having different wavelengths. A 2.4 GHz signal, for example, has a wavelength of 12.5 cm, whereas a 2.48 GHz signal has a slightly shorter wavelength of 12.1 cm.Over two meters, for example, a 2.4 GHz signal will oscillate exactly (2/0.125) 16 times so its phase at the receiver will be the same as when it left the transmitter. However, a 2.48 GHz signal will oscillate (2/0.121) 16.53 times. That extra 0.53 of a cycle will mean that the received signal is (2&pi; x 0.53) 1.06&pi; out of phase compared with the transmitted signal.For a given distance, phase measurements across a range of frequencies results in a linear phase variation with a measurable gradient. Changing the distance alters the gradient of the phase variation with a steeper gradient representing a greater range. With knowledge of the gradient change for a set of reference distances, in a practical situation, it is relatively simple to correlate a measured gradient to the actual distance between the two transmitters. &nbsp; &nbsp;Nordic&rsquo;s tests using the LIDAR comparison showed that both ToF and phase measurement offer reasonable accuracy and are not affected by the signal attenuation that plagues RSSI measurements. For shorter distances (up to ten meters), phase measurement offers greater precision. Over long distances (up to several hundred meters), phase measurement tends to become less precise and ToF is a better way to measure the distance between the radios. Note that both the ToF and phase change techniques require a two-way connection between transmitter and receiver, unlike RSSI.<h2>Greater precision but increased complexity</h2>If the precision offered by ToF or phase measurement is still not adequate for an application, there are two more methods supported by Nordic Distance Toolbox that offer even greater accuracy. One uses Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) techniques and the other uses an estimation of multipath channel impulse response from frequency spectrum measurements.These techniques are complex, and both rely on sophisticated analysis of the transmitted and received signals. However, the result is a precise and repeatable measurement of the distance between the short range radios. The trade-off with both techniques is that they demand a high level of computing resources and long processing time that consumes energy and hence impacts battery life.Nordic&#39;s tests revealed that IFFT produces a good correlation to the actual distance measured by LIDAR and is more accurate than RSSI, ToF and phase measurement, although some outlier filtering is likely to be required to get the best results. The estimation of multipath channel impulse response measurement is even better than IFFT, producing high precision results; but it also requires outlier filtering and features longer processing times than the other techniques. However, if the highest precision distance measurement is needed for the application, then the energy trade-off could be worth it.<h2>Nordic Distance Toolbox does all the work</h2>The Nordic Distance Toolbox included with Nordic&rsquo;s nRF Connect SDK is useful for testing various distance measurement techniques with Nordic short-range radio SoCs and includes a quality indicator to provide a degree of confidence in how accurate the measurement data is likely to be. Distance is computed based on all intensity, frequency, and phase information available to the transceiver and all calculations are completed inside the toolbox.Nordic Distance Toolbox currently offers experimental support for <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF52833?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nRF52833</a>, <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF52840?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nRF52840</a>, and <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF5340?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nRF5340</a> and includes measurement support for: RSSI; ToF; phase slope estimation; IFFT; and estimation of multipath channel impulse response from frequency spectrum measurements.<hr id="isPasted">This article was first published on Nordic&#39;s <a href="https://blog.nordicsemi.com/getconnected" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"></a><a href="https://blog.nordicsemi.com/getconnected?utm_campaign=2021%20wevolver" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Get Connected Blog</a>. &nbsp;

Knowing the distance between two short-range transceivers is useful for many applications. Examples include proximity measurement for making sure people maintain a set distance apart for safety reasons, indoor navigation, and tracking items in a warehouse.

Using the Nordic Distance Toolbox to measure the distance between short-range radios

