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In this post we’re exploring your options for wireless connectivity of IoT devices, and the differences between NB-IoT and LoRaWAN. We’ll see how LoRaWAN and satellite connectivity can work together to maximize coverage, connectivity, and cost control.

Why choose LPWAN as a wireless solution for widespread IoT devices?

This chart, courtesy of You Li, outlines the major technologies in place for the wireless connection of IoT devices. In short, if you need to transmit data wirelessly between sensors and gateways over a large area, you have the choice of cellular or LPWAN connectivity.

Cellular, however, is both expensive and power hungry, and carries the risk of the technology being retired (e.g. 2G and 3G networks being phased out). Further, only 15% of the Earth’s surface is covered by cellular networks (source: World Economic Forum).

LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technologies have a lot of plus points: battery lives that span years; low cost; long range. Only very small amounts of data can be transmitted, but that’s adequate for environmental monitoring, asset management, tracking, metering etc.

Within LPWAN there are many technologies and standards, and IoTForAll has an excellent article explaining the pros and cons of the main options. We’re summarising the most popular choices here.

LTE-M is USA-centric, but offers higher data rates than many, and cuts across borders with ease, so it’s good for mobile applications.

NB-IoT transmits less data but equally consumes less power; it’s generally lower cost, and more widely available outside of the USA than LTE-M. However it’s not yet effective for mobile use cases as it requires roaming agreements between different telco providers. It communicates with the cloud directly, unlike LoRaWAN which requires end nodes to transmit data to a gateway first, and from there to the cloud; this makes networking of NB-IoT easier (source). NB-IoT also offers the greatest wireless reach, with devices able to communicate wirelessly over distances as great as 22 km. This is dependent on location – NB-IoT works well in cities but is less stable in rural areas where cellular / wifi connectivity is limited.

LoRaWAN – which combines the standard for the physical layer (called LoRa), plus the MAC layer and application standards – is also typically used for static communication scenarios such as soil moisture sensors, water levels and quality, gas / oil pipeline monitoring and glacial melt. Because public networks extend across broad geographic regions, LoRaWAN can be used for some mobile IoT applications such as fleet monitoring and animal tracking too. Telecom operators operate public LoRa networks, but you can also set up your own private network relatively inexpensively. Wirelessly connecting devices up to 16 km apart, LoRaWAN has no dependence on cellular or wifi, and so offers relatively stable coverage in rural and remote areas (source).
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LPWA connection share by technology, 2020-2025

By 2025, it’s anticipated that on a global scale, NB-IoT and LoRa will, between them, have 84% of the share of LPWA connections (Statista).

Where does satellite IoT come into the picture?

All of the LPWAN technologies need to be able to transmit their data to the cloud, and if they operate far outside of cellular or wifi coverage – i.e. in very remote locations such as mountains, oceans, deserts and forests – they need a mechanism for data backhaul.

Diagram showing how satellite and LoRaWAN networks communicate

In this example, sensors are transmitting data using LoRaWAN to the hub, or gateway. The hub receives the data, optimizes the payload (this is important to keep data transmission costs down), and will transmit the data via satellite if cellular is not available.

In this example, we’re using a satellite constellation in Low Earth Orbit – Iridium – which has 66 satellites overhead, ensuring that 100% of the globe can connect with their satellite network. The satellite returns the sensor data to a ground station, from where it’s forwarded to the application service, database or dashboards.

Iridium is a great choice, but there’s no reason in principle why you couldn’t also transmit to a geostationary satellite network such as Inmarsat, as long as your gateway or hub has line-of-sight to the satellite.

One of Ground Control’s customers is using this method to capture sensor data from a remote reservoir in Wales, UK. The automated monitoring system is designed to alert engineers to potential equipment failures, to minimize the need for unplanned maintenance visits. Challenges included the lack of mobile phone coverage, no provision of a telephone line or ADSL connection, and a wide area distribution of a large number of sensors. A cabled solution was quickly ruled out due to the logistical challenges, time and cost implications. The solution: using satellites to backhaul LoRaWAN network data.

Where else can you see satellites and LoRaWAN working together?

Agriculture for a wide range of monitoring applications including nutrients, soil temperature and moisture levels or keeping tabs on water quality
Mining for monitoring the status of tailings storage facilities (TSFs), resource and pipeline monitoring
Transport and logistics to track end-to-end to reduce supply chain losses or monitor vehicles to prevent theft
Environmental agencies to monitor everything from deforestation to ocean plastic
Oil and Gas for pipeline and offshore site monitoring
Renewables for solar array and wind farm monitoring.

Recommended satellite terminals for LoRaWAN data backhaul

If your use case is static and not in the polar regions, Viasat IoT Pro service will meet your needs, with its tried and trusted geostationary satellites. The Cobham Explorer 540 or the Hughes 9502 are both reliable and economical devices which can be solar or battery powered.

A robust option which will work for both static and mobile applications is the truly global Iridium satellite network. Iridium has two airtime options for IoT data – Short Burst Data (SBD) or Certus 100. SBD is a message-based platform and can transmit payloads of up to 340 bytes up, 270 bytes down. This isn’t usually enough for aggregated data from a LoRaWAN gateway. If you need more capacity, or an IP-based solution, Certus 100 offers both: an IP transmission option at 22 / 88 Kbps, or a message-based option (called IMT) capable of 100kB / message.

For Certus 100 we’d recommend the RockREMOTE (for use within an enclosure) or RockREMOTE Rugged.

Would you like to know more?

If your sensors are widespread and in a remote area without terrestrial connectivity options, we can help! Solving remote connectivity challenges is what Ground Control exists to do.

Call or email us, or complete the form, and one of our expert team (we've been doing this for over 20 years) will be in touch to discuss your options.

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Industry 4.0, alias, Fourth Industrial Revolution, describes the integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics, quantum computing, genetic engineering and more. It represents a shift to a more connected world, whereby the lines between the digital and physical are blurred.

Also referred to as Smart Industry, Industry 4.0 is transforming businesses, enhancing and optimising operations with real-time monitoring and control, and enabling new business models, for example, mass customization.

Cisco’s Annual Report predicted there would be almost 30 billion connected devices by 2023 and Statista estimated 15.1 billion would be IoT connected devices. Though we are still scratching the surface of the possibilities open to us as a result of IoT and Industry 4.0, more generally, all of these technologies and outcomes are dependent on connectivity. Without connection, the insights available via data transmission and analysis remain elusive.

Meeting the demands of a connected world

In order to support this increasingly connected world, governments and organizations have largely focused on building out high-speed broadband networks, expanding wireless coverage and investing in smart city infrastructure. Though some parts of the globe have made significant progress, not least those in developed countries, there are still substantial gaps. At the beginning of 2023 it was estimated that just 64.4% of the global population had access to the internet.

In November 2022, the UK government pledged £5 billion to deliver gigabit-broadband to a minimum of 85% of premises by 2025 and the original target of ‘nationwide’ was pushed back to 2030.

The role of 5G in Industry 4.0

5G’s role in the future of Industry 4.0 is significant. 5G enables a much larger number of connected devices to operate simultaneously, with faster response times and higher levels of reliability. This is particularly important for IoT applications that require real-time data processing, such as smart city infrastructure.

The 5G triangle represents the full spectrum of capabilities, from high speed data transfer to low latency connectivity for mission critical applications, and efficient connectivity for the large number of IoT devices that will be connected to the network.

1. Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)

Fast data transfer, low latency
Data transfer speeds up to 20 Gbps and latency as low as 1 millisecond
Use cases: High bandwidth applications, for example, video streaming and virtual reality.

2. Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC)

Low latency, high reliability
Latency as low as 1 millisecond and reliability of up to 99.999%
Use cases: Mission-critical applications such as autonomous vehicles.

3. Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC)

Low power, low bandwidth
Designed to support up to 1 million devices per square kilometre
Use cases: Applications with a high volume number of devices. For example, automated supply chain management, infrastructure for smart cities.

