The Internet of Things, before taking advantage of the implementation of sensors deployed in the field, and the connection of machines or facilities, to optimise processes, offer new services or new business models . The collection and processing of data (big data), the generation of alerts, dashboards, and the implementation of big data algorithms to make predictive maintenance, or prevention ( preventive maintenance).
But the Internet of Things is nothing without the availability of good sensors, running on efficient data communications networks. It is in this context that we are launching a new sensor, the Sensor Hub, operating on the NB-IOT or LORAWAN network, to expand our range of sensors already available for smart metering, smart building and geolocation.
The Sensor Hub is a universal IOT device that allows the collection of data from multiple sensors simultaneously, and the transfer of this data to your applications, through the NB-IOT or LORAWAN network.
NB-IOT, the complement of LORAWAN and SIGFOX
NB-IOT will offer global coverage, since it is a 4G / LTE network update. In addition, the amount of data that can be transferred (uplink and downlink) is superior to other LPWAN technologies. LORAWAN and SIGFOX are indeed limited to 140 or 280 messages of 14 bytes per day. In addition, on SIGFOX, the downlink (sending data to the sensor) is extremely limited, we can say even almost nonexistent.
The advantages of NB-IOT on SigFox or LORA,
NB-IOT will offer global coverage, since it is a 4G / LTE network update. In addition, the amount of data that can be transferred (uplink and downlink) is superior to other LPWAN technologies. LORAWAN and SIGFOX are indeed limited to 140 or 280 messages of 14 bytes per day. In addition, on SIGFOX, the downlink (sending data to the sensor) is extremely limited, we can say even almost nonexistent.
The disadvantages of NB-IOTs compared to LORAWAN and SigFox
The cost of a NB-IOT sensor is greater than that of a LORAWAN or SigFox sensor. You have to insert a SIM card (operational cost). And the battery consumption is more important.
NB-IOT does not, therefore, in our opinion, replace LORAWAN or SIGFOX. It will complement it for projects that require truly global coverage or larger data rates.
The NB-IOT Sensor Hub
The Sensor Hub is a universal data collection and transfer module running on the NB-IOT or LORAWAN network. It allows to connect sensors via MODBUS RTU, RS485, 1-Wire or via analog and digital inputs.
The Sensor Hub offers the following interfaces to connect sensors:
- 2 digital inputs (dry contact) or 2 pulse count inputs
- 2 analog inputs
- 1 RS485 interface, which allows you to read up to 10 MODBUS registers
- 1-wire interface, which connects 10 1-wire probes (temperature probe, door opening, current measurement, Dallas button, etc.)
The Sensor Hub also measures the ambient temperature.
