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Satellite

We stock a range of modems and accessories for satellite telemetry that operate on the Iridium, Inmarsat, Orbcomm and Globalstar networks.

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Why Satellite

Satellite networks provide connectivity beyond land-based systems (e.g. cellular, PMR). This allows remote sensing and asset tracking anywhere in Australia, NZ or the entire globe.

For vehicles, assets and people that move across borders and coverage zones, satellite can be used as a stand-alone connectivity option or be part of a dual mode solution – coupling cellular and satellite to provide universal coverage while minimising data routing costs.

For mission critical applications, satellite is ideal as a redundant network separated from ground infrastructure – providing back-up should land-based systems fail.

The M2M Advantage

Underpinned by our global partnerships with satellite hardware and airtime providers, and supported by our in-house engineers, we give you access to a comprehensive range of M2M/IoT satellite devices and solutions.

M2M, working with satellite operators, offer full IP and two-way messaging solutions to our customers. Our in-house engineers can tailor standalone satellite solutions or help design dual-mode solutions for always connected and mission-critical applications.

Access data with no
terrestrial coverage

Get data from the
field to the cloud

Keep track of remote
people and assets

Run simplex and
duplex applications

Key applications

Satellite is used across all industry verticals connecting remote sites, assets and people to central cloud platforms.

Industrial applications include:

  • Environmental monitoring – remote sensing and data collection for weather, water health, pollution.
  • Mining – improving on site health and safety (e.g. fatigue monitoring), tracking assets and people moving between sites, and monitoring site operations (e.g. site facilities,).
  • Agriculture and farming – monitoring livestock health (e.g. heat and location), assets and vehicles – including dam and tank water levels.
  • Utilities – asset and infrastructure condition monitoring and control (e.g. power lines, reclosures, dosing systems, pump stations, pipelines – as well as staff and vehicles).

Key advantages

  • Wider range – ubiquitous coverage compared to land-based terrestrial networks (e.g. cellular, PMR).
  • Cost effective – leveraging least-cost routing in dual mode and/or by picking the right technology can increase cost effectiveness.
  • Low latency – ability to connect to and gather data from remote locations in near real time (fractions of a second).
  • Greater reliability – using satellite as failover increases ability to be connected always.
  • Security – options for private networks along with data encryption improves data security.

Dual Mode Satellite + Cellular

There are many use cases where a combination of a cellular modem/router, coupled with a satellite device, is needed to provide connectivity – even when cellular coverage is unavailable.

Areas M2M works in to provide dual-mode connectivity include:

  • OH&S – keeping workers connected when out of cellular coverage.
  • Mission critical systems – keeping systems connected using satellite as an independent communications path should cellular fail.
  • Asset tracking – tracking of valuable assets that move in and out of cellular coverage.
  • Business efficiency – keeping business connected to workers even when out of coverage to save time and money.
  • Simplifying deployments in remote areas – there may be areas without cellular coverage which makes installations complex – as every site needs to be audited for coverage. It can be cheaper to add in satellite to all systems and use satellite only when cellular unavailable.

The M2M Connectivity Advantage

M2M, working with satellite operators, offer full IP and two-way messaging solutions to our customers. Our in-house engineers can tailor standalone satellite solutions or help design dual-mode solutions for always connected and mission-critical applications.
  • Market leaders – offering IoT hardware services backed by Semtech.
  • End-to-End solution management – providing clarity and control of devices, SIMs and services.
  • Established partnerships – with Australia leading network providers.
  • In-house IoT engineering – Capable of solution design, device and network management to full integration.
  • Global hardware portfolio – Access to one of the world’s most comprehensive IoT hardware portfolios.

Hardware

We stock a range of modems and accessories for satellite telemetry covering one way (Simplex) and two-way (Duplex) data and voice communications that operate on the Inmarsat, Orbcomm, Iridium and Globalstar satellite networks globally.

Whether your application requires short burst simple messaging, prolonged IP or voice connectivity, M2M Connectivity has a satellite solution to meet your requirements.

Modems

Modules

Antennas

Our partners

We partner with the world’s leading satellite communication companies to deliver high-performing connectivity in any environment.

Iridium Communications Inc. is the only satellite communications company that offers truly global voice and data communications.

