Terrestrial and Satellite LoRaWAN Network Services From Senet, Eutelsat, TrakAssure and Wyld Networks

Senet, Inc. announced a partnership with Eutelsat Communications, TrakAssure, and Wyld Networks. Together, the companies want to bring seamlessly integrated and interoperable terrestrial and satellite LoRaWAN IoT connectivity to customers across the globe. They plan platform integrations, innovative sensor and hardware design, collaborative service delivery, and compelling pricing.LoRaWAN Network Services

They are targeting the global supply chain, including container logistics and related asset tracking, as the first and anchor applications. End-to-end managed network services delivered through this collaboration will provide advanced visibility into supply chain operations. Among the advantages are:

• Containers arriving at ports are tracked via Senet’s terrestrial network
• Goods transported on cargo trucks are tracked throughout metro areas via Senet’s Network and Extended Coverage services enabled by network partners like Helium
• Rural transportation routes will be connected via the terrestrial network if detected and to the satellite network when no terrestrial network is detected, and an uplink is needed
• Distribution and retail centers will be supported by terrestrial network coverage

The organizations also formed the Multimodal IoT Infrastructure Consortium (MMIIC) with an initial focus on formalizing and completing all technical tests, pilots, and the commercial delivery of the supply chain solutions. They also plan additional solutions designed to extend the adoption of LoRaWAN connectivity into markets that can benefit from the combination of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and terrestrial network connectivity.
ELO nanosatellites (Eutelsat LEO for Objects) will provide LoRaWAN coverage, allowing sensor-enabled devices to transmit data, irrespective of their location, addressing gaps in terrestrial network coverage across rural areas, shipping and transportation routes, and other hard to reach areas.

Existing LPWA networks, including LoRaWAN, are ideal to connect assets that don’t send much data and need to operate on a low power budget,

says Luc Perard, Senior Vice President, IoT Business at Eutelsat.

But they rely on terrestrial infrastructure, such as LoRaWAN gateways, which will never cover more than extended urban areas, i.e. less than 15% of the Earth’s surface. With its satellite connectivity offering ELO, Eutelsat will enable network operators like Senet to propose transformational, global, hybrid (terrestrial + satellite) LoRaWAN connectivity, over lands and seas, at the same low-price points. Because ELO is fully compatible with the LoRaWAN standard, IoT solution providers and device manufacturers like TrakAssure and Wyld can easily, rapidly and inexpensively adapt their existing LoRaWAN products to make them ELO-compatible and benefit from up to 100% Earth coverage.

Senet will provide terrestrial LoRaWAN network connectivity and offer Eutelsat satellite coverage through its Extended Coverage services. Through unique network and device management capabilities, end IoT devices will connect to Senet terrestrial networks by default and automatically switch to satellite when coverage gaps are recognized. In partnership with TrakAssure and Wyld Networks, Senet will also complete application integration and device testing with its network server to ensure the delivery of carrier-grade network service and robust device management for TrakAssure’s supply chain visibility solutions.

IoT will drive economic growth for decades to come, but a comprehensive and cost-effective strategy is needed in order to deliver robust network coverage across a geography as massive as the United States,

said Bruce Chatterley, CEO of Senet.

Senet’s terrestrial Network, extended coverage through partners like Helium, innovative LPWAN Virtual Network program, and now satellite creates the first and only true national and global LoRaWAN IoT network, covering any geographic area required. This capacity is especially important to logistics applications and is another example of Senet innovating based on unique market and customer requirements.

We are very excited to be part of a consortium of thought leaders launching the world’s first LoRaWAN direct-to-satellite with terrestrial dual-mode network compatibility. The combined effort will usher in a fresh, cost effective and carrier grade solution opening up new applications in logistics and global asset tracking markets by not only leveraging cost-efficient terrestrial based LoRaWAN solutions, but now expanding capability with ubiquitous global connectivity via satellite which even existing cellular solutions cannot support, especially for emerging markets.

noted Don Miller, Board Member at TrakAssure.

The lack of affordable wireless coverage is holding back the growth of the Internet of Things from contributing an additional $2 trillion to $3 trillion in value to global GDP over the next decade

commented Alastair Williamson CEO of Wyld Networks.

Combining two advanced frontier technologies of LoRaWAN and Low Earth Orbiting satellites we can enable 100% global, affordable and low power connectivity to support IoT deployments in multiple markets and segments.

The companies are planning a commercial services launch in the second half of 2022 – pilots are already beginning in February 2022. Enterprises, application providers and systems integrators who are interested in participating in a pilot or learning more about this unique service, can apply for additional information here.

Author: Rainer Claaßen
Image Credit: Wyld

Source: https://www.smart-industry.net/terrestrial-and-satellite-lorawan-network-services-from-senet-eutelsat-trakassure-and-wyld-networks/