Article by Rémi Lorrain
Vice-president Convergence – UnaBiz
Where can convergence be applied?
Convergence can be applied across the entire IoT value chain, including “Devices”, “Network & Connectivity”, “Middleware” and “Vertical Applications”, depending on the business need.”
Where does Convergence fit in and what is Unabiz's role in Convergence?
Convergence can be applied across the entire IoT value chain, including ‘Device’, ‘Network and Connection’, ‘Middleware’ and ‘Vertical Applications’, depending on the business case and actors involved, and is used when it is necessary to bring value to the customer.
Convergence at the vertical application level
In this scenario, a unique platform for vertical applications can collect IoT data from different IoT technologies, such as Sigfox, Cellular, LoRaWAN, Satellite, WiFi, RFID and Bluetooth, and presents IoT data to end users in the most convenient way. For example, UnaBiz offers BOX ID for logistics, an independent data management technology platform dedicated to the logistics sector. Convergence in Vertical Applications is a rapidly growing trend in the IoT market.
Convergence at the network and connectivity level
On the one hand, network convergence, involving radio gateways that enable multiple Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies, has not been a primary focus in the current IoT market thus far. This is because, in many situations, it was more convenient to place separate LPWAN gateways on the same towers. However, in the medium/long term, we expect a change in market conditions and the consequent emergence of hybrid gateways thanks also to the growing demand for more economically advantageous hybrid radio networks.
On the other hand, connectivity convergence, leveraging roaming capability, is managed by multiple IoT service providers globally. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) selling aggregated cellular connectivity are the creators of connectivity convergence. UnaBiz partners with SORACOM to provide cellular connectivity globally and plans to soon add LoRaWAN terrestrial and satellite connectivity as well. Additionally, Unabiz offers Sigfox 0G connectivity and Sigfox 0G network coverage to all LPWAN ecosystems.
Unabiz is focused on promoting “connectivity convergence” by anticipating the next step towards connecting multiple LPWAN ecosystems.
Convergenza a livello middleware
La piattaforma middleware Unabiz, nota anche come UnaConnect middleware, consente ai clienti IoT di gestire le proprie flotte di dispositivi IoT e garantire l’archiviazione sicura dei dati IoT, indipendentemente dalla tecnologia di connettività IoT utilizzata, sia essa Sigfox, LoRaWAN, Cellulare o Satellite.
Il prossimo passo per la convergenza del middleware sarà interconnettere in modo “seamless” i network core LPWAN, ad es. Backend Sigfox, i server di rete LoRa, la rete cellulare 5G e potenzialmente altre tecnologie IoT come il WiFi. Tutto si baserebbe su uno schema di “identità unificata del dispositivo”.
The convergence of devices
The most immediate form of convergence is device convergence as it allows a single device to connect multiple LPWAN networks. Device and solution manufacturers have the opportunity to design and produce a single product “SKU” (a single “hardware and firmware” device that supports multiple LPWAN technologies). This approach prevents the risk of investing in multiple SKUs and allows access to a broader IoT market.
It should be remembered that the Sigfox 0G radio protocol is now open source: the Sigfox 0G library can now be integrated into most modules and chipsets available on the IoT market.
Recently, Unabiz also partnered with Semtech to accelerate the implementation of the chipset in hybrid LoRa and Sigfox mode (i.e. a single device that is capable of communicating with Sigfox and LoRaWAN) by enabling Sigfox in the LoRa Edge and LoRa Connect platform. This collaboration aims to industrialize the implementation of Sigfox 0G technology on Semtech’s LoRa Edge and LoRa Connect LRxx chipsets. This dual-mode scheme is also available on ST Microelectronics ST Micro Sigfox and LoRaWAN chipsets.
Furthermore, manufacturers of LSM1110A SJI multiple modules and hybrid devices Adeunis Sigfox and LoRaWAN already implement hybrid mode.
Sigfox has also been massively implemented in a hybrid LTE-M/Sigfox device solution in Japan for NICIGAS.
In conclusion
To conclude, convergence is an added value for customers and we must keep in mind that:
• Convergence is used only if necessary. In many use cases, a single technology still represents the most effective approach
• Convergence can be applied to any part of the IoT value chain (device, network, connectivity, middleware and IoT applications)
• Convergence is primarily used to solve key IoT challenges:
– Address different use cases
– Expand network coverage and performance (SLA, reliability, reversibility, capacity)
– Simplify the integration of multiple technologies
– Optimize TCO
– Maximize investments by device and solution manufacturers
Contact EIT Smart to understand how you can be part of this global revolution! Write an e.mail to info.eitsmart@eitowers.it.