In addition, 5G can help to address some of the key challenges facing IoT, such as security and privacy, by providing more robust and reliable connectivity.

However, though 5G is capable of delivering broadband across short distances, it was designed to enhance coverage in urban regions with dense populations – not for rural, remote areas. 5G is currently sitting at an 8% global adoption rate, with terrestrial networks more widely covering just 15% of the globe. It’s clear telecommunications infrastructure alone cannot support this new, interconnected world.

As Tom Stroup, President of the Satellite Industry Association explains – “We’ve seen a recognition that many of the things that are desired by 5G can only be achieved with the ubiquitous coverage that satellite networks provide.”

The future of 5G: Satellites

Though connectivity is about more than coverage, one of the primary benefits of leveraging satellites in 5G networks is 100% global coverage. Unlike traditional mobile networks or fibre connectivity which rely on infrastructure, satellites can provide coverage anywhere and everywhere on Earth.

Another advantage is that Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites can deliver low latency, high speed connectivity. Latency is an important consideration for time critical applications such as remote surgery or autonomous vehicles where delays could lead to severe consequences. As LEO satellites are positioned between 160 – 2,000km (99 – 1243 miles) from the Earth’s surface, latency can be as low as 20 milliseconds which is comparable to that achieved via terrestrial networks. Moreover, the additional bandwidth would place 5G networks in the best possible position to accommodate ever increasing data traffic and number of connected devices.

Ultimately satellites could be used to complement 5G networks in three main ways:

Expanding coverage to include rural, remote areas,
Creating redundancies, and
Additional backhaul.

Though it’s likely the role of satellites will look slightly different depending on the country and region and thus bandwidth and coverage already available, if successful these could lead to several additional business models.

But the how is slightly more complicated. Interoperability isn’t a new conversation within the communications industry but it wasn’t until 2017 that a formalized working group recommended 5G technology should be able to integrate non-terrestrial networks (NTN) such as fibre and satellites. Fast forward to July 2020, 3GPP Release 16 began to address this challenge.

What is
3GPP?

The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), is a collaboration between various telecommunications standards organizations. The main focus of the 3GPP is to develop specifications for wireless communication systems, including 2G - 5G technologies. These specifications include protocols for cellular networks, as well as guidelines for interoperability between different devices and networks, including non-terrestrial networks.

3GPP Release 16: Benefits and shortfalls

Release 16 outlined multiple significant improvements not least, access technology standards for using higher frequency New Radio, supporting greater signal bandwidth and lower latency. Of those relating to interoperability, dual connectivity was extended to support NTN. Meaning in theory satellites could connect assets in rural areas where cellular coverage was limited and integrated access and backhaul was named as an area of study.

Despite these improvements, there were some associated shortfalls. One of the main challenges with 5G over satellite is latency. While as previously mentioned, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites can achieve latency times as low as those associated with cellular, this isn’t always possible.

For geostationary (GEO) satellites, which are located roughly 34,000km above the Earth’s surface vs LEO’s 160 – 2,000km, the round-trip time is longer; closer to 270 – 540 milliseconds. As Release 16 didn’t account for this, it meant satellite operators needed to develop their own solution to mitigate potential latency issues.

What’s more, Release 16 didn’t account for mobility issues. This is more applicable to LEO satellites as these networks create a mesh of satellites around the globe and pass data as required between satellites and various ground stations. Particularly in the case of asset tracking applications where assets are moving, mobility and thus handing data from one satellite to another, becomes more important.

While Release 16 defines the interfaces between the UE and the core network, it does not provide detailed guidance on how to handle handovers between terrestrial and satellite networks. This can result in disruptions to the user experience as the UE moves between different network environments.

Ultimately Release 16 highlighted the importance of collaboration. Just one great example formed following Release 16 is that between Inmarsat and MediaTek in late 2020.

Their collaboration involved a successful field trial which ultimately contributed to 3GPP’s Release 17 standardization work on NTN. Utilising NB-IoT technology, a bi-directional link from MediaTek’s satellite-enabled narrowband service to Inmarsat’s Alphasat L-band GEO satellite was established. As Jonathan Beavon, Senior Director at Inmarsat concluded – “testing MediaTek’s standard NB-IoT chip over Inmarsat’s established GEO satellite network has proven technology from mobile networks works effectively over GEO satellites with little modification and will provide a very cost effective path to ubiquitous and hybrid global IoT coverage.”

Release 17

In 2022, 3GPP Release 17 marked the most recent standard for 5G Networks and was the first to outline technical specifications for direct-to-device 5G over satellite.
3GPP Release 17 timeline. Original source: https://www.3gpp.org/specifications-technologies/releases/release-17

Specifically addressing interoperability, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB), and network slicing were extended to support NTN. The former, IAB, is particularly relevant for satellite operators as it helps address issues associated with latency by providing a more direct connection between device and satellite. Network slicing on the other hand is best exemplified by applications such as smart cities. Network slicing enables specific applications within the wider smart city network to utilize allocated network slices. So in the case of traffic monitoring and management, prioritising the utilization of a low latency, high bandwidth network slice ensures this application is better supported.

Release 17 also included additional features for dual connectivity. These cover support for more advanced network slicing configurations, which can help to improve the efficiency of network resources.

Moreover, Release 17 outlined enhanced support for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Mobility issues were addressed by new features such as satellite handover, enabling seamless connectivity as devices move from one satellite to another.

The future of wireless communications

Release 17 was the first to position satellites as a critical component of the 5G ecosystem. Though this is a significant step forward, introducing new technology into any architecture is not something which can be achieved overnight and in the case of satellites, there are two relatively large challenges to integration: regulatory and capital. There may be regulatory issues related to spectrum allocation and licensing and there are well documented business challenges related to the cost of deploying and operating satellite networks.

In the case of satellites, it’s not quite as simple as changing a SIM or updating firmware over the air. Satellites are largely programmed prior to launch. In most cases it would mean launching additional satellites within a constellation to add the technology required to support these interoperability features.

If for example, satellite operators had incorporated 2G or 3G network technology, both of which are now in the process of sunsetting, those additional features would be becoming redundant. In short, there are benefits to maintaining proprietary technology and this is how many of the longer standing satellite operators have conducted business.

Currently many of the in-built phone functions depend on 5G NTN technology. However, despite the noise the reality of integration is slow. Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X75 chipsets, leveraging Iridium’s satellite network are due for sampling in Q2 of 2023 (now), with expected select shipping estimated for Q3 and 4. Other companies, including Apple have demoable tech which incorporates NTN using Qualcomm X65 chipsets but this is limited to one usable band – n53.

In short, while advances are exciting and once this tech does land it’s expected to be very disruptive, we are still very much in the early stages of development. So the exact role of satellites within 5G architecture and Industry 4.0 more generally is unclear.

What is clear however, interoperability is top of mind for many just now. Just this week, 13th March 2023, Iridium’s CEO Matt Desch hosted a session at the SATELLITE 2023 event titled The Satellite-Cellular Convergence – A New Era for the Telco Industry?

The last few years within the satellite industry has seen incredible growth and innovation but not all new players entering space will be here for the long term. Just as not all technology within the 3GPP standard – NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things), LTE-M (Long-Term Evolution for Machines), 5G NR – will be here for the long term. The challenge now lies with satellite operators and bodies such as 3GPP to create and maintain technology standards which all players can bet on. Ultimately, the only way we will achieve a fully connected world capable of supporting Smart Industry is with both 5G and Satellite technology because without connection, nothing is smart.

More on IoT connectivity

Ready to unlimit your IoT application...

... But not sure where to start? We can help. Interoperability can be a real challenge for those with IoT projects. Having partnered with satellite network providers such as Iridium and Inmarsat for well over a decade, we have access to competitively priced tariffs, and almost all of our products allow dual connectivity.

So if you are working on an IoT project and would like some no pressure, objective advice, simply fill in the form and one of our expert team will get back to you.