<h2 id="isPasted">Mining is still a very hazardous industry</h2>Despite an enormous effort and a significant reduction in fatality rates, mining remains one of the most hazardous industries for workers. However, new technologies are starting a safety revolution, while simultaneously fueling the mining industry&rsquo;s digital transformation. Mining has long been characterized by strenuous work carried out in demanding environments underground and at surface facilities and pits. In addition to the natural environment, miners also interact with large and complex equipment, processing and preparation plant control systems, as well as myriad other systems with perceptual and cognitive demands that are required to operate a mine. The fit between miners&rsquo; capabilities and limitations and the demands of these work systems is a focus of ergonomics, which seeks to optimize human performance (including productivity, health, and safety).Underground mining workers are affected by many hazards &ndash; from ventilation problems, mine flooding, gas explosions, ceiling collapsing, mine haulage, sudden inrushes and mine inundation, spontaneous combustion, to unoptimized evacuation routes. And mine operators have been working for decades to ensure no fatal accident results in death, injury, or poor health of miners. Improvements in the mining industry have resulted in a decrease in injuries and fatalities. According to the US Mine Safety and Health Administration, only for first decade of the century the fatality rate per 200,000 hours worked has decreased 44%. Among China&rsquo;s many millions of mine workers, the number of yearly fatalities in mining has fallen steadily from 6 995 in 2002 to 1 384 in 2012. The decreasing number of fatalities in formal mining is accompanied by decreasing fatality and accident rates, due partly to improved safety measures. However, mining is still ranked high amongst the formal economy sectors for leading fatality rates in many countries.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1693993252051-1636548097598.jfif" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 1: US fatality statistic by industry (Source)<h2 id="isPasted">The human factor has a huge impact</h2>Technological advancements have successfully decreased the number of injuries and fatalities, but these numbers continue to remain unacceptably high. In an effort to further reduce fatality and injury rates,&nbsp;the role of human error in accidents and incidents was studied. Generally, human error is defined as the failure to complete a required task (or execute a forbidden action) that could lead to the interruption of normally scheduled actions, damage to assets or compromise safety. According to Caterpillar Global Mining and Equipment in open-pit mining, around 65% of truck haulage accidents are directly related to drivers feeling tired or exhausted.&nbsp;Studies showed that human factors contribute to 80% of accidents in high-hazard industries. Specifically, in Queensland mines, Australia for the period 2004 &ndash; 08, 95% of incidents and accidents were associated with human error, in particular failures in situation awareness, attention and procedural responses. Fatigue within mining operations is a leading contributor to 60-70% of human error incidents.The current mining system is a people system and even the most advanced technologies and innovations require operators and maintainers not only with significant knowledge and skills but first of all in proper health conditions to implement their duties and to minimize the potential for crucial human errors. The advent of advanced&nbsp;data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, wearables, and AI&nbsp;are driving mining safety and helping maintain regulatory compliance. In addition, these technologies help mining organizations to become more proactive in managing daily operations and mitigating risks. Wearable technologies can be employed to assess the health and wellbeing of workers and provide essential support and assistance whenever it is required.Wearables will influence human behavior and transform mining safetyA range of wearable tech devices can assist with improving safety, but the principal method is through the addition of sensors. Whether they are incorporated through smart glasses, smart watches, smart helmets, smart jackets etc., the ability to measure various internal and external health risks can prove invaluable for mining companies.Smart wearables convert everyday objects into personal assistants that can transform mining safety. Powered by technologies that account for the nuances of the mining environment, wearable devices are transforming how data is gathered and how mining companies can visualize their workforce. These devices and sensors have to be ruggedized, ergonomically designed and unobtrusive, have ingress-protection for operation in real-world jobsites, as well as offer intrinsically safe variants for hazardous locations.Such wearables can also enhance core safety features and make SOS alerts, fall detection, man-down, proximity detection and enhance the workers&#39; situational awareness and improve emergency response.Cloud, AI, and Machine Learning are other technologies driving safety revolution in mining by upping data capabilities and providing context-relevant information to users at the point of work. All these technologies drive analytics, enable preventive maintenance, and assist in the proactive identification of emerging issues. When&nbsp;coupled with wearables and sensor networks, these technologies help mining companies identify potential hotspots, safety anomalies, and calculate emerging trends.Wearable technology is used to efficiently track the employees during work. Using location-based technologies and wireless connectivity, the device can feed a worker&rsquo;s real-time location to the onshore monitoring center. They can play an important role in combating Covid-19 by combining essential ways of contact tracing, symptom prediction, temperature monitoring, and patient surveillance. Apart from tracking and notifying the potential of Covid-19 exposure, wearables help workers in following social distancing norms.<blockquote>With all our understanding of the human factor impact on safety, risks associated with stress, fatigue, and health problems; with aging population and growing proportion of safety incidents in the group of over 50 due to mentioned risks; we are sure that with the wave of digital transformation smart wearables will become as essential personal protective equipment unit as a hard hat or protective glasses.Sergey Ivanov, GearEx smart wristband Solution Architect.</blockquote><h2 id="isPasted">But there are some obstacles</h2>At the same time, introducing wearable technology to the mining industry&nbsp;has barriers and limitations to implementation.&nbsp;Some of the main&nbsp;barriers hindering the use of wearable devices in the mining industry are: <ul><li>Relatively high cost of smart industrial wearable devices currently on offer.</li><li>Lack of reliability and protection in harsh mining conditions, especially in underground mining</li><li>Information security and data privacy concerns, since the private information about the biological parameters of an employee received by wearable devices is transmitted and summarized.</li><li>Need of reliable underground data networks to support the adoption, development and maximum utilization of wearable technologies and the Internet of Things</li></ul> GearEx is the solutionGearEx&nbsp;Health and Safety IoT Platform and its core element &ndash; smart biometric wristband &ndash; were built not only to bring state of art technologies to mine safety, but also to address these deployment and adaptation barriers.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1693993328738-1636547495145.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">GearEx is focused on early prevention and mitigation of safety and health condition risks. It allows to monitor heart rate and its variability, blood oxygen saturation, skin temperature, physical activity patterns and location.Fatigue, distress, intoxication, blood pressure drops and spikes, myocardial infarction, falls, and impacts are examples of conditions and circumstances the embedded algorithms and machine learning models differentiate and assess.The wristband is also equipped with an SOS alarm button and voice communication with the dispatcher.Not merely it allows to prevent certain hazardous situations but also helps maintain a high level of alertness and awareness both for personnel and health and safety business functions.Besides that, the usage of the GearEx smart wristband in the mining industry has the following advantages: <ul><li>The wristband form factor itself. Unlike other types of intelligent wearable devices (smart helmets, headphones, vests, reality glasses, etc.), the wristband does not disturb current PPE control processes. It does not transform PPEs from standard consumables into expensive devices, which are themselves susceptible to damage and failure in harsh mining conditions. The use of GearEx does not cause any difficulties, since it is put on and off independently of clothing and PPE and provides continuous biometric data processing.</li><li>Full compliance of GearEx with mining equipment explosion safety standards, which is the main barrier for many wearable devices offered on the market.</li><li>High impact resistance and water and dust protection, which is absolutely essential in rough mining conditions. The absence of a screen and a metal frame at the base of the case are critical advantages for work in mines where solutions based on smartphones and fitness trackers are practically inapplicable.</li><li>The GearEx wristband is a true edge device which processes biometrics and other data locally and transmits only alarms and notifications to a cloud. Confidential data disclosure while using the wristband due to possible leakage via the Internet, accidentally or as a result of malicious acts, is practically excluded.</li></ul><blockquote>Our idea was to create a kind of safe buddy who is always with you during work shift; caring out and looking after; alerting in case of danger or calling for emergency help when needed. It should be comfortable, durable, safe, and reliable at the same time; should stay on during the whole shift; should guarantee the delivery of safety-critical data in a secure and consistent manner. It was not an easy task. But I think we did it well!Nikita Kalinovskiy, GearEx R&amp;D Director</blockquote>In view of the above, with all the variety of solutions available on the market today, the use of the GearEx smart wristband in the mining industry to improve safety looks very promising.<hr>References1. &nbsp;Patrick G. Dempsey, Lydia M. Kocher, Mahiyar F. Nasarwanji, Jonisha P. Pollard, and Ashley E. Whitson, Emerging Ergonomics Issues and Opportunities in Mining,&nbsp;Int J Environ Res Public Health.&nbsp;2018 Nov; 15(11): 2449.2. &nbsp;Utsav Patel, Safer, healthier, and productive environment: the promise of smart wearables for miners,&nbsp;Softweb Solutions Inc., January 22nd, 2019,&nbsp;Available online: https://www.softwebsolutions.com/resources/smart-wearables-for-miners.html3. &nbsp;Anshita Solanki,&nbsp;Improving worker safety with live fatigue monitoring powered by ML and connected devices,&nbsp;Softweb Solutions Inc., December 28th, 2018, Available online:&nbsp;https://www.softwebsolutions.com/resources/live-fatigue-monitoring-by-ml.html4. &nbsp;Smart Mines: The 6 Benefits of Making Your Mine Digital, Worldsensing, Available online:&nbsp;https://blog.worldsensing.com/mining/smart-mines-benefits/5. &nbsp;Smart wristband with link to smartphones could monitor health, environmental exposures.&nbsp;Microsystems &amp; Nanoengineering Journal, News release&nbsp;6-AUG-20186. &nbsp;Carly Leonida,&nbsp;Why aren&rsquo;t wearables ore widely used in mining?, The Intelligent Miner, 24th July 20197. &nbsp;Future of mining with wearables: Harnessing the hype to improve safety, Deloitte/NORCAT, www.deloitte.ca.,&ldquo;Deloitte and NORCAT&mdash;Collaborating to explore the future of mining&rdquo;8. &nbsp;Technologies Driving a Safety Revolution in Mining, Guardhat, blog,&nbsp;Available online:&nbsp;https://www.guardhat.com/blog/technologies-driving-safety-revolution-mining/#9. &nbsp;Wearable Technology: Impact of Wearable&nbsp;Tech in mining, By GlobalData Thematic Research, Mining Technology 22 Mar 202110. Improving Safety Through Wearable Technology,&nbsp;MineArc Systems,&nbsp;11 December 2020, Available online: https://minearc.com/improving-safety-through-wearable-technology/11.&nbsp;Denis Hazbic,&nbsp;Reducing incidents through human factors,&nbsp;Australasian Mine Safety Journal, January 29, 202012.&nbsp;Anna Savunen,&nbsp;Heli Pirhonen,&nbsp;Human factor management is part of incident prevention and overall Health and Safety Management,&nbsp;AFRY, 28/04/202013.&nbsp;Mokhinabonu Mardonova, Yosoon Choi,&nbsp;Review of Wearable Device Technology and Its Applications to the Mining Industry,&nbsp;Energies 2018, 11, 54714. <a href="https://gearex.co.uk/" target="_blank">https://gearex.co.uk</a>

Despite an enormous effort and a significant reduction in fatality rates, mining remains one of the most hazardous industries for workers. However, new technologies are starting a safety revolution, while simultaneously fueling the mining industry’s digital transformation.

