NTT DOCOMO Interoperability Testing Completed with Sierra Wireless 5G Modules

Sierra Wireless advances 5G’s move to the IoT with the completion of operator IOT, secure 5G modules that deliver the speed, latency and capacity required for next generation IoT applications

Sierra Wireless, a world leading IoT solutions provider, today announced that its EM9190 and EM9191 5G Sub-6/LTE NR embedded modules have completed interoperability testing (IOT) with NTT DOCOMO on their 5G network in Japan. With this testing complete, EM9190 and EM9191 customers can commercially deploy networking devices, computing devices and other connected products on NTT DOCOMO’s high speed 5G network for live video streaming, video security, high-definition cloud-based video gaming, extended reality (XR), robotics and other next generation IoT applications. “The completion of this interoperability testing further demonstrates that when it comes to bringing 5G to the IoT, Sierra Wireless is leading the way,” says Jim Ryan, SVP Partnerships, Marketing & IoT Solutions, Sierra Wireless. “NTT DOCOMO has leading-edge 5G technology and Japan is one of the fastest growing 5G markets in the world. When you combine this with the EM9190 and EM9191 modules’ industry-leading performance, robust security and industrial-grade design, along with Sierra Wireless’ decades of IoT experience and global presence, the answer to the question of which IoT solutions provider you should partner with as you map out your 5G future becomes clear – it’s Sierra Wireless.” Transforming IoT with 5G 5G’s higher data speeds, lower latency and higher device capacity are set to transform the IoT market, enabling OEMs, advanced electronic and other industrial companies to support enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable, low-latency communication, and massive machine-type communication use cases that simply were not possible without 5G. 5G’s ability to support these new use cases is why in a recent report, McKinsey and Company state, “As new use cases gain traction, it is expected that B2B 5G IoT unit sales will soar… in the B2B sphere, we expect total revenue for 5G IoT modules to increase from about USD 180 million in 2022 to almost USD 10 billion by 2030.” Modules Designed for Easy Integration, Private Networks, Global Connectivity Based on the industry-standard M.2 form factor, the EM9190 and EM9191 modules are an industrial-grade module that enable OEMs, system integrators and other companies to easily integrate secure 5G connectivity into their products. The EM9190 and EM9191 also include an embedded SIM (eSIM) based on GSMA’s embedded SIM specification, eUICC. This eSIM makes it easier for customers to switch networks anytime using carrier-specific profiles, for added IoT product deployment simplicity and flexibility. Part of Sierra Wireless’ EM Series of modules, the EM9190 and EM9191 have been designed to connect to 5G networks around the world, and are currently being evaluated for certification by 5G mobile network operators in Europe, North America and other global regions. OEMs and other IoT market leaders, including Allied Telesis, Dynabook, LiveU, NEC Personal Computers and Panasonic, are among the many companies who plan to use the EM9190, EM9191 or other EM Series modules to provide 5G connectivity for their products. The EM9190 and EM9191 are currently available globally from Sierra Wireless’ global network of partners.

Cloud-Star Technology supply the full range of Sierra Wireless 4G & 5G LTE routers. Please contact us for more info>

Cellular links keep mission-critical IoT applications running during unexpected periods of downtime

Now that enterprise-class 5G coverage is making its way around the world, forward-thinking companies are putting it to use. Failover, using a cellular link as a backup connection in the event that the primary link is disrupted, has successfully been in use with 3G and 4G LTE technologies to maintain network uptime when natural disasters, network glitches, and backhoes interrupt business operations. In fact, a recent study of retailers and restaurant IT staff shows that nearly 50% of the survey respondents use cellular for a backup link today. But 5G provides many reasons to consider cellular beyond just backup in distributed offices, precincts, restaurants, and stores.

Digital transformation is placing more emphasis on accessing IoT and cloud-based applications from remote locations. In striving to digitally connect with customers, monitor environmental status, and stay abreast of mission-critical operations, organizations have increased reliance on their wide area networks (WANs). Listed here are a few deployment options that take advantage of the strengths of 5G to bolster network uptime in distributed offices.