The renewables landscape is changing. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that the ‘global energy crisis has triggered unprecedented momentum behind renewables, with the world set to add as much renewable power in the next 5 years as it did in the past 20’.

The rise of renewable energy and the pitfalls of unplanned maintenance

Partially due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, countries are increasingly motivated to invest in renewable energy technologies to reduce reliance on imported fuels. Wind and solar energy in particular will account for over 90% of the renewable power capacity that is added globally over the next five years, according to the IEA.

So what does this mean for wind power in Europe?

Solar and wind power generated more than a fifth (22%) of its electricity in 2022, pulling ahead of fossil gas (20%) for the first time, according to the European Electricity Review 2023. However, many wind farms are located in remote areas and have limited resilience against severe weather, power outages and downtime due to unplanned maintenance.

In the case of the latter, often, renewable energy providers rely on physical onsite maintenance to restore energy production, requiring significant resources, time and cost. It presents energy providers with a big challenge. Research by Wood Mackenzie Power into renewables in 2019 found that $8.5 billion was spent on unplanned repairs and corrections caused by component failures in wind operations.

This cost could be lowered and potentially avoided if sensors for predictive maintenance were operable, and the data generated is available consistently and in close to real-time. It’s an area where satellite IoT connectivity makes economic sense.

How SCADA data helps keep the turbines turning

For each wind farm – onshore or offshore – SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) data is reported. This includes weather data such as wind direction, various turbine parameters, and errors encountered by the system, normally at 10-minute intervals.

It’s this historical SCADA data that provides invaluable insights to generate a robust approach to monitoring turbine performance, identifying patterns and predicting failures for better predictive maintenance planning and less downtime. Via satellite-driven data monitoring, renewable data intelligence is delivered in seconds. This enables engineers, maintenance managers and data scientists the ability to plan, predict and act to close the gap in remote wind turbine data monitoring challenges.

Why there's a better way than cellular, fiber and onsite personnel

Unlike cellular and fiber connectivity – which in many cases is not a feasible solution due to the remote locations of wind farms – satellite IoT is truly global. Satellite connectivity ensures reliable remote data monitoring from individual turbines to entire wind farms allowing optimization and ongoing performance assurance of wind energy output.

IoT Pro terminals (previously known as BGAN M2M) are designed to connect monitoring and control applications in remote, unmanned locations like wind farms, to provide visibility and management of those assets. Remote management of the terminal can be achieved via SMS, eliminating the reliance on on-site maintenance crews, mitigating unplanned downtime and saving costs.

As an example, an experienced Field Engineer has a day rate of approx. 350 euros plus fuel, company vehicle maintenance and overtime. In contrast, the cost of operating a Viasat-enabled satellite connectivity terminal can be as little as 60 euros per month for up to 20MB; not only is this a clear saving over physically sending an engineer into the field, the data is available in close to real-time, all the time.

SCADASat by TSAT enables renewable providers to cost-effectively and reliably transmit remote SCADA, telemetry and M2M data – all in a secure network. The platform is highly scalable with low operating costs compared to the new installation and maintenance of fiber connectivity. It is compatible with both IP and legacy serial devices and operates independently from terrestrial communications systems, both complementing and offering an alternative solution to terrestrial networks, ensuring transmission at all times.

How satellite IoT closes the gap with IoT Pro

Operating on both Viasat IoT Pro and cellular 2G/3G/LTE networks, these devices keep data flowing to enable predictive maintenance.

While wind farm resilience against severe weather will continue to be tested, the challenges of power outage predictions and production downtime due to unplanned maintenance can be solved via the adoption of IoT Pro solutions.

How we can help overcome your data monitoring challenges

Ground Control can solve renewable energy monitoring challenges with satellite IoT. We help our customers achieve an accurate, real-time, 360 view of their data and operations; anywhere and everywhere. If you’d like some impartial advice on the best device and airtime for your data monitoring requirements, get in touch. With 20 years’ of experience, we’re confident we can help.

Would you like to know more?

We're here to help. With highly experienced staff based in the UK and USA, we're here to talk through your most challenging remote connectivity requirements.

Complete the form, or if you prefer to speak to someone directly, call us on +44 (0) 1452 751940 (Europe, Asia, Africa) or +1.805.783.4600 (North and South America).

Connectivity is often identified as a barrier to IoT deployment success. Inmarsat’s 2023 Enterprise Insights ranked access to reliable IoT connectivity as a top challenge with over one third reporting difficulties (34%); and 33% struggling to implement IoT solutions in remote locations.

To harness the full value of IoT enablement, terrestrial, fibre and Long Range Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) are vital. But these networks are limited. Covering approximately 15% of the Earth’s surface, they do not provide the global coverage essential to capture all data points and fail to capture valuable insights from the most remote locations. This is where satellite IoT connectivity can help.

A staggering 91% of businesses surveyed by Inmarsat believe satellite connectivity is key to improving the effectiveness of IoT solutions. But many still consider satellite connectivity expensive. Our response? It’s far more cost-effective than you might think.

How to reduce Satellite IoT connectivity costs

IoT applications consist of multiple, connected devices which collect and analyse data in real-time. Applications dealing with mission critical data often also have devices intended for failover comms in the event that their main form of connectivity fails. To maximise project value, reliable connectivity is essential.

Since connectivity costs are largely based on the volume of data sent, optimising data mobility can significantly reduce overall connectivity costs while maintaining maximum project value. Below are 5 ways businesses can reduce their overall satellite airtime costs:

Remote terminal management
Real-time data management
Determine required data for each application
Diversify connectivity options
Edge computing

1. Remote terminal management

To keep operational costs low, designing a network which minimises manual intervention is key. Understandably then, many organisations with devices in remote locations will activate terminals and set these to always-on. Though this is rarely required, physically sending engineers to deactivate/reactivate terminals wouldn’t be worthwhile. But for companies who are able to control terminals remotely, for instance, deactivating devices when applications aren’t live.

Some companies offer platforms which allow remote activation, suspension, and deactivation. Often these platforms will allow companies to either leverage the API to integrate this service into their own platform or use an online UI to manage their device portfolio, irrespective of device location. In the case of Ground Control, this is managed through our platform Cloudloop. Available via a customer-friendly UI or integrated directly into your business’s ecosystem, Cloudloop puts users in control of their devices and data.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLOUDLOOP

2. Real-time data management

Typically customers benefit from better data rates within service plans as opposed to pay-as-you-go options. So accurately predicting and then choosing the right data plan for each device before you start using it is an easy way to make sure you’re getting the best rate for your airtime. The other benefit is avoiding overage charges: these are applied if companies go over their allocated data allowance and are usually more expensive than the contracted rate. Again, having a well defined view of your data requirements will minimise the amount of times you incur overage costs. If this is a relatively new IoT deployment, companies will likely need to make an educated guess. For those who feel less confident doing so, we recommend you speak to connectivity providers with experience of similar setups so they can advise on likely usage.

Moreover certain airtime and hardware providers offer data management services, allowing organisations to monitor device data usage in real-time. These help businesses avoid bill shock, making appropriate adjustments in real-time and identify if there is a particular device significantly above or below expected use. The latter can be used to help detect early signs of equipment failure or potential security breaches, so companies can take proactive measures.

3. Determine required data for each application

Many businesses apply the same data transmission settings across all devices, all applications. Instead, adjusting settings based on actual application requirements can have a considerable impact on overall connectivity costs. For example, if you choose to send sensor data every 15 minutes but the application only requires data input once an hour; or is only monitoring data to ensure levels remain within specific parameters, you’ll be paying for unnecessary transmissions.

Frequency of data packets
First, consider whether your project or application could tolerate a longer delay between data packets. For some applications it’d likely make little to no difference. Trial adjusting settings so instead of data being sent/received every 15 minutes, this becomes every 30 minutes or even once an hour.
Reporting on exception
Second, does your company require all sensor data? A lot of the data involved in IoT applications verifies that operations are running as expected. Instead, can you configure your system and/or devices to only send data that falls outside set parameters – reporting on exceptions. Not all devices have this functionality but even incorporating a small number capable of supporting exception reporting like the RockREMOTE can lead to a substantial reduction.