Wearable Technology Improves Safety and Significantly Reduces Mining Accidents

Exploring the advanced features of SBCs in optimizing control and industrial efficiencyAutomation is becoming a transformative trend in the constantly evolving industrial landscape. Industrial automation, which involves implementing control systems based on computers and robots, is remodeling industrial operations, ranging from the production line and manufacturing to quality control and material handling. In this context, the Single Board Computer (SBC), a discrete but powerful engineering component, is emerging as a driving force behind this revolution.<h2 dir="ltr">Boosting efficiency and control with SBCs in industrial automation</h2>SBCs play an important role in industrial automation, significantly boosting cutting-edge applications. These compact devices, equipped with built-in microprocessors, memory, and input/output (I/O) interfaces, have become key to various innovative industrial applications.Industries widely use SBCs to monitor and control production lines, regulate environmental conditions, and supervise machine operation. An application example of SBCs is accurately monitoring temperature and humidity conditions in storage environments for perishable products. Sensors connected to the SBCs collect data in real time, allowing precise control over storage variables. This level of monitoring provides an ideal environment for preserving perishable products, avoiding waste, and ensuring the quality of the end product.Similarly, in the pharmaceutical sector, SBCs can play an important role in process automation. For example, a pharmaceutical company can implement SBCs to accurately monitor the dosage of chemical products in its manufacturing procedures. Dosing sensors connected to SBCs ensure that the exact amounts of chemicals are added to each production batch, assuring the consistency and quality of pharmaceutical products.In manufacturing plants, SBCs can ensure the continuous operation of the production line, without requiring downtime for maintenance, by enabling predictive maintenance. Furthermore, SBCs can use tracking and logistics systems to help monitor the movement and location of products in real time along the supply chain.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjkzOTk0MDM4NDI2LXNodXR0ZXJzdG9ja18xNzI4NTY3MDczICgxKS5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Additionally, the SBCs contribute to interface human-machine interaction (HMI). These compact computers can feed information to industrial displays and touch screens, providing operators with critical real-time information about the manufacturing process. SBCs can also be programmed to facilitate automatic corrective actions, minimizing the need for constant human intervention.<h2 dir="ltr">Benefits and technical challenges of SBCs for industrial automation&nbsp;</h2>The adoption of SBCs in industrial automation brings with it many tangible benefits. They offer significant cost efficiency, providing a compact and economical alternative to conventional Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs) without compromising functionality.SBCs provide flexibility in applications due to their ability to run various operating systems, such as Ubuntu, Debian, and Android. In addition, they support different programming languages, such as Python, C, and C++, making them highly adaptable to the multifaceted demands of industrial automation. Their compact footprint and reduced energy consumption make them versatile for industrial applications where space optimization and energy efficiency are paramount requirements.However, the use of SBCs in industrial automation faces technical challenges. Industrial environments often require high standards of durability and reliability, which conventional consumer SBCs may need to meet. Ensuring robustness against temperature extremes, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference requires additional hardware design considerations or the selection of industrial-grade SBCs.<h2 dir="ltr">Industrial automation with OKdo&rsquo;s ROCK series</h2><a href="https://www.okdo.com/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_in_industrial_automation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OKdo</a>&#39;s ROCK series SBCs have high-performance processors, such as those based on the ARM architecture, giving them the processing power needed to tackle complex automation tasks. Additionally, their durability is ensured through a robust design that can cope with extreme temperature fluctuations, strong vibrations, and electromagnetic interference.The <a href="https://www.okdo.com/c/rock-shop/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_in_industrial_automation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ROCK series</a> also features connectivity with Ethernet interfaces and support for wireless communications such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling comprehensive integration into modern industrial networks. Expansion flexibility is extended through GPIO ports and slots for expansion modules, providing precise and adaptable customization for various industrial applications. In industrial automation, the <a href="https://www.okdo.com/c/rock-shop/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_in_industrial_automation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ROCK series</a> SBCs can be used, for example, in robotic control systems and preventative maintenance.<h2 dir="ltr">Robotic control systems</h2>In industrial automation with robots, an example of an SBC application is the <a href="https://www.okdo.com/p/okdo-rock-4-model-se-4gb-single-board-computer-rockchip-rk3399-t-arm-cortex-a72-cortex-a53/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_in_industrial_automation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ROCK 4 SE</a> combined with a <a href="https://www.okdo.com/p/okdo-lidar-module-with-bracket/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_in_industrial_automation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">LiDAR module</a>. Combining these two devices enables the robot to detect nearby objects accurately, providing positioning data for navigation in the industrial landscape. Therefore, using an efficient and low-cost system, the robot can perform its functions accurately.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjkzOTk0MDc4OTU2LWltYWdlNC0yLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Image credit: OKdoThe <a href="https://www.okdo.com/p/okdo-rock-4-model-se-4gb-single-board-computer-rockchip-rk3399-t-arm-cortex-a72-cortex-a53/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_in_industrial_automation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ROCK 4 SE</a> is an SBC developed by <a href="https://www.okdo.com/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_in_industrial_automation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OKdo</a> in collaboration with <a href="https://radxa.com/" target="_blank">Radxa</a>, based on a low-energy, high-performance Rockchip RK3399-T Hexa-core processor. It is equipped with Processador Hexa-core com big.LITTLE&trade; Arm&reg; Dual Cortex-A72&reg; CPU , Quad-core Cortex-A53 e Arm Mali&trade; - GPU T860MP4 and 4GB 64bit LPDDR4 RAM. ROCK 4 SE also offers ample storage capacity with a Micro SD card, an eMMC card, and an M.2 card. The eMMC storage gives ROCK a significant advantage in embedded designs due to eMMC&#39;s superior speed, reliability, capacity, and durability over SD cards.Additionally, it has various connectivity features, including Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet, USB and HDMI ports, and an integrated antenna, allowing you to incorporate the ROCK 4 SE into applications widely. The ROCK 4 SE also has the following features for the 40-pin 0.1&quot; (2.54 mm) header it supports a wide range of interface options:<ul><li dir="ltr">2 x UART</li><li dir="ltr">2 x SPI bus</li><li dir="ltr">2 x I2C bus</li><li dir="ltr">1 x PCM/I2S&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">1 x SPDIF</li><li dir="ltr">1 x PWM</li><li dir="ltr">1 x ADC</li><li dir="ltr">6 x GPIO</li><li dir="ltr">2 x 5V DC power in&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">2 x 3.3V power pin</li></ul><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjkzOTk0MTEzNDk2LWltYWdlMy0yLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Radxa ROCK 4 SE. Image credit: OKdoThe <a href="https://www.okdo.com/p/okdo-lidar-module-with-bracket/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_in_industrial_automation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">LiDAR Module</a> is a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor that uses a laser to detect distances up to 12 meters away with an accuracy of 0.02 mm. It offers 360-degree environmental detection and is compatible with the SBC <a href="https://www.okdo.com/p/okdo-rock-4-model-se-4gb-single-board-computer-rockchip-rk3399-t-arm-cortex-a72-cortex-a53/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_in_industrial_automation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ROCK 4 SE</a> through a UART cable, making it ideal for industrial applications such as robot movement control and precise mapping of the industrial environment.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjkzOTk0MTQzNDc1LVVudGl0bGVkIGRlc2lnbiAoMTIpLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">LiDAR module. Image credit: <a href="https://www.okdo.com/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_in_industrial_automation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OKdo</a>.<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Automated preventative maintenance</h2>In preventative maintenance of industrial processes, SBCs also are applicable, preventing breakdowns and downtime, saving money, and increasing production efficiency. In such applications, the system typically consists of an SBC to receive, process, and transmit the measured data.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjkzOTk0MTgyNDUzLXNodXR0ZXJzdG9ja18xODA3MjM5ODQ3ICgxKS5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">An SBC model that can create an automated preventive maintenance system is the <a href="https://www.okdo.com/p/okdo-rock-4-model-se-4gb-single-board-computer-rockchip-rk3399-t-arm-cortex-a72-cortex-a53/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_in_industrial_automation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ROCK 4 Model C+</a>, a robust, high-performance multifunction board based on the powerful Rockchip RK3399-T SoC. This SBC includes a Dual Arm Cortex A72 CPU, Quad Arm Cortex A53, and Arm Mali T860MP4 GPU and is compatible with a wide range of software operating systems, such as Android and Linux, with the GPU being Al stack-enabled, such as Caffe, a deep learning framework.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjkzOTk0MTk4ODEyLWltYWdlMi0yLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">ROCK 4 C+. Image credit: <a href="https://www.okdo.com/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_in_industrial_automation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OKdo</a>.The ROCK 4 C+ provides serial communication capabilities, ethernet and USB connections, and a wireless connection compatible with 2.4 GHz/5 GHz WiFi networks. Furthermore, this SBC can perform safe shutdowns at the touch of a button without the risk of corrupting storage due to the integrated on/off button.One example of preventive maintenance is in rotating machines in industrial processes such as food refrigeration. A failure prevention system can be built to maintain these rotating machines by monitoring and identifying the current operating state. A system comprising the following components can be implemented:<ol><li dir="ltr">A ROCK 4 C+ to receive, process, and transmit the measured data.</li><li dir="ltr">A platform for monitoring the operational status, such as ThingSpeak, where a display can be connected to the ROCK to show the information.</li><li dir="ltr">An LSM9DS1 module to detect vibrations.</li><li dir="ltr">A voltage sensor compatible with the industrial network&#39;s maximum voltage, an example of 500V, is the V500-ISO sensor.</li><li dir="ltr">A current sensor that supports the machine&#39;s operating current, for example, the HTP200-P sensor that measures currents up to 200A.</li></ol>Additionally, a dataset is a requirement to train AI algorithms, such as recurrent neural networks. This is crucial for recognizing operational status and predicting failures of the rotating machines. With this in place, the monitoring system can alert the maintenance team in case of any issues, and the AI algorithm and device configurations can work seamlessly together.<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>SBCs are an efficient, innovative, and flexible solution for industrial automation. Their potential is transformative for the future of automation, despite any challenges that may arise. Using the ROCK family, you can access low-cost SBCs, such as the ROCK 4 SE and ROCK 4 C+, that offer reliability and high performance.<h2 dir="ltr">References</h2><ol><li dir="ltr"><h2>OKdo. &ldquo;<a href="https://www.okdo.com/project/how-to-build-an-autonomous-industrial-robot-with-rock-4-and-lidar-module/" target="_blank">How to build an autonomous industrial robot with ROCK 4 SE &amp; LiDAR Module</a>&rdquo;</h2></li><li dir="ltr">Fernando Br&uuml;gge, 2021. &ldquo;<a href="https://iot-analytics.com/rise-of-industrial-ai-aiot-4-trends-driving-technology-adoption/" target="_blank">The rise of industrial AI and AIoT: 4 trends driving technology adoption</a>&rdquo;</li><li dir="ltr">Cassiano Ferro Moraes, 2023. &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/how-sbcs-can-lead-the-way-to-predictive-maintenance" target="_blank">How SBCs can lead the way to predictive maintenance</a>&rdquo;</li><li dir="ltr">OKdo. &ldquo;<a href="https://www.okdo.com/industrial/" target="_blank">Smart Industry &amp; Manufacturing IOT Solutions</a>&rdquo;</li></ol>

