IoT Technology

IoT in a nutshell:

Throughout our website, we use the term IoT (Internet of Things) to refer to collar communication via NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) and LTE-M networks. These are low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technologies specifically designed for IoT devices and applications. As part of modern 4G and 5G mobile networks, NB-IoT and LTE-M enable efficient communication with low power consumption, extended battery life, and reliable connectivity in challenging environments. For wildlife research applications, IoT communication offers a cost-effective alternative to satellite-based communication by utilizing existing cellular infrastructure.

Key Benefits

• Battery-efficient communication: Minimizes power consumption to support extended battery life and long-term wildlife studies.
• Included IoT data package: Includes a VECTRONIC Aerospace SIM card and an IoT data package, eliminating the need for an airtime contract. Depending on the transmission schedule and amount of data used, the included data package can support up to 10 years of operation.
• Reliable data transmission: Supports larger data packets, enabling the transmission of GPS positions, activity data, and other sensor information, depending on the features available on the collar.
• Data storage outside coverage areas: Continues collecting and storing data on board when an animal moves outside network coverage and transmits them automatically once connectivity is restored.
• Remote two-way communication: Allows remote adjustment of selected collar settings, such as GPS and transmission schedules, without retrieving the collar.
• Secure communication: Protects data transmission using the security infrastructure of modern cellular networks.

Important Considerations

• Network coverage availability: IoT communication requires NB-IoT or LTE-M coverage within the study area.
• Data transmission requires network coverage: If an animal moves outside network coverage, data cannot be transmitted until connectivity is restored.
• Mortality alerts require network coverage: Mortality alerts cannot be transmitted while the collar is outside network coverage.
• Coverage availability varies by country and region: Consult the coverage map below to determine whether IoT communication is suitable for your project.

For further information about coverage in your study area, please contact us.