4. Diversify connectivity portfolio

The satellite communications industry has seen incredible growth and innovation in the last few years. As such, the options available for both networks and services within those networks have diversified.

For businesses with IoT projects already up and running it’s worth reviewing satellite airtime plans; can cost savings be achieved through simple renegotiation, could assets within your network be switched to alternative more cost-effective services? There are multiple nuances to consider but the savings could be substantial.

One of the most important considerations is regarding message packet size. When utilising Iridium Certus 100, the minimum cost per session is 5KB allowing for a maximum of 20 sessions within (for example) a 100KB monthly bundle. In contrast, with Iridium’s Short Burst Data (SBD) service the minimum is just 10 bytes, meaning users could send 10,000 message packets. Depending on your application’s data requirements this could have a substantial impact. Though SBD is limited to a total of 340 bytes up and 270 bytes down, this is ideal for most asset tracking applications and often one of the most cost-effective satellite services.

For those who need to cover more complex telemetry projects for instance, in the Utilities sector, it’s more likely setups will leverage Viasat’s IoT Pro service (previously known as BGAN M2M). In these situations more practical measures such as ensuring terminals are accurately pointed, reducing the likelihood of message packets being dropped, can help reduce overall costs.

If you do have any specific queries related to airtime, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years and though we have significant relationships with both Iridium and Inmarsat we’re not tied to any one provider, just helping you find the best solution for your project and budget.

5. Edge computing

Edge computing is an emerging computing paradigm, which has arguably become a bit of a buzz term. In short, it allows companies to process data where the data is being generated – at the edge. This reduces overall data transmission, for example, to the cloud. Though data processing within the cloud has become popular in recent years, to achieve this, companies must first employ the relatively expensive transport mechanism of getting all data to the cloud. Instead, with edge computing, businesses can be more efficient with the volume of data sent, conducting some processing locally.

Again, not all devices are able to facilitate edge processing and typically companies with more established IoT deployments may have hundreds, if not thousands of units. So though it might not be economical to replace all units, in situations where terminals are reaching end of life or those organising a new IoT deployment, choosing edge-computing-capable devices could be worthwhile. Edge-computing-capable devices can reduce overall connectivity costs and extend the life of other units within the network. So even a relatively small investment could prove beneficial.

Illustration representing edge computing

As satellite technology advances with the likes of nanosats, it’s likely satellite communications will continue to become more cost-effective and services more diverse. In the meantime there are many tactics companies can employ to optimise data mobility and thus reduce satellite IoT costs.

If you or your team would like any advice on the best network or service fit for an IoT application, or would like to review your satellite IoT airtime costs, simply fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch.

More on Satellite IoT

Ready to unlimit your IoT application?

Having partnered with satellite network providers such as Iridium and Inmarsat for well over a decade, we have access to competitively priced tariffs, and can also be very flexible in terms of bundled data.

So if you are working on an IoT project and would like some no pressure, objective advice, simply fill in the form and one of our expert team will get back to you.

The Agriculture industry is facing a number of significant challenges, not least, providing food security to a growing population. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation has estimated that food production will need to increase by 70% by 2050, to meet the needs of the expected 9 billion population.

Labour remains key to harvest, especially with specialty crops – typically representing 20-50% of the overall crop budget. But factors such as an ageing workforce, increasing competition for labour from other industries and foreign labour costs continue to widen the gap between available and required labour. A challenge further exacerbated by Brexit and more recently, the pandemic.

Moreover, Agriculture is highly water dependent and the impacts of Climate Change are contributing to scarcity and shortages. In short, there are many trials facing the Agriculture sector. All necessitate an increase in Agricultural productivity.

Technology has long provided solutions and there has been an increase in interest and investment in AgriTech solutions. Predicted to reach $46,372 million by 2030, global AgriTech is a well established yet fast developing market.

What is AgriTech?

AgriTech describes the use of technology to produce more with less. This spans tractors to drones, milking machines to vertical farming and automation. These help farmers and agriculturalists increase efficiency from field monitoring, to the food supply chain itself.

AgriTech includes the Internet of Things (IoT) which has and continues to transform almost every sector – Agriculture is no exception. IoT refers to a network of connected devices that collect and share data with other devices and communications networks, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of various systems.

In Agriculture, IoT devices include sensors that measure soil moisture, temperature, and other environmental factors, as well as weather stations, drones, animal tracking collars, and other connected devices that can provide valuable data about crops and livestock. This data can then be used by farmers to make more informed decisions, for example, when to irrigate.

IoT in Agriculture

Ground Control is proud to work with a number of customers driving IoT in Agriculture forward. Just one great example is Synnefa. Synnefa provides IoT devices integrated with farming software to 8,726 farmers across Kenya.

The combination of data from IoT devices in the field, farmer activity and trend analysis, help deliver insight to either enable the farmer to make more informed decisions; or use Synnefa’s smart greenhouses to automatically complete tasks, for example fertilisation, based on sensor data.

The results:
• 50% reduction in water usage
• 41% reduction in fertilizer application rates
• 30% average increase in production when compared to yields before IoT device implementation.

PRECISION FARMING WITH SYNNEFA

What are Autonomous Agricultural Robots?

Autonomous Agricultural Robots (AAR) are machines that can perform agricultural tasks without human intervention. Equipped with various sensors, cameras and other technologies, they can navigate fields and perform specific tasks, including planting and monitoring and managing livestock.

The sensors, software and connectivity which enable these machines to collect and exchange data, means AARs can be considered a type of IoT. So these machines are able to communicate with other IoT devices, such as irrigation systems, enabling farmers to create more integrated and efficient farm management systems.

Common applications of Agricultural robots

1. Harvesting crops

Through detection and classification of plants and their characteristics, robots can be programmed to harvest crops based on factors that indicate ripeness, for example colour. Those with GPS systems can be used in tandem with pickers working in fields. As these robots benefit from speed and accuracy, they can improve yield size and reduce waste while reducing workforce reliance.

2. Drones

Can be used in multiple ways within Agriculture to automate tasks and improve crop yields. Some examples include:

Crop monitoring: equipped with sensors or cameras, drones can be flown over fields to collect data on crop growth, health and water stress. This data can then be used to create detailed maps enabling farmers to identify areas which need attention and adjust irrigation or fertilizer application.
Crop spraying: fitted with spray nozzles, drones can apply pesticides and other chemicals with high accuracy, minimising the amount needed.
Livestock monitoring: utilizes drone cameras to allow real-time information on animal health and behaviour. This can be used to help track grazing patterns or even identify stressed or sick animals.

3. Weed control

Ag operators can use autonomous robots to control weeds in a more precise, efficient and environmentally friendly method when compared to traditional methods. Just three common examples:
Automated mechanical weeding: soil-based weeders can navigate autonomously around fields, detecting plants via infrared sensors or cameras. Once weeds are detected, machines use a rotary cutter to cut these at ground level.
Chemical spraying: uses autonomous robots to apply herbicides to weeds in a targeted manner. The robot can use computer vision to identify weeds and spray only the areas where weeds are present, reducing the amount of chemicals used and minimizing the impact on the environment.
Thermal weeding: similarly to the above, autonomous robots use computer vision to identify weeds and target them with an appropriate amount of heat to kill the weed, negating the use of chemicals.

4. Autonomous tractors

Using a combination of sensors, GPS technology and cameras, these self-driving vehicles can perform tasks such as ploughing, tilling, and spraying crops.

They can also be used to collect data regarding soil health, crop growth and weather conditions while they work, enabling farmers to focus on other tasks, for example ensuring proper drainage.

5. Planting crops

Agricultural robots are able to track the position of rows while planting, adjusting their trajectory accordingly, to ensure precise spacing between each seedling. GPS-based equipment also allows farmers to program the AAR with desired planting depth based on field location to give the crops the best chance of survival.