Exploring the advanced features of SBCs in optimizing control and industrial efficiency


Driving Industrial Automation Forward with SBCs

The world of technology is in a constant state of flux, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is no exception. Today, &ldquo;IoT&rdquo; no longer refers to simple machines &ldquo;just talking&rdquo; to each other as it once was. Rather, modern IoT devices, or &ldquo;Connected Devices,&rdquo; are much smarter. They are now mostly Linux-based devices, such as connected mobility, connected robots, connected trackers, connected street lights, and connected payment devices that require continuous and ubiquitous connectivity. Before we dive into what this connectivity looks like today and how we came to design it the way we did, let&rsquo;s briefly look at the past.&nbsp;<h2>The Early Days: IoT Devices with Limited Connectivity</h2>IoT devices used to be primarily designed to serve specific functions, such as monitoring environmental conditions, optimizing energy usage, or tracking inventory. These devices were often constrained by limited processing power and connectivity options.While these IoT devices were groundbreaking for their time, they came with several limitations. As cost considerations often took precedence over user experience, manufacturers&rsquo; goals were to produce high quantities of these devices with basic functionality. The connectivity needs were confined to localized networks, such as Bluetooth and WiFi. &nbsp;Today, we can all agree that the promise of a boom of endless IoTs everywhere has fallen short of expectations.&nbsp;<h2>The Evolution: From Limited IoT Devices to Connected Devices</h2>Fast forward to the present, and we see sophisticated machines have transcended their previous limitations and can operate with advanced features like real-time precise tracking, AI/ML capabilities, log storage, and continuous firmware updates. Because of the software component of the way they are connected (more on that later), they are able to prioritize the user experience and cyber posture, allowing them to truly enrich the way we work, the way we travel, the way we consume, and the way we live. We refer to these as &ldquo;Connected Devices&rdquo;, not just &ldquo;IoT&rdquo;.<img data-fr-image-pasted="true" src="https://monogoto.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CEO-Series-Part-1-graph_Revised.png" alt="" width="728" height="893" srcset="https://monogoto.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CEO-Series-Part-1-graph_Revised.png 728w, https://monogoto.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CEO-Series-Part-1-graph_Revised-245x300.png 245w" sizes="(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" class="fr-fic fr-dii">&nbsp;<h2>The Turning Point</h2>The evolution of IoT from its humble beginnings to the realm of sophisticated Connected Devices marks a significant milestone in technology&rsquo;s progress. Calling these devices &ldquo;IoT&rdquo; doesn&rsquo;t do justice to them, or to their developers.&nbsp;These teams require tools and technologies that conform to &ldquo;cloud best practices,&rdquo; allowing the product owner to deliver the best experience and value to their customers. For example, they continuously:<ul><li>Deploy software updates to their globally-deployed devices;</li><li>Use Network Capturing tools or log extraction for debugging;</li><li>Rely on Deep Packet Inspection or Data Leak Prevention for cyber posture;</li><li>Use Geolocation routing for compliance (GDPR for example).</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>It&rsquo;s time for a whole new connectivity narrative. Connectivity depends on context, as it offers versatility and flexibility, and serves multiple purposes across different stages of the product life cycle, for both legacy and modern businesses. What&rsquo;s really new is that it:<ul><li>Leverages advanced cellular network capabilities, public networks/private LTE/5G, and satellite, enabling enterprises to ensure their devices are continuously and seamlessly connected in the most reliable way.&nbsp;</li><li>Prioritizes user experience, control, and ease of management across devices.</li><li>Adheres to the most advanced cybersecurity requirements, both in terms of being able to enforce policies based on geographic location and react to real-time events, for example, automatically blocking traffic in response to abnormal behavior or Geolocation routing for GDPR compliance.</li></ul>It&rsquo;s a brand-new connected world. Entire industries are reinventing themselves. Leading enterprises are transforming their products by connecting them. New technologies such as Software-Defined Connectivity (SDC) are taking this revolution further, allowing everyone to consume connectivity just the way AWS transformed the way computing is consumed. Time is saved, money is saved, productivity is boosted, and better and more sophisticated Connected Devices are introduced to the market.All of this is made possible by a new type of connectivity Connected Devices rely on. More on that in the next blog&hellip;