A technology innovator and industry leader, Iridium works with over 400 value-added partners to advance the way enterprises, governments, and individuals connect through reliable, low-latency communications services.

Orbcomm industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication terminals, network and applications to remotely track, monitor, and control fixed and mobile assets globally.

Inmarsat’s Broadband Global Area Network – BGAN – provides both simultaneous voice and data, globally.

Offering a portfolio of guaranteed, on-demand IP streaming rates, BGAN is the service of choice for many people working in areas that have little or no terrestrial connectivity, from live broadcast media to scientists exploring for mineral deposits.

Myriota has pioneered a new way to retrieve data from anywhere on earth, either on land or at sea. In a landmark partnership with Spire Global, Myriota will deliver near real-time IoT connectivity by the end of 2022! Leveraging years of customer focused R&D and an extensive suite of patented innovations, Myriota delivers secure, low-cost, long-battery life satellite IoT connectivity.

Globalstar’s Simplex network covers Australia, New Zealand and beyond, providing a low-costsolution for applications wanting to monitor assets, while not needing too many messages per day (e.g. up to 4-6).

Key benefits of the Axonn simplex products include low cost hardware, extremely long battery life (low power) and messaging costs similar to SMS.

FAQ

Which Satellite network do I use?

This depends on the application. There are many factors such as, Mobile or Stationary, how much data is being sent and packet size etc.

Is IoT Satellite always expensive?

It will come down what is the business case is for IoT satellite and how best to measure return of investment. If the data is critical for the project, then lacking of visibility is more expensive than not having it. If the data is not that critical, but the deployment is in the middle of nowhere then having a comms infrastructure might be an over stretching for the project.

How come I can get a GPS signal however I can’t transmit my position?

GPS satellites signals behave differently, and the readings are often reflected and not very accurate. To transmit a position the satellite service needs clear view of the sky.

Do I need a VPN service with my BGAN M2M service?

No, however it is strongly recommended you use a VPN service with BGAN M2M traffic as the IP address provided by the service provider is a static public facing IP address and could be subject to DDOS attacks leading to higher data charges if the satellite service is always on.

If I am using a SIMPLEX satellite service like Globalstar can I change the polling rate when the satellite device is deployed in the field?

No you cannot. The SIMPLEX service sends data from the field to the gateway and it is not possible to communicate back out to the field.  You would need to have the device in your workshop and connected to the configuration tool to change the polling rate.

Can I reconfigure my device when it’s on the field?

It is possible to reconfigure the device on the field depending on the network deployed. You need (1) two way communication satellite network and (2) device management platform allow the changes.

Connecting a sensor into a satellite modem is just plug and play – why do I need some Engineering on this?

There is no plug and play in satellite IoT (or IoT in general). Our experience demonstrate that having an holistic view of the project will impact positively in the success of the project. There is a relationship, implicit or not, between the different layers of the IoT overall architecture (i.e. sensors, power requirements, where the solution will be deployed, how often to transmit, do you need FoTA?, etc)

How much does IoT Satellite cost?

This depends on the application – however can range from for a Small packet based application.

I am reading about the varying IOT satellite IOT solutions out there such as Cubesats, eSat, are they real?

This space is certainly developing, and we are watching closely the developments of most of the proposed systems. As these systems mature we will begin to understand the key applications and costs involved for these types of solutions.

Does the BGAN M2M service use IP connections?

Yes. The BGAN M2M service is an end to end IP service with two way communications.

Do the Narrow band satellite services use IP connections?

No. The narrow band satellite services are a messaging-based protocol and work through a gateway which receives messages and store them.  To access the data your application will need to request the data from the gateway to your application.

Will it work inside a shelter / on the dashboard of a car?

The simple answer to both is no. The antenna needs clear visibility of the sky.

I can ingest the data directly from the satellite network – why do I need a middleware like Asset Vision to send data into my platform? Can I remove this platform?

There is an advantage to have a ‘device management’ for each type of product. There is a trend in the market that manufacturers offer ‘device management’ rather than integrators start this piece of work from scratch, which it will take longer time

Do you have a project in mind?

Need some guidance on your next project? Or just simply want to know where to get started incorporating M2M/IoT technology into your business?

Use our contact form to submit your questions and one of our team of M2M/IoT experts will get back to you with more information.

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