The opportunities associated with the use of autonomous agricultural robots as part of precision agriculture systems are significant – improved efficiency, labour productivity, minimised environmental impact, all while increasing crop yields.

Though AARs are still very much within their evolutionary infancy, autonomous tractors and drones in particular have become increasingly popular tools. A recent report valued the global autonomous farm equipment market at $62.89 billion and went on to predict market value would reach $250.6 million by 2028.

As with any relatively new technology, there are a number of challenges. Not least, connectivity. As Rohan Rainbow of Grain Producers Australia puts it – “more than half the farmers in Australia have no access to cellular phone connectivity… That’s actually quite a challenge if you want to service your machine or just run diagnostics on whether this machine is performing correctly and providing that information back to the operator.”

Beyond data transmission, the main issue associated with poor or no connectivity is when machines in the field detect an obstacle. When this happens, without the connectivity to receive a go/no go command the machine will sit still until either the perceived obstacle moves, or the Ag operator notes the machine isn’t where expected and goes to find and then reset it. To put this into context, even in the UK those utilising autonomous agricultural robots found they were having to go into the field roughly once every 10 hours.

As connectivity specialists it would be remiss to not highlight the role of satellite connectivity in overcoming these challenges. After all, to gain the true value-add from any of these applications, resilient communications are essential and only satellite offers ubiquitous coverage.

Overcoming connectivity challenges with the RockREMOTE Rugged

Designed for permanent outdoor installation in harsh environments, the RockREMOTE Rugged is ideal for fixed or mobile environments anywhere in the world. Featuring a new form factor, waterproof and vibration tested, the RockREMOTE Rugged connects assets and machines with Iridium satellite or LTE networks.

Featuring an omni-directional antenna, the RockREMOTE Rugged is able to securely connect remote IoT assets using IP or message-based protocols. The powerful Linux-based operating system offers containerized hosting for edge-computing applications.

Having spoken with a number of manufacturers, we’re confident the RockREMOTE Rugged is a great solution for any Agricultural manufacturers or OEMs looking for a robust, reliable communications system.

As we design and build the Rock series of products in-house, it’s also possible to customize devices – get in touch if you have a particular requirement in mind.

Looking for a communication solution for your AgTech?

We’d love to hear from you. Ground Control has been delivering satellite connectivity solutions for over 20 years. Already proud to work with a number of OEMs and manufacturers, you can find out more about our partner programme following the button below.

To discuss further what satellite connectivity could look like within your machines, and how we might be able to make that process as simple as possible - fill in the form and one of our expert team will be in touch.

Iridium Certus is a flexible satellite service platform using the L-band frequency, and Iridium’s constellation of 66 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It was commercially launched in 2019, which makes it, at the time of writing, Iridium’s newest capability.

Iridium Certus is available in three speed classes: Certus 100, designed for IoT applications; Certus 200, designed for basic internet and voice, and Certus 700, which delivers the fastest L-band connectivity available today. It’s all enabled by the truly global Iridium constellation for total connectivity anywhere in the world.

Whether it’s staying connected with loved ones while out at sea, responding to a critical emergency situation, or transmitting remote sensor data across a wide variety of industries, Iridium Certus 100, 200 and 700, coupled with mobile, portable and fixed hardware solutions by Thales and Ground Control, delivers important communication and data services when and where you need it most.

Like all Iridium services, Certus is completely global in reach, including the polar regions, and benefits from low latency (<1 second) thanks to the cross-linked LEO satellite network. The antennas are small and lightweight, making Certus particularly well suited for mobile use cases - maritime, transport & cargo, heavy equipment monitoring, aviation, and remote field worker communications.

Our infographic outlines the differences between the three speed classes and what they’re designed for.

Iridium Certus Explained Infographic

Certus 100 devices

Ground Control is one of a very small number of manufacturers to have designed and built Certus 100-powered products. The RockREMOTE and RockREMOTE Rugged are basically identical, but the Rugged version is designed for use outside, or while mobile; if you have an enclosure, the original RockREMOTE will better meet your needs.

These devices are intended for IoT applications. They offer hybrid cellular and satellite connectivity, with lowest cost routing, so that you’re only accessing the satellite network when necessary. You can transmit your sensor data over IP or use the new Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) solution, which reduces the cost of transmission.

The data allowance is relatively generous for IoT applications, allowing the transmission of images and multiple sensors’ data, in close to real-time (latency is less than one second). This makes the device ideal for security or remote access applications.

New for 2024: RockREMOTE Mini (pictured) and Mini OEM have been created in response to demand for a Certus 100 device that consumes very little power.

Certus 100 Products & Airtime

RockREMOTEMini - Certus 100 Satellite data transfer device

Certus 200 devices

We partner with Thales to bring you two devices that leverage the Certus 200 network: the MissionLINK 200 and the VesseLINK 200. They are basically identical but the MissionLINK (pictured) is intended for land mobile use, and the VesseLINK for maritime.

What we like about the Certus 200 service, and these two terminals, is how flexible they are. You can get basic internet access – enough for text-based communication across email, social media and messaging apps – and they also come with dedicated phone lines that work simultaneously with the internet access.

They’ll comfortably manage the transmission of tracking and IoT as well, although only offer an IP-based transmission service, which will make them a little more expensive for these applications.

Certus 200 Products & Airtime

Certus 700 devices

Iridium Certus 700 is the fastest L-band satellite solution available today, with speeds of up to 704 Kbps. This means that wherever you are, in whatever weather conditions, you’ll get reliable broadband internet and phone access for up to 12 connected devices (wireless or wired, your choice).

We offer three Certus 700 devices: the Thales MissionLINK 700, designed for land mobile, the Thales VesseLINK 700, designed for maritime, and the MCD-MissionLINK (pictured), which takes the MissionLINK 700 terminal, and adds a battery (up to 6 hours of normal use), connection ports, and a ruggedized, waterproof, portable case.

Delivering a mobile office whether you’re at land or sea, supporting web browsing, email and file transfer, and up to 3 simultaneous high-quality voice lines.

Certus 700 Products & Airtime

Interest piqued?

With over 20 years’ experience in satellite and cellular connectivity, we take pride in pairing our customers with the most appropriate device and airtime for their needs. If you think Iridium Certus, Thales and RockREMOTE solutions could help you be better connected, we’d love to hear from you.

We are proud to work with Iridium and Thales – some of the most reliable and innovative players in the market – and we also work with leading manufacturers and multiple airtime providers to ensure that customers get the best possible solution.

If you’d like to talk to one of our experienced team about how you can keep your team connectivity, on land or at sea, with Thales or Rock satellite technology, simply email sales@groundcontrol.com.

You can read more about these services in the links below, or contact the Ground Control team for more information on any of the devices shown above, including the adaptable and multi-functional Thales terminals.

Get in touch

Ground Control is a Tier 1 Iridium Reseller. We have been working with Iridium for over 10 years, and also design and build hardware like the RockBLOCK that uses Iridium SBD to communicate. In short, you're in safe hands.

Please get in touch for more information or to set up an account – we are here to help and assist. For large deployments, we are often able to create custom tariffs and pricing schemes, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Satellite IoT is rapidly moving from a niche service used by the wealthy few to an integral part of a broader IoT ecosystem. Its ability to transcend terrestrial constraints (e.g. roaming agreements and infrastructure) and provide seamless, reliable, continuous coverage on a global scale makes it invaluable in remote IoT applications, and as a backup to cellular / fibre-based connectivity.

The reasons for using satellite IoT haven’t changed in the last decade, but its take-up has grown dramatically, and is projected to continue to do so. A 2021 report from IoT Analytics estimated that the number of satellite IoT subscribers would grow from 5.1 million in 2021, to 13.5 million by 2026. One factor in the increased adoption is the larger number of options available to systems integrators: both from new entrants into the space (pun intended!) and from established players offering more diversified services. This has made the cost of sending IoT data via satellite viable for most applications.