The world of technology is in a constant state of flux, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is no exception. 

The Rise of Connected Devices: Redefining the Internet of Things (IoT)

<div data-id="be109c3" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="theme-post-content.default" id="isPasted">LoRaWAN or Cellular Connectivity?This is every developer&rsquo;s first question when considering a new IoT device or use case. LoRa technology has a lot of advantages&mdash;it offers low-power, wide-area network connectivity on an unlicensed spectrum at a low cost for both the device and the connectivity.On the downside, LoRa can only cope with low volumes of traffic. It&rsquo;s a crowded spectrum, which can make it noisy, and, in most cases, the user needs to build their own network. These downsides are easily manageable in small areas&mdash;for instance, a farm with water-monitoring sensors or a warehouse tracking refrigeration status. But when the use case requires more data, more mobility, or more scale, LoRa becomes a problem. Even with companies like Helium using blockchain to build wider LoRa networks, with over 1mn endpoints or gateways, the coverage and reliability at scale aren&rsquo;t there.&nbsp;Low-power cellular connectivity, dominated by CAT-M and NB-IoT protocols are cellular options that have been very successful, facilitated by most mobile operators. The cellular chip is higher than the LoRa chip. Traditionally connectivity cost is higher than deploying a LoRaWAN network.When a company wants to deploy a global solution, there is friction involved in getting a contract in each country. Monogoto removes the need for complex, expensive negotiations and contracts with multiple operators. However, cellular coverage has dead zones, particularly in large countries where the result is that devices aren&rsquo;t always tracked and monitored.&nbsp;&nbsp;This challenge is why we are so excited to partner with RAKwireless to create a module that comes prepared to offer both LoRa and cellular connectivity.By having both, developers have options, and we can facilitate a wider range of use cases, more coverage, and, of course, enhanced reliability of coverage.Combined LoRaWAN and cellular devices lower the barrier for developers considering connectivity options when designing new apps, giving them the space to focus on what they do best&mdash;be innovative and create new killer apps and solutions.&nbsp;Rather than having to make a decision today that has long-term implications for usability and cost without any flexibility, developers can choose their preferred connectivity today, and then future-proof it and enhance it with a second connectivity option that can be accessed when necessary on an ad-hoc basis or when the need changes. This is future-proofing and flexibility at its best.&nbsp;&nbsp;At Monogoto, we love developers.We want to give them the room to do what they do best&mdash;design new and exciting use cases for IoT devices that improve customer experiences, efficiencies, safety, cost savings, and more. Our partnership with RAKwireless to create devices that enable both LoRa and cellular connectivity is one step toward making this a reality.So, what will be the next &ldquo;killer app&rdquo; using a device that incorporates both LoRaWAN and CAT-M connectivity? I&rsquo;m not a developer, but I think scooter companies will leap at this. They need to deploy in cities, which are great candidates for LoRa networks.&nbsp;To date, no smart scooter company has been confident enough to deploy a LoRa solution&nbsp;despite its obvious benefits, because the coverage has been unreliable. Instead, they have been using cellular connectivity.&nbsp;However, with our new devices, they can add LoRa as an option, which will lower their overall connectivity costs, increase the stability of their connectivity, and ultimately enhance the experience for their customers. I can&rsquo;t wait to see what they come up with. &nbsp;</div><div data-id="1fd13d7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="author-box.default">By Maor Efrati&nbsp;<a href="mailto:maor@monogoto.io" target="_blank">maor@monogoto.io</a></div>

LoRaWAN® and cellular connectivity have largely been pitted against each other with developers having to decide between one or the other when designing new IoT use cases. Monogoto’s ethos is all about facilitating developer creativity and innovation, which has driven our new partnership with RAKwireless to offer a solution that incorporates both. We believe developers really can, and should, have the best of both worlds. 

LoRaWAN® and Low-power Cellular Connectivity Can They Co-exist?

An engineer using SCADA to monitor and control industrial processes via PLC.

PLCs bring precision control to critical processes, while SCADA empowers real-time data visualization and decision-making. In today's fast-paced industrial landscape, the ability to distinguish between PLC and SCADA is vital to ensure optimized production and efficient operations.