Ensure that critical IoT and applications have plenty of uninterrupted bandwidth

Many organizations with increased reliance on the WAN often face spurts of traffic rather than steady, smooth traffic flows. Critical applications and IoT depend on uninterrupted connections to maintain productivity results. Offloading traffic to a secondary link minimizes the effects of traffic bursts, which could slow or disrupt the WAN if unchecked. 5G, according to the ITU[1], offers services that can triple the throughput and decreases latency by a factor of 10 over previous cellular technologies. These 5G advancements provide ideal conditions for a standby link to support application needs when traffic spikes overwhelm the primary link.

Support SD-WAN with a tertiary connection

Construction sites are notorious for accidentally severing both the primary and secondary WAN links. Companies that use two wired connections per office for SD-WAN face downtime risk. Also, many root causes for primary wired WAN performance issues often also hinder the redundant link, such as a regional disruption from a network provider misconfiguration or a natural disaster.

For deployment scenarios that require SD-WAN with a wired link as the primary connection, a 5G cellular link can serve as an effective failover link to maintain uptime. With the additional speeds and latency improvements from 5G, it also can be designated for bandwidth augmentation.

Update a WAN connection without replacing the router

While it is always a good idea to replace aging routers, there are some scenarios where security configurations or legacy equipment connections make it necessary to leave them in place. At the same time, network providers are starting to retire or charge more for traditional connection lines such as T1/E1 and xDSL. Adding a 5G cellular adapter connected to the router’s console port provides a quick WAN update, faster speeds, and won’t be retired anytime soon. It’s at least worth an exploration or cost comparison to find out if 5G failover makes sense for these deployment scenarios.

5G brings many choices and considerations, whether it’s deployed in a failover scenario, for bandwidth augmentation, or for primary connectivity. As outlined in a recent blog, selecting the right 5G is contingent upon availability of spectrum layers, operator strategies, and country distinctions, so it is important to select a vendor who has evaluated these factors to package platforms to meet your unique needs. Cradlepoint offers proven, second-generation 5G technology in purpose-built platforms, such as the recently released dual-connectivity Cat20 LTE and 5G W1850 Wideband Adapter. All these 5G devices are managed at scale through Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager with 5G-specific analytics and lifecycle management considerations. Cradlepoint stands ready to help you find your 5G.

Cloud-Star supply the full range of Cradlepoint wireless routers for Cellular IoT deployments please contact us for more information. sales@cloud-star.co.uk

Source: Cradlepoint

Connected smart benches and waste solutions launched.

Steora have launched a new generation of smart benches and waste bins powered by advanced artificial intelligence that creates revenue opportunities with an optional smart outdoor advertising system.

The AI-powered Steora City is designed for frequently visited locations Include, a global manufacturer of solar-powered street benches, has announced a new-generation of smart benches that will be priced comparably to ordinary benches. Core features of the Classic smart bench include photovoltaic PV modules, fast smartphone charging, ambient light and environmental sensors. The design is fully modular, with options to change armrests, legs as well as other parts of the bench. Smart outdoor advertising The company also introduced the new Steora City and Cyclo models. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the Steora City smart bench is targeted at high-frequency locations, with an optional smart outdoor advertising system for additional revenue generation. Meanwhile, Steora Cyclo incorporates smart chargers for e-bikes and e-scooters, together with an air compressor and high-quality toolkit for users of bikes and other lightweight vehicles. Cyclo also features adaptive fast-charging, environmental sensors and is fully modular with add-ons such as flowerpots.

Steora Cyclo bench provides electric charging for micro-mobility vehicles Terra Public Can aims to reduce the cost of waste management The company is also launching a range of waste management solutions. The solar-powered Terra waste containers are equipped with GPS and fulfilment status technology. Waste compression systems can compact up to three times more waste compared to a regular container According to Include, Terra public cans, Terra residential bins and Terra residential dumpsters can compact up to three times more waste compared to a regular container, actively contributing to reduced CO2 emissions. With a newly announced “pay-as-you-dispose” system, Include claims it is bringing a “more optimised and fair” billing system for end-users (citizens). This means that everyone will be charged only for the amount of waste they produce. A final offering is Solos, a newly developed cloud city management platform offering control and analytics over a city’s critical infrastructure. The web platform comes with applications and integrations connected to various city systems. All products will be available in 2021.