Which is all great news for IoT engineers, but also makes the task of choosing a network and service within that network considerably more complex! The Ground Control team are here to help you navigate your options, so do contact us if you need any help; this post is aimed at helping you understand if Viasat’s IoT Pro service (previously known as Inmarsat’s BGAN M2M service) would meet your needs.

Here are 4 instances in which Viasat IoT Pro is an excellent choice for your satellite IoT connectivity.

1. You have quite a bit of data to transmit

The IoT Pro service offers data speeds of up to 464 Kbps, which is ample for most IoT applications. This will allow you to transmit not just multiple sensors’ data but images and even video, so it’s ideal if you have remote surveillance / security requirements, for example.

2. You need an IP-based service for ease of integration

IoT Pro isn’t the only IP-based satellite IoT connectivity solution (see also Iridium Certus 100) but it is tried, trusted and very reliable with 99.9% network availability. While IP-based services are more data-hungry than message-based services, they have the benefit of being pretty much plug-and-play, and it’s possible to optimise your transmissions to manage costs better.

3. You need a highly cost-effective solution

Ground Control is Viasat’s first ELEVATE partner, which means we’ve access to great airtime rates for the IoT Pro service. But even if that wasn’t the case, IoT Pro is one of the most economical IP-based services available. Plus, many devices which utilise the IoT Pro service are hybrid, able to switch between cellular and satellite depending on network availability. The Explorer 540 is a great example; this means you get continuous coverage but lowest cost routing.

4. You need a solution for use in hazardous environments

This isn’t a feature of IoT Pro per se, but it just so happens that Cobham and Hughes, our trusted partners for IoT Pro-enabled devices, have C1D2 certified products available – the Explorer 540 and the Hughes 9502 series. This is essential for many Oil and Gas users, as the certification is designed to prevent explosions and ensure worker safety.

When wouldn’t you use IoT Pro?

1. If your data is in the polar regions

At the time of writing, Viasat has five satellites in geostationary orbit, covering most, but not all, of the globe. The polar regions aren’t covered, so if you have data collection requirements there, look at Iridium services instead. You can see a coverage map and learn more about Viasat’s development plans here.

2. If you need extremely low latency

Viasat’s satellite network is in geostationary orbit at 35,786 km above Earth. This means the time taken for a signal to be sent from your remote antenna to the satellite, then back to the ground station and from there to your system, is about 2 seconds. That’s not a lot, but satellites in low earth orbit (LEO) are orbiting the earth at approx. 780 kms, so the data has much less far to travel, and the latency is <1 second. If that’s a requirement for you, look at the Iridium service as an alternative. Here’s some more information about satellite orbit heights and how they impact connectivity.

3. Potentially, if your data logger is in a mountainous or forested area

IoT Pro antennas need to be pointed at one of the satellites in geostationary orbit. This is a simple process; many of the terminals either auto-point or provide you with helpful beeps or LEDs to demonstrate when you have the optimal look angle. And once they’re locked on, it’s a very stable connection. However, if your remote sensor array is in a mountainous or forested area, it’s possible that you will struggle to find a look angle that allows you to connect with the satellite. This is fairly uncommon but if you’re unsure, have a chat with one of the Ground Control team about your location, and we’ll be either able to provide you with advice based on Google satellite images, or we can help you test devices in the field to make sure you get a strong, stable connection.

We hope this is helpful, but would encourage you to speak to us if you need any advice on the best device and airtime for your needs. Thanks for reading!

IoT Pro Case Studies

BGAN M2M’s Role in Soil Moisture Monitoring to Help Combat Climate Change

As well as optimum vegetation and crop management through soil moisture monitoring, measuring soil moisture also helps to inform our understanding of how the natural environment responds to climate change. Here’s how the IoT Pro (BGAN M2M) service is supporting this initiative.

View case study

Facilitating Renewable Energy with RWE

RWE is one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, and operates 5 hydroelectric stations in Wales, UK. This is an area of significant rainfall, which can lead to damaging and dangerous floods. But with enough advance warning, RWE can harness this rainfall and use it to supply more renewable energy to the grid. This is how satellite connectivity made that possible.

View case study

Get in touch

We've implemented satellite IoT infrastructure for decades, and there's very rarely been an obstruction issue we couldn't overcome with a bit of knowledge and ingenuity. We'd be happy to talk to you about your project and offer impartial advice on the best antenna and satellite service for your particular requirements. Call or email us, or complete the form.

Call or Email us

Most of us are familiar with the limitations of terrestrial networks. However, for those working as a field engineer or as part of an expedition team; who have been a competitor in a yacht race or taken part in military training; you’ll also know how important it is to overcome this limitation. Cellular connectivity only covers 15% of the globe and there are many reasons why someone may take the roads less travelled. For the purpose of this blog, the term remote personnel refers to anyone travelling outside cellular coverage regularly, or for an extended period of time – be that for work or leisure.

For both safety and well-being, it’s essential that remote personnel have access to two-way communication that functions both in and out of cellular range. Determining a tracking and communication plan will reduce the chance of accidents and ensure swift response times in the case of an emergency; and by encouraging the use of two-way notifications and alerts, deliver peace of mind. This is where Ground Control’s RockSTAR device can help.

Introducing the RockSTAR

The RockSTAR is a lightweight, rugged, handheld device that can be used to send and receive short messages (like SMS and short emails) and track GPS location, through the Iridium satellite network and back to Earth. Simply, if the unit has a clear view of the sky, it’ll deliver two-way communications and virtually real-time tracking, anywhere and everywhere.

How do RockSTAR devices work?

Each RockSTAR unit houses an Iridium 9602 modem. This modem allows the device to leverage the Iridium Satellite network – using the ‘short burst data’ (SBD) service, to support location and messaging data transmission.

The RockSTAR can be set to ‘wake up’ and transmit your location anywhere between 15 seconds and once a day. It’ll obtain a position using the GPS satellite network, and then transmit that position back to Ground Control HQ using the Iridium satellite network. In 1-2 seconds, the position can then be visualised on our easy-to-use web-based system or automatically set up to relay this information direct to your application.

For example, if you’re a field technician working in a remote area, location data can be sent direct to whichever security tracking application your employer is using. What’s more, RockSTAR units have a great battery life. Even transmitting location data every 15 minutes, a device will last 3 weeks between charges.

In addition to SBD being relatively low cost, there are no annual contracts, delivering flexibility for those who only require a satellite device like the RockSTAR for a specific trip or project. In short, if you or your team don’t need to use a device for a month or more, there won’t be any monthly fee, simply pay ‘per month, per device’.

Additional RockSTAR features

Designed and built in the UK, the RockSTAR satellite device has also evolved throughout the years to better meet customer needs. The form factor has noticeably contracted, with the current device standing at just 144mm; other developments have helped create a feature-packed handheld unit.

RockSTAR units can be used to send and receive short messages, including SMS and short emails to nominated groups. Groups are created and amended in the device’s settings and can include mobile phone numbers, email addresses and servers. Using the device itself, you can send pre-set messages or free text; the RockSTAR can also be paired with a mobile or tablet via bluetooth, enabling truly global two-way communications.

The RockSTAR unit is configured with a number of alert options; for full details please see our article on RockSTAR alerts. All six device buttons can be activated by a user in gloves and the main SOS function is initiated via the button at the bottom of the device. When pressed, the unit immediately transmits your location and pre-set emergency message to those nominated within the device’s first-responder group.

The RockSTAR unit can also be used for waypointing, so key points of interest or concern (in the case of wildland firefighting) can be marked while you’re out in the field, and then viewed on our web-based system.

Common RockSTAR applications

Because the RockSTAR device is ruggedised and waterproof, with a great battery life, the applications are vast. Our RockSTAR customers aren’t just worldwide, they’re travelling by land, air and sea. Operating in some of the most remote and harsh environments on Earth. To demonstrate this range, we’ve collated some of the most common remote personnel use cases supported by our RockSTAR devices today.