PLC and SCADA: Understanding the Differences in Industrial Automation Systems

<div data-id="be109c3" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="theme-post-content.default" id="isPasted">Written by Laurens SlatsVPNs are, in many ways, adding the &lsquo;S&rsquo; for Security to IoTAs we navigate our way into an increasingly digital realm, the Internet of Things continues to revolutionize how we monitor our environments, control our surroundings and increase efficiency in everyday life. As our reliance on IoT grows, so does our need for secure communication. In this article, we will look into the possible design of a secure IoT application using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).&nbsp;<h3>How is my data being routed?</h3>When designing the security implementations of an IoT application is it essential to know how data is being routed. Understanding the journey of your data helps you craft an IoT security strategy that can effectively safeguard your data.IoT data typically originates from a device, travels to a base station, then onto the core network of a Mobile (Virtual) Network Operator. Finally, data is routed to a server endpoint for storage and processing.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjkxMzE2MjI1NjM0LVNFQ1VSSVRZIE9WRVJWSUVXLmpwZWciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 582px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">IoT Device: Communication is often initiated from the end device which spends most of its life in deep-sleep mode to conserve energy. It only wakes up to inform the server about its latest sensor readings or state changes. These devices have a cellular module and a SIM card to authenticate and connect with the cellular network. The device transmits data over the air which is referred to as the radio layer.Base Station: Devices connect to a specific cell tower, also known as a base station. Base stations demodulate the radio signals and send data over the so-called S1 Interface to the core network of the device&rsquo;s mobile operator. Base stations review the device&rsquo;s APN configurations to determine the destination of the data.Core Network: The core network is responsible for handling functions like user authentication, mobility management, and IP (Internet Protocol) address assignment. It also routes data to its intended destination via the public Internet.Server: The ultimate destination: the server. The server could be a cloud-based platform or an on-premises private server, for example, hosted in a trusted AWS or Azure domain. Here, the data is stored, processed, and analyzed.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>VPNs in IoT</h2>Let&rsquo;s dive into the role of VPNs in IoT security.Think of an IoT data packet as a postcard traveling through a mail system. Just like a postcard, data sent over the internet is visible to anyone handling the message if not properly secured. A VPN acts like an envelope, providing a secure wrapper around the message to hide the contents, and ensuring that it can&rsquo;t be read while in transit as it uses private mailboxes inaccessible to the public.Although VPN clients can be installed on the end device directly, VPNs are commonly used to secure traffic from the core network, up to a private server. This secure connection between two endpoints is what is called a VPN tunnel.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjkxMzE2MjcwNzU4LVNFQ1VSSVRZIE9WRVJWSUVXIFZQTi5qcGVnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 708px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Secure tunnel The VPN tunnel is created to connect two IP endpoints, e.g. the Core Network and a private server running in AWS or Azure. This secure tunnel allows data to be transferred through the public internet, without intermediate parties being able to read what&rsquo;s sent through it. Imagine each data packet being encapsulated in a new message which hides the content of the original message and can only be delivered to one specific postbox. Once delivered at the end of the tunnel (the private server), the data gets decapsulated and the original message is delivered.Hidden IP address The encapsulation of the original message not only hides the content of the message but also masks the IP addresses of the original sender and receiver. If the message would get intercepted, only the IP addresses of the VPN tunnel&rsquo;s endpoints would be shown, not the actual ones.Additional encryption A nice add-on that comes with all VPN services is the additional layer of encryption. VPNs not only create a tunnel between two endpoints, they also encrypt the payload to further protect their content (for example using the IPSec protocol).&nbsp;<h3>What is the required level of security?</h3>Not all data is equal. Some data is highly sensitive, such as personally identifiable information or healthcare data, and requires robust security measures. Other data might be less sensitive but still requires protection to ensure data integrity and authenticity.When designing the architecture of an IoT application, security needs to be designed from the device, up to the server. Depending on the security needs, one or multiple redundant layers of protection can be implemented. This multi-layered approach &ndash; known as defense in depth&nbsp;&ndash; ensures ongoing protection even if one layer is compromisedBy default, cellular communication is secure from the IoT device up to the core network as per <a href="https://www.3gpp.org/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">3GPP</a> standards. This includes authentication (verifying the device&rsquo;s identity using AKA or EPS-AKA), radio layer encryption (protecting the data sent over radio waves using EEA algorithms), and a trusted S1 Interface (often using a method called IPSec).In addition, to ensure end-to-end security, many IoT applications adopt security protocols like DTLS or TLS which secure data traffic between the IoT device and the server.Now, where do VPNs fit into this IoT architecture? VPNs are often used as an additional security layer, though sometimes VPNs are used instead of DTLS/TLS as data is already secured from the device up to the core network.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjkxMzE2MzAzNDE4LVNFQ1VSSVRZIE9WRVJWSUVXIEJSRUFLRE9XTiBBTFQuanBlZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 676px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Possible security implementationThe design of your IoT application highly depends on the required level of security. Strategies like defense in depth can significantly enhance the security of IoT applications. However, more complex implementations may demand more resources and add complexity to the IoT solution as a whole.&nbsp;<h2>Monogoto ❤️ ️️VPN</h2>At Monogoto, we are fans of VPNs due to their simplicity and effectiveness in securing data. From the Monogoto Cloud, VPNs can be configured to private servers. The beauty lies in its easy setup &ndash; no device implementation is required which adds complexity and demands additional resources (power, memory, processing, bandwidth). All processes are handled by Monogoto, making the creation of a VPN tunnel a straightforward and happy journey.Instead of taking our word for it, we challenge you to try it out yourself. Gain first-hand experience in establishing a secure VPN connection from the Monogoto Core Network up to a private server. Find the instruction on how to set up VPNs with popular cloud platforms in our&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.monogoto.io/platform-manuals/platform/vpn-setup-examples" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">documentation</a>, or request support directly from our&nbsp;<a href="https://forum.monogoto.io/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">community portal</a>.&nbsp;<h2>P.S. There&rsquo;re more cloud-configurable security implementations</h2>Next to VPNs, Monogoto provides a set of cloud-configurable implementations to boost the security of your IoT application without adding complexity to your application.<ul><li>IMEI lock Bind your Monogoto SIM to a particular device, identified by its unique IMEI number. If the SIM were to be impersonated, it will never work on a device that doesn&rsquo;t match the locked IMEI. <a href="https://docs.monogoto.io/platform-manuals/platform/how-to-configure-device-limitation-by-imei/how-to-configure-thing-to-work-only-with-one-device-imei" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Learn more.</a></li><li>IP Security Profile Restrict incoming or outgoing data traffic to specific IP addresses and selected ports. IP Security Profiles create a list of trusted IP addresses and block all unwanted and potentially harmful traffic. <a href="https://docs.monogoto.io/platform-manuals/platform/how-to-configure-security-profiles/ip-security-profile" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Learn more.</a></li><li>Configure alerts Get notified about unusual activities on your SIM. Alerts can be configured for various scenarios which require attention. For example when a device moves, when the IMEI changes, when data consumption exceeds a predefined threshold, or when a device goes offline.</li></ul></div><div data-id="1fd13d7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="author-box.default"> </div>

As we navigate our way into an increasingly digital realm, the Internet of Things continues to revolutionize how we monitor our environments, control our surroundings and increase efficiency in everyday life. As our reliance on IoT grows, so does our need for secure communication.

VPNs Add the S to IoT

This article provides a detailed overview of the Modbus TCP protocol fundamentals, communication, data representation, security, daily life applications, and integration.

