Viewpoint: Proprietary data protocols, the true enabler for SatIoT

Author: EIS Release Date: Nov 17, 2022

Building intelligent devices that can seamlessly switch between many technologies – each being optimised for specific conditions – is the soundest approach for SatIoT, writes Fabien Jordan, CEO of Astrocast.

 

Viewpoint: Proprietary data protocols, the true enabler for SatIoT

 

With the arrival of cost-effective Satellite IoT (SatIoT), Systems Integrators (SIs) are rushing to meet the huge pent-up demand for global solutions that allow asset tracking across the 85% of the planet not covered by cellular networks. They are developing fully connected IoT solutions, that allow mobile assets to be tracked as they move – seamlessly connecting to a variety of networks, including Cellular, LoRaWAN, Sigfox, and Satellite.  Further, many believe a one-size-fits-all approach is a good one, and are depending on future 3GPP standards – but, is this really a safe bet for SIs?

 

Although it is technically feasible to use current terrestrial protocols to communicate with satellites, it is far from optimal in terms of performance. IoT is incredibly sensitive to cost and power consumption, and any degradations could derail the IoT business model, fast. Marginal differences in performance – such as battery life and or device lifetime – can drastically alter the feasibility of any business case too. This makes building intelligent devices that can seamlessly switch between many technologies – with each being highly optimised for specific conditions – the soundest approach.

 

Proprietary data protocols are, therefore, a core component of the SatIoT development model. To succeed here, though, organisations and SIs must explore using proprietary data protocols that have been designed specifically to optimise every aspect of the SatIoT component.

 

Optimised deployments are lower cost, more reliable and higher performing, especially in key areas such as power consumption, which can make or break an IoT deployment. Excessive power consumption dramatically reduces battery life. It results in expensive battery/device replacement, which, for example, is impossible for goods in transit scenarios, and extremely challenging in remote locations. A device that uses a generic network standard for SatIoT will use up to 10 times more power than with a device that uses SatIoT with an optimised data protocol and chipsets.

 

In addition, it is impossible to simply add a SatIoT connection to an existing device, even if using the same network standard such as LoRaWAN. These are not a plug and play situations. Devices will need a new antenna or a new radio frequency (RF) front-end to connect to the satellite. Therefore, it makes a great deal more sense to use optimised data protocols and devices with a chipset optimised for SatIoT. For instance, devices must be small enough to be used on livestock – including compact, flat antennas that don’t get caught in vegetation – and robust enough to withstand years outside without needing to be replaced.

 

Enabling two-way communication is vital too – this allows remote device upgrades to take place, further extending life in the field. This also enables innovative IoT applications – such as the creation of virtual fences for livestock, eradicating the need for expensive and resource-intensive work to install and maintain fencing across remote areas. The use of proprietary data protocols is ultimately not a barrier to deployment but an enabler. Systems Integrators can use it to create solutions that use multiple networks to track items across the world.

 

One recent deployment for shipping containers moves seamlessly between an array of various connectivity solutions, including Bluetooth, cellular, LoRaWAN and satellite, as needed. Organisations can choose to alter the primary network at any time – ensuring the device connects to SatIoT rather than cellular in certain high-cost regions, for example, to achieve far more certainty in the operational cost base.

 

The key to long-term success is to ensure the deployment model for SatIoT supports rather than undermines the IoT business case. How often does the device need to communicate with the satellite? What is the power consumption? How long is the battery life? Is the antenna design fit for purpose? Does the solution support bidirectional communication? These are the vital considerations that will affect the cost, viability and business benefits of the SatIoT deployment – and the optimal performance can only be achieved through the use of dedicated, optimised data protocols.

 

For now, full integration is the long-term dream but over the next decade standards will emerge. To maximise the power, potential and cost benefits of SatIoT today, the use of dedicated proprietary protocols will remain the best way to develop a robust, achievable business case and accelerate the deployment of IoT.