MILITARY EXERCISE MONITORING

Military training exercises are often held in remote locations, under challenging conditions. This can place significant strain on soldiers, thus tracking services are often employed for peace of mind and if needed, timely, mission-critical response. Ground Control worked in partnership with JCSys to tailor the RockSTAR hardware and firmware to meet the very specific and stringent requirements of the UK’s Ministry of Defence. The result? A compact and durable device able to track soldiers in all weather and military attire, and pair with BLE heart rate monitors. Additionally, developer-friendly APIs meant JCSys were able to securely receive telemetry data and add the required context to support a safe training environment.

Military-personnel-in-snowy-conditions-GC-blog

KEEPING PILOTS & PASSENGERS CONNECTED IN EMERGENCIES

Many RockSTAR users are pilots and sailors – both often travelling outside mobile phone signal. The RockSTAR can provide peace of mind for family and fleet managers, delivering real-time location data. But it’s also proven itself repeatedly as a safety device. First, in 2019; Sam Rutherford and his co-pilot were ferrying a propeller aircraft from West Virginia USA to Britain. Near blizzard-like conditions brought the plane down near Makkovik, Canada. Rutherford used a RockSTAR to send an SOS to his wife who was able to relay information to emergency services. Second, just last year, Tapio Lehtinen was forced to evacuate his yacht during the Golden Globe Race. It had flooded from the stern, with water reaching deck level in just 5 minutes. Tapio was able to activate his emergency satellite tracking device and was soon picked up by rescuers.

TRACKING ANTARCTIC EXPLORERS & RESEARCHERS

RockSTAR devices are ideal for use in extreme environments where wifi or cellular coverage isn’t widely available. As well as being waterproof, units can operate in temperatures between -30 to 60 degrees Celsius and be operated by users in gloves. What’s more, currently Iridium is the only network able to offer truly global coverage – including both poles. We’re proud to have supported both researchers and explorers on multiple Antarctic trips, and our RockSTAR devices have even been used to monitor icebergs across Northern Canada.

SUPPORTING RURAL-BASED POLICE OFFICERS

It is the duty of all law enforcement to “protect life and property through the enforcement of laws and regulations”. This includes serving those in rural-based communities, where cellular coverage may not be available, or intermittent. As all data to and from RockSTAR units can be encrypted up to AES-256 standards, the RockSTAR can be a great, relatively inexpensive solution for two-way communications. We’ve worked with various police units and law enforcement rangers, ensuring personnel maintain connected and tracked at all times.

TRACKING TELEMETRY FOR ULTRA EVENT COMPETITORS

Thanks to satellite connectivity and innovations in technology, races previously deemed unsafe are now able to take place safely; allowing spectators and fellow competitors to track one another throughout. For yacht races, adventure sports that test human endurance, even off-road rallies, GPS tracking via satellite has truly transformed what’s possible. Partnering with JCSys, RockSTARs have been used to provide real-time monitoring across endurance races covering jungle, desert and ice caps, all of which have minimal mobile coverage. Race organisers were able to track participant progress and utilise geo-fences, to provide early warning to individuals who have stepped outside race areas.

Ultra-runner-with-RockSTAR-tracker-GC-blog

SAFEGUARDING REMOTE MEDICAL WORKERS

It’s essential that when medical personnel are caring for patients in remote areas, they can be reliably tracked and monitored. To ensure their safety, devices which are lightweight and discreet, with a long battery life are essential. Many security firms have specific applications for remote and lone worker safety, that can be utilised alongside devices such as the RockSTAR to provide a complete, secure solution. We have worked with many companies, creating/enabling specific alert criteria via our RockSTAR devices, even simplifying our menu to ensure it’s as easy as possible for users to access key functions.

Remote medical workers - Nurse in community environment

What sets the RockSTAR apart from other satellite devices?

Flexible, Secure APIs

We understand many customers will have their own remote worker and/or security applications - so we make getting that data easy. All data to and from the unit can be encrypted up to AES-256 standards, but we’re still able to give customers access to some of the lowest lines of code. This ensures all data transmissions are available in the required format, without compromising security.

Truly Ruggedised

The RockSTAR has been built to withstand the most challenging environments. Tried and tested everyday, everywhere from the Antarctic to the Australian desert, the Pacific Ocean to Rocky Mountains in North America. The device has a number of certifications including FCC and CE MIL-810 F/G for ruggedness, and is waterproof to IP-67.

Customisation Opportunities

As manufacturers we have the flexibility to customise the device on larger orders. These ensure the RockSTAR is the best fit for our client’s project. They also enrich the device's functionality for future users. For example, when working with JCSys, to better safeguard soldiers in the UK, RockSTARs were adapted to disable switch off without a PIN code.

GPS Tracking for Teams

Whether you and your team have one RockSTAR or 1,000, Ground Control’s easy-to-use web platform simplifies device management. From the platform, you can track all of your field workers’ positions simultaneously, both in real-time and across set periods of time.

Users can divide devices into relevant groups and set up multiple platform users with differing permissions. For example, some team members may only need to ‘view’ RockSTAR positions, while others could be allowed to send commands and configure devices in the field.

Within the platform users are also able to:

Add line rental and credits
Monitor alerts from all devices
Set up relevant geofences, ensuring teams receive early warning if a device enters/exits specified areas.

Screenshots of Ground Controls web platform for RockSTAR devices 2

If you’re interested in learning more about the RockSTAR device and how units are supporting remote personnel with ubiquitous connectivity, take a look at our related content: RockSTAR Alerts | Case study – RockSTAR Provides Vital Tracking Telemetry for Soldiers and Ultra Runners | RockSTAR Used in Iridium Certus Demo.

Likewise, if you have any queries you’d like to discuss with our team, simply fill in the contact form below.

Got questions?

Ground Control’s RockSTAR device helps deliver peace of mind to anyone working or travelling within remote locations - unit’s have literally saved lives. From security personnel to armed forces, humanitarian aid workers to aviators, the RockSTAR might be just what you need.

For more information on how we can help solve your remote communication challenges and better safeguard you and your team, fill in the form and we'll match your enquiry with one of our experts.

The renewables industry is growing. The operations required to generate power are expanding and the number of sites in remote on- and offshore areas is increasing.

In late 2022, analysts at McKinsey estimated that in less than ten years, global renewable electricity capacity will rise more than 80% from 2020 levels to more than 5,022 gigawatts (source). Further, McKinsey predicts that of this growth, two thirds will be generated by wind and solar power – an increase of 150%. By 2035, it estimates that renewables will generate 60% of the world’s electricity.

While the demand for renewable energy is growing rapidly, there are a number of challenges faced by the industry, from connectivity to security. It’s critically important that remote industrial IoT devices are connected to operations at the head office, as without this data, power outages could occur without real-time knowledge, maintenance monitoring cannot be anything but reactive, and performance could fall short of potential optimized output.

Satellite IoT communications and monitoring can solve these challenges. And it’s genuinely not as expensive as you might think…

CHALLENGE 1 – Connectivity for remote sites

The solution – RockBLOCK Plus

Renewable energy generation sites for hydro, wind and solar farms can often be in remote and even hostile locations. With terrestrial networks only covering 15% of the Earth’s surface (or 50% of the available landmass), and focused on highly populated and urban areas, renewables sites are often out of reach of cellular and fibre connectivity.

There are numerous challenges in providing data backhaul from such remote sites, whether they’re in the development or deployment stages. Unconnected sites are siloed and leave operators unable to reach their assets unless deploying a lone worker to site – with the safety, time delays and additional costs all key considerations.

Ground Control has deployed full end-to-end solutions for renewable providers to retrieve their data from the field in over 100 countries, recommending the best solution for their operational needs. For remote site data retrieval, the RockBLOCK Plus is rugged and waterproof – ideal for remote and exposed sites – and is designed specifically to transmit sensor data from IoT applications. RockBLOCK Plus sends and receives short messages from anywhere on Earth with a view of the sky, via Iridium SBD, as frequently as every 10 seconds, making the device ideal for remote performance monitoring and pre-empting maintenance requirements.