Modbus TCP: A Comprehensive Guide to the Protocol and Its Applications

<section id="isPasted">While there are a few buzzwords and catchphrases floating around to describe the ongoing technological transformation of production facilities, manufacturing has always had the objectives of optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring a safe work environment even before factory automation existed. But the invention of the assembly line ushered in a new age in manufacturing processes; now digitization, connectivity, and the IoT are manifesting the next frontier in factory production.Wireless connectivity enables manufacturers to more easily rearrange their production facilities to meet specific needs, minimizing costly downtime between production runs for multiple clients. Fewer wires and cables to trip over also reduce the risk of workplace injuries and equipment malfunctions.But wire-free production settings are just one benefit of IoT integration into manufacturing facilities.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1690205730273-1690205730273.png" alt="Digitally monitoring inventory" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Digitally monitoring inventory and materials with shelf sensors can help head off potential supply issues before they cause production delays, and sensors that measure repetitive stress on equipment can foresee potential repairs or wholesale replacement before a significant breakdown. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the financial and operational risks associated with unplanned production stoppages, thus safeguarding both productivity and profitability.Measuring environmental conditions within a production facility &ndash; temperature, humidity, air quality, etc. &ndash; can help maintain healthy working conditions for human beings and machines alike. By doing so, the company not only adheres to industry and safety regulations but also improves employee satisfaction and efficiency, which directly impacts the bottom line.Integrating the IoT into a fully or partially automated factory setting can help increase production, reduce downtime and delays, and enhance overall workplace health and safety, while simultaneously improving sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. These aspects are crucial in a world where business efficacy is increasingly linked with sustainable practices and conscious corporate social responsibility, helping a company remain competitive and appealing to both consumers and investors.<h2>Data-Driven Optimization</h2><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1690205729771-1690205729771.png" alt="Data driven optimization" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Modernizing and automating manufacturing settings begins in the same place as most IoT implementations&ndash; with data. Recording, collating, and analyzing massive amounts of data collected from a variety of sensors is an invaluable tool in optimizing production processes. Measuring the ratio of runtime to downtime and the effects of varying the workloads on equipment and machines provides manufacturers with the information they need to optimize workflow while regulating the stress on equipment to reduce repair time and potential replacement costs.The amount of raw information continuous monitoring and data collection can produce can be staggering &ndash; a single vibration sensor or air quality monitor taking a reading every second will produce over half a million data points in a week. The data collected could include things like bearing wear, sensor aging, and vibrational stress on motor anchor bolts. AI algorithms could use this data to predict when machine maintenance or replacement is needed, prior to an actual failure and line-down event.<h5> </h5>Data collected from a single site has value, but if data is collected from all the manufacturers&rsquo; customers, then very accurate predictions can be made for all customers. This is, in fact, one of the things that makes MacroFab&rsquo;s technology platform and factory network so valuable to all customers.But data in such great volume would be impossible to process without data analytics. Although the term is often used in other contexts (i.e. targeted advertising), manufacturers can use similar applications to identify patterns in the river of data being collected from multiple sources.For example, analytic algorithms can make a connection between something as simple as the relative temperature or humidity in a manufacturing facility and the performance of equipment over time. Cooler, drier interior conditions might extend a particular machine&rsquo;s lifetime by months or even years and/or cut down on downtime and repair costs.Processing just a few days&rsquo; worth of data collected from multiple inputs and cross-referencing them for correlations in a spreadsheet would take months, but data analytics applications can do it almost instantaneously, providing production managers with real-time insight into how their facilities are performing.The same kind of analytics can be applied to manufacturing outputs to provide insights into the most efficient production lines for any particular kind of manufacturing process. By using statistical insights from previous jobs, MacroFab is constantly improving upon factory matching for current and future production.<h2>Safety and Environmental Benefits</h2><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1690205730126-1690205730126.png" alt="Productivity gauge" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Maximizing productivity (and profitability) is a big incentive in IoT manufacturing integration, but there are other benefits to workflow optimization. Inventory monitoring and supply tracking can help reduce overall waste by calculating the quantity of excess materials in a typical production run. Further, monitoring outgoing air quality can help reduce carbon gas and other emissions into the atmosphere. Consequently, this holistic approach of IoT manufacturing integration leads to a more sustainable and responsible production process, aligning the company with global efforts towards resource conservation and environmental protection.Reducing production facilities&rsquo; environmental impact is a regulatory imperative in modern manufacturing, and many parts of the world have financial incentivization systems in place to encourage <a href="https://www.macrofab.com/documents/sustainability-challenges-electronics-manufacturing/" target="_blank">more eco-friendly production methods</a> and technologies. Therefore, the adoption of these eco-friendly strategies not only satisfies legislative requirements but also presents potential cost-saving opportunities and helps in fostering a positive corporate image.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1690205730337-1690205730337.png" alt="Automation reduces injuries" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Moreover, automation greatly reduces workplace injuries and other accidents &ndash; robotic arms and limbs with wider ranges of motion than previous iterations (due in part to fewer wires/cords wrapped around their exterior) can perform more complex and intricate tasks that are potentially hazardous to human health than ever before. Automated forklifts and other machines that carry cumbersome loads eliminate the need for workers to operate heavy machinery and automated vehicles that transport materials or inventory between facilities reduce collisions or property damage due to human error. This capability can significantly enhance overall production efficiency, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of workers, which in turn leads to improved morale and reduced liabilities.The biggest savings realized from automation is time &ndash; time spent performing relatively mundane tasks, time spent repairing equipment, and time spent reconfiguring the production floor to meet the needs of a particular customer&rsquo;s production demands and schedule. This conservation of time results in a more streamlined and efficient manufacturing process, enabling quicker response to market demands, enhancing customer satisfaction, and ultimately contributing to increased revenues.<h2>The Future of Automation</h2><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1690205730413-1690205730413.png" alt="Industry 4 0" class="fr-fic fr-dii">As a key focus of printed circuit board assembly and manufacturing suppliers, industrial automation designs require high-quality boards with longevity and reliability. A long operational lifespan is critical to reducing costs and the environmental impact of these systems, which will remain in place for many years. A PCBA manufacturer who provides technical guidance and services that help meet or even exceed these requirements will extend the operational lifetime(s) of an industrial design and increase the overall reliability of the system.Automating a traditional manufacturing facility can present some challenges, but successfully integrating the IoT and cyber-physical systems into production processes can be done gradually. Something as simple as networking the control of various machines and applications to a single device can make managing a production facility more time and cost-efficient. This strategy allows businesses to evolve at their own pace, mitigating the risk of operational disruption while steadily enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing competitiveness in the marketplace.In the future, factories will be managed almost entirely remotely, or at least from an office on-site. Manufacturers will manage large networks of wirelessly connected machines, vehicles, and devices and process data with algorithms to optimize production and environmental safety in the future. The move towards this kind of digitization and automation is thus not only a futuristic concept but an inevitable trend, promising to revolutionize the manufacturing industry, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately drive substantial economic benefits.<h4>Explore MacroFab&#39;s Technology Platform Now</h4><a href="https://www.macrofab.com/electronics-manufacturing-platform/" target="_blank">ALL-IN-ONE ELECTRONICS</a></section><section><h4> </h4></section>

Digitization, connectivity, and the IoT are manifesting the next frontier in factory production.

Smarter Manufacturing: Improving Safety and Efficiency with IoT

Exploring the design, development, connectivity, security, and more aspects of IoT devices

Internet of Things: A Comprehensive Guide to its Engineering Principles and Applications

As a robust and straightforward protocol, Modbus RTU has become an essential tool for engineers and technicians working in various industries, such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Understanding and implementing Modbus RTU is crucial for ensuring seamless communication between electronic devices and optimizing system performance. 

Modbus RTU: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Implementing the Protocol

FieldIntell’s original hardware provider failed to continuously upgrade its products and continued to offer a solution that was not compatible with some of their new customer requirements. The team had to decide whether to find a new vendor or build a full-stack IoT platform themselves.

