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  • Author Author: rscasny
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What Is Your Interest in Roadtesting Cellular IoT Dev Boards?

When it comes to wireless connectvity, element14 community members often cite WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee and the like. Cellular isn't always at the top of the discussions. There's a lot of reasons for this, cost of which is probably one of them.

 

But Cellular IoT (NB-IoT, LTE-M, etc) is growing a lot worldwide. From what I have read, the growth is not just good but decisive. Despite some other drawbacks such as payload size and power consumption, I think these cellular IoT products are making big impact in the marketplace. So, I'm thinking that the time has come to roadtest more products that feature cellular connectivity. To start, I would expect this to be development boards.

 

I wanted to gauge the RoadTest Group's interest in Cellular IoT products.

 

Sincerely,

 

Randall Scasny

RoadTest Program Manager

 

  • in reply to dougw

    Wouldn't cellular band support in different regions be an issue? Most 3G/4G modules seem to be region locked due to the bands they support.

  • Usually I'm very interested, but in the same word, as Douglas   and Nico   have mentioned, the cost can skyrocket during development time.

    About 10 years ago, I was involved in an industrial development that was equipped with cellular modems. There were projects for the federal railways and state energy supply authority.
    They provided us with SIM cards for these modems for development so that we could test the bidirectional data connections.

    The development took several years, and after the delivery of the first prototypes and the start of production of a first small series, we still needed close contact with our customers.

    Yes, they provided hardware because we were a small business so we could successfully complete the project assignments.

    It is similar today, although with my company I am now developing the project in the smart home area.
    Data transmission over the carriers cost a lot. Playing is less popular here.

    At the moment I'm not really sure that i can finish completely (within 60 days) such a roadtest with the cellular devices.

    This can generate a lot investment cost.  But i look forward and can inform when i have adequate resources.

    A "hello world" testing are another pair of shoes than a fundamental complete test.

     

    Best Regards

    Gerald

    ---

     

  • The cell network has enormous  potential and enables fantastic applications, and consequently we need to become experts with it.

    Unfortunately as points out the number of real applications is limited by the cost.

    I could see a road test where the learning aspect was attractive enough for members to pay for a "temporary" sim card during the road test. Or maybe use their existing sim card when needed on the road test.

  • in reply to ntewinkel

    Thanks for the quick comment.

     

    Yeah, I figured cost is an issue.

     

    Randall

  • The biggest drawback for cellular (for me anyways), is the cost.

     

    I have a few cellular modules, but still have not tried them out yet as I just don't have the time to dedicate to it, and I fear I'll end up paying for a cell connection that won't get any use. The least expensive option I've found still costs $100 per year here.

     

    My main project goals include very-remote notifications for sensors - specifically, working with trap-neuter-release homeless-kitty groups to send text messages when a trap catches an animal. Being in a trap is very stressful for the cat, so reducing that time is critical.

     

    Cheers,

    -Nico