CHALLENGE 2 – Combining distributed site data

The solution – Cloudloop

To enable renewable energy providers to balance supply and demand on the power grid, they must determine how much renewable energy is being generated at any given time. This can be challenging and even impossible to achieve without the use of satellite communication due to the size, scale and remote locations of renewable energy resources.

Cloudloop is Ground Control’s cloud-based software platform for subscription and device management. The software enables renewable providers to combine multiple and widely distributed sensor data into a singular entity to provide a complete visualisation of their energy-generating operations.

All satellite device activations and deactivations, airtime management and troubleshooting can be achieved remotely via the Cloudloop platform. Monitoring in real-time, historical data usage and alerts enable proactive cost management, with diagnostics reporting significantly reducing field maintenance costs, regardless of the scale or distribution of the data loggers.

CHALLENGE 3 – Security and cybercrime

The solution – SCADASat

The Colonial Pipeline hack in the USA proved beyond doubt that the renewables industry is at risk of cyber attacks, yet a key data transfer requirement exists between on-site RTUs and SCADA systems to extract mission-critical sensor data, however remote, to prevent and mitigate outages and disruption to energy supply.

Some satellite networks have the advantage of not needing any publicly available terrestrial infrastructure in order to extract data from RTUs. So if wind farms, reservoirs or solar sites don’t receive reliable cellular coverage, satellite is the best option, either as primary or failover. For maximum data security, the SCADASat by TSAT is a narrowband private satellite network that avoids utilising the internet and is the optimally secure solution for remote monitoring, controlling, and surveillance of renewable energy grids.

SCADASat enables renewable providers to cost-effectively and reliably transmit remote SCADA, telemetry and M2M data – all in a secure network. The platform is highly scalable with low operating costs compared to the new installation and maintenance of fibre connectivity. It is compatible with both IP and legacy serial devices and operates independently from terrestrial communications systems, both complementing and offering an alternative solution to terrestrial networks, ensuring transmission at all times.

CHALLENGE 4 – Energy wastage

The solution – RockREMOTE Rugged

Wind farms are a good example of where the power generated could become surplus and potentially wasted. The nature of these remote and expansive sites presents a challenge for renewable energy providers. They must be efficiently managed and monitored to ensure maximum energy utilisation and minimum energy wastage – which is otherwise costly to energy providers.

Cloud-based remote monitoring solutions are therefore essential to help operators monitor multiple wind farm locations at any one time, collecting all, or exceptional data, on wind turbine speed, torque, power, wind speed, wind direction and so on.

RockREMOTE Rugged is a reliable solution for remote IoT challenges. It securely connects remote IoT assets using IP or message-based protocols and provides diverse connectivity through Iridium Satellite or LTE networks. The device is powered by a sophisticated Linux-based operating system that offers containerised hosting for edge-computing applications.

For renewable energy sites, this means complete visibility and control – even if assets are spread over a wide area. The RockREMOTE Rugged solution extends the reach of telemetry applications and enables real-time reporting on power generation to prevent saturation and wastage.

CHALLENGE 5 – Costly data retrieval

The solution – Cobham EXPLORER 540

We know that many renewable energy sites are located in remote areas. Where cellular and fibre connectivity already exists, this will be the most cost-effective option to retrieve sensor data. However, The US Department of Transportation put the average cost of laying new fibre at $27,000 per mile. Further to the costly installation, there’s the ongoing costs to consider with an experienced Field Engineer costing, on average, $68,132 per year (hardware lifetime is typically around 10 years). Utilising remote satellite IoT communication and monitoring solutions mitigates this cost almost entirely as the terminals are remotely managed.

As the world’s first BGAN M2M terminal designed to operate on both Inmarsat BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) and cellular 2G/3G/LTE networks, the Cobham Explorer 540 delivers always-available connectivity for critical monitoring and control applications where cellular and fiber are out of reach.

The BGAN M2M service uses Inmarsat BGAN to provide a reliable, global, two-way IP data service. It’s designed to connect monitoring and control applications in remote, unmanned locations, providing visibility and management of those assets. By combining BGAN M2M with cellular connectivity in the same terminal, the Explorer 540 gives users the opportunity to choose the best carrier for any location, or to switch seamlessly between cellular and satellite using lowest cost routing logic.

Here, now and the future

Satellite-powered communication and monitoring solutions equip renewable energy providers with multiple ways to overcome the challenges of remote device monitoring, cyber security, power storage, and combining distributed site data.

A suite of satellite-based solutions from Ground Control enables the renewables industry to harness the efficiencies of satellite communication to advance troubleshooting and improve response times, implement predictive maintenance monitoring, automate manual tasks, and optimize energy utilization. With 60% of the world’s energy anticipated to be renewable within the next 12 years, the demand for satellite connectivity is only set to increase.

Ground Control is very well placed to support renewables connectivity, as it’s our mission to make sure data reaches its destination by the most reliable and cost-effective means possible. Whether using cellular or satellite connectivity, Ground Control can recommend the best solutions, airtime and services.

Would you like to know more?

If you’d like some impartial, expert advice on the best solution for your renewables connectivity challenge, please call or email us, or complete the form, and we’ll be happy to help.

We’re not invested in selling you a specific product or connections, just the best solution for your needs. Europe, Oceania, Asia and Africa: +44 (0) 1452 751940; North and South America: 800 773 7168.

Why choose LPWAN as a wireless solution for widespread IoT devices?

LPWA connection share by technology, 2020-2025

Where does satellite IoT come into the picture?

Where else can you see satellites and LoRaWAN working together?

Recommended satellite terminals for LoRaWAN data backhaul

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Meeting the demands of a connected world

The role of 5G in Industry 4.0

1. Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)

2. Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC)

3. Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC)

The future of 5G: Satellites

What is 3GPP?

3GPP Release 16: Benefits and shortfalls

Release 17

The future of wireless communications

More on IoT connectivity

IoT and M2M Connectivity

5 Steps To Reducing IoT Connectivity Costs

How RockBLOCKs Can Transform IoT Projects With Global Connectivity

How to Improve Satellite IoT Network Security

2021 – The Year Your iPhone Calls go Extra-terrestrial?

Ready to unlimit your IoT application...

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The rise of renewable energy and the pitfalls of unplanned maintenance

How SCADA data helps keep the turbines turning

Why there's a better way than cellular, fiber and onsite personnel

How satellite IoT closes the gap with IoT Pro

How we can help overcome your data monitoring challenges

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How to reduce Satellite IoT connectivity costs

1. Remote terminal management

2. Real-time data management

3. Determine required data for each application

4. Diversify connectivity portfolio

5. Edge computing

More on Satellite IoT

IoT and M2M Connectivity

How Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) opens up new IoT possibilities

How RockBLOCKs Can Transform IoT Projects With Global Connectivity

How to Improve Satellite IoT Network Security

Introducing Ground Control’s Satellite IoT Gateway

Short Burst Data (SBD) Products

BGAN M2M Terminals

Iridium Certus 100 Devices

Ready to unlimit your IoT application?

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What is AgriTech?

IoT in Agriculture

What are Autonomous Agricultural Robots?

Common applications of Agricultural robots

1. Harvesting crops

2. Drones

3. Weed control

4. Autonomous tractors

5. Planting crops

Overcoming connectivity challenges with the RockREMOTE Rugged

Looking for a communication solution for your AgTech?

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Certus 100 devices

Certus 200 devices

Certus 700 devices

Interest piqued?

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Real-time Oceanic and Meteorological Telemetry with RockREMOTE

Introducing Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT)

Infographic: How to unlimit your IoT application with the RockREMOTE Rugged

Get in touch

Contact Us

1. You have quite a bit of data to transmit

2. You need an IP-based service for ease of integration

3. You need a highly cost-effective solution

4. You need a solution for use in hazardous environments

When wouldn’t you use IoT Pro?

1. If your data is in the polar regions

What is
3GPP?