Fieldintell Makes Industrial Equipment Monitoring Simple

<div data-element_type="widget" data-id="be109c3" data-widget_type="theme-post-content.default" id="isPasted">The Internet of Things isn&rsquo;t just one technology. It includes several different solutions and parts involving many fields, from network to end user hardware and design to data science. Each of these technologies had to evolve to make your mission-critical IoT system possible&mdash;and technologies evolve in response to challenges.&nbsp;In the early days of IoT,&nbsp;power efficiency was one such challenge. Connecting to a network requires electricity. Some network technologies consume a lot of electricity from devices. But many of our most valuable IoT use cases are hard to deliver due to the amount of electric power required.&nbsp;For example, asset tracking devices have to work wherever the asset goes. Micromobility products travel great distances every day. Even stationary IoT devices can be tough to reach. Think of fish-farming sensors below water or smart gas meters scattered across vast areas.&nbsp;These devices don&rsquo;t have access to hard-wired electricity grids, so they have to run on battery power. Frequent charging or replacement of batteries quickly ruins the business case; it&rsquo;s simply too arduous and too expensive. For these use cases, devices must consume very limited power as they connect to networks or share data.Network engineers solved this problem with&nbsp;low-power, wide-area networks, or LPWANs. These connectivity solutions are designed to draw as little power from devices as possible. But LPWAN technology isn&rsquo;t that simple. Two types of LPWA networks are most common for today&rsquo;s IoT users:&nbsp;LoRaWAN and&nbsp;cellular LPWAN. If you plan to deploy battery-powered IoT devices, which of these network technologies should you choose?&nbsp;To find out, let&rsquo;s take a closer look at each. Here&rsquo;s a quick comparison of cellular LPWAN versus LoRaWAN connectivity, including the strengths, weaknesses, and core use cases for each.&nbsp;<h2>Benefits and Drawbacks of LoRaWAN</h2>LoRaWAN is a radio communication protocol that supports data-sharing over the unlicensed wireless spectrum. What does that mean? Well, mobile network operators like AT&amp;T and Verizon&nbsp;license portions of the electromagnetic spectrum that support radio transmission. They pay for exclusive access to these bands. In turn, they must meet certain performance requirements set by regulatory agencies and trade groups.&nbsp;While the nonprofit&nbsp;<a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://lora-alliance.org/" rel="external noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LoRa Alliance</a> supports the LoRaWAN protocol, this technology is much less centralized than cellular LPWANs. That offers self-reliance in exchange for some measure of reliability.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here are a few benefits of LoRaWAN connectivity:&nbsp;<ul><li>LoRaWAN&rsquo;s use of the unlicensed spectrum has historically brought down costs.</li><li>The decentralized nature of LoRaWAN allows for a great deal of customization, assuming you know how to build a wireless network from scratch.</li><li>LoRaWAN has a strong history of success in stationary IoT use cases, like smart buildings and utility meters.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;But LoRaWAN also introduces a few limitations compared to cellular LPWAN technology:<ul><li>Unlicensed radio bands are a particularly limited resource. That leads to lower data-sharing rates for LoRaWAN connections compared to licensed cellular options.</li><li>It&rsquo;s very difficult to support mobile IoT devices via LoRaWAN connections since there&rsquo;s no mobility or solid global provider support.&nbsp;</li><li>Perhaps the biggest drawback of LoRaWAN compared to cellular networks is the lack of a single service provider. With LoRaWAN, you either build your own network or trust a third-party developer to build one for you. &nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;So why the popularity of LoRaWAN? Historically, chipsets that use this protocol were more affordable than their cellular counterparts. The operation was also cheaper since you didn&rsquo;t have to pay a mobile network operator for bandwidth. As we&rsquo;ll discuss, however, LTE added NB-IOT and LTE-M, and new types of connectivity-as-a-service providers are narrowing the cost gap between LoRaWAN and these low-power cellular networks.&nbsp;<h2>Benefits and Drawbacks of Cellular LPWAN</h2>Low-power cellular networks use two main mobile communication protocols: NB-IoT and/or LTE-M. These protocols are supported by major mobile network operators, which offer these machine-to-machine (IoT) connectivity solutions at much lower rates than your typical consumer data plan. They&rsquo;re also standardized by&nbsp;<a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://www.3gpp.org/" rel="external noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3GPP</a>, the leading global partnership for telecommunications standards. &nbsp;&nbsp;Depending on where in the world you deploy your IoT devices, you might find better coverage through NB-IoT or LTE-M. However, you don&rsquo;t have to choose just one. Increasingly, IoT chip designers offer modems that support both protocols at once.&nbsp;Whether you use NB-IoT, LTE-M, or both, these cellular IoT networks offer a few benefits compared to LoRaWAN connectivity:&nbsp;<ul><li>The networks are already built, maintained, proven, and regulated. That makes cellular networks more reliable than LoRaWAN deployments as a whole.&nbsp;</li><li>Cellular LPWA networks provide higher data rates than LoRaWAN, opening up powerful capabilities like over-the-air software updates.&nbsp;</li><li>Power consumption is similar to LoRaWAN, and can be even more efficient thanks to low-power modes like eDRX and PSM.&nbsp;</li><li>Thanks to global coverage, cellular LPWAN technology supports mobile IoT. It&rsquo;s the go-to choice for supply chain IoT, micro-mobility, wearables, and many consumer IoT products, just to name a few.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;Traditionally, the main drawback of cellular LPWAN connectivity was the price. A cellular modem costs more than its LoRaWAN alternative, and, of course, you have to pay mobile network operators for connectivity.&nbsp;Or do you?&nbsp;The cost of cellular IoT connectivity is no longer an issue, thanks to yet another evolution in IoT technology: The rise of the connectivity-as-a-service provider.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Connectivity-as-a-Service Providers for Cellular IoT</h2>If you want the mobile connectivity of a cellular LPWAN, without the higher price tag, just find the right connectivity-as-a-service partner. These cloud operators make it easy and&nbsp;affordable to deploy IoT devices, from a single smart building to a global product release.&nbsp;They maintain partnerships with many mobile network operators, sparing you with the hassle of handling multiple contracts. They offer multi-identity SIM cards that seamlessly leap from one network to the next, providing backup redundancy and avoiding roaming expenses. They give you control over your IoT system through a single-pane-of-glass cloud platform.&nbsp;And they do all this for much less than you might expect.&nbsp;Today, you can purchase cellular IoT connectivity for as low as $1 per year.&nbsp;With virtually zero effort, you can bundle a device with several years of connectivity: Just deploy and start reaping the benefits.&nbsp;The simplicity and low cost justify virtually any use case. In the new connectivity market, it&rsquo;s much easier to choose between cellular LPWAN versus LoRaWAN&mdash;because there&rsquo;s simply much less of a price differential.</div><div data-element_type="widget" data-id="1fd13d7" data-widget_type="author-box.default"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1688372812230-1688372812230.png" alt="Maor Efrati" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 42px;">Maor Efrati&nbsp;<a href="mailto:maor@monogoto.io" target="_blank">maor@monogoto.io</a></div>

The Internet of Things isn’t just one technology. It includes several different solutions and parts involving many fields, from network to end user hardware and design to data science. Each of these technologies had to evolve to make your mission-critical IoT system possible—and technologies evolve in response to challenges. 

Low Power IoT Connectivity: Cellular Vs. LoRaWAN

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AVSystem

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Akenza

industrial internet of things (iiot)