Borderless Connectivity: Introducing the C42QM, An LPWAN Module to Revolutionise Asset Tracking

The Internet of Things (IoT) landscape is rapidly evolving, connecting devices across the globe and generating unprecedented data streams. As we push the boundaries of this interconnected world, ensuring seamless, reliable connectivity, even across international borders, becomes paramount. new challenges are identified and tackled at rates never foreseen before. But there always exists edge applcations that put forward unique requirements and whose solution must be tailored to ensure efficacy. One such case is Cross-Border Asset tracking, wherein customers are interested in tracking asset shipped thorugh multiple regionalities that offer widely different networks and profiles.

In these cases, traditional connecitivity modules tend to fall short since by default they offer connectivity only through certain networks and once regionality and/or nationaly changes as the asset is being transported, things start getting complicated fast due to factors like roaming charges, coverage concerns, dynamic telco operators and their policies etc. Such a unique scenario is where Cavli's all new LPWAN based module, the C42QM, positions itself as an ideal solution to cater to the woes of OEMs and end users across the globe.

Cavli C42QM: A Trifecta of Network Technologies

At its core, the C42QM is an LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) based Cellular IoT module designed for long-range, low-power applications. What makes it truly unique is its capability to latch onto either of three distinct cellular technologies: LTE-M, NB-IoT, and 2G(GSM). This trifecta of connectivity options ensures connected devices can remain online even when transitioning between regions with varying network technologies, infrastructure and unrealiable coverage conditions. In order to understand the nuance of how these three different networks can ensure uninterrupted connectivity across regional domains. we must first delve into the capabilities of each network:

• LTE-M:

  A Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) technology specifically designed for IoT devices. It offers a good balance between data rates (up to 1Mbps), low latency, and wide coverage, making it suitable for applications requiring real-time data transmission, such as asset tracking, remote monitoring, and smart metering.

• NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT):

  Another LPWAN technology that operates on a narrow bandwidth, enabling vast coverage areas, deep indoor penetration and extended device lifecylces with the help of low power consumption. Ideal for applications where small data transmissions at infrequent intervals suffice, such as utility metering, environmental monitoring, and asset tracking in challenging locations.

• 2G/GSM:

  While 2G networks are being phased out in some regions, they still provide a crucial safety net for global IoT deployments. The C42QM's 2G fallback ensures connectivity in areas where LTE-M or NB-IoT coverage is limited, guaranteeing continuity and expanding the geographical reach of your solutions.

Why utilize three uniquely different network technologies?

These three networks are of wide coverage variety, ensuring minimal downtimes during the transport of assets. Both LTE-M and NB-IoT significantly improve signal penetration and range compared to traditional 2G technologies. LTE-M is known to offer upto 10km range under ideal conditions, whereas NB-IoT typically offers upto 20km, making it suitable for challenging environments like underground or within buildings. One thing to note is the greater penertration capability of NB-IoT, offering seamless coverage within buildings or amongst foliage. While 2G might offer a longer range of upto 35km in ideal conditions, it comes at the cost of much lower data rates.

Both LTE-M and NB-IoT fall under the category of Low Power Networks, ensuring seamless operability in battery-powered scenarios which is usally the case in asset tracking solutions. All three technologies can easily operate out of low power hardware, enabling OEM's to develop battery based tracking solutions that can seamlessly last the course of a round trip, or even integrate the system within the vehicle without putting unnecessary strain on the vehicle's electrical system.

Above mentioned capabilites ensure that an asset tracking solution deployed to operate in say, Europe, with the C42QM at its core, can offer near-uninterruptible operability during complex tracking scenarios as 15+ different network operators offer LTE-M and NB-IoT Coverage, inclduing major operators like Orange, Vodafone, Telenor and Deutsche Telekom.

Hassle-free Global Deployments with Integrated eSIM and Cavli Hubble

Adding another layer of versatility, the C42QM comes equipped with an integrated eSIM. This eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, streamlining logistics and reducing the overall footprint of your connected device. The eSIM, coupled with Cavli Hubble, our proprietary cloud-based modem management platform, unlocks a new level of flexibility and control.

While primarily serving as central hub for device/modem management, Hubble also offers features like data plan management, including pre-set data plans and even custom ones. In the context of cross-border asset tracking, this is a great tool for our customers as they can activate data plans on the fly, accroding to factors like the network currently latched on, regionality, chosen telco/network operator. Such qualitative capabilites that such connected solutions can be fine to operate as cost-efficiently as possible. Also such a system enables dynamic choices to be implemented in streamlined manner, whereas conventionally such changes in data plans/operators would require great manual effort.

Unlocking New Possibilities for OEMs

Cross-border asset tracking presents unique connectivity hurdles for businesses. Shifting cellular landscapes, varying network availability, and data plans or roaming costs can disrupt real-time visibility and compromise operational efficiency. The C42QM module, with its trio of networks and integrated eSIM, directly addresses these challenges head on.

Say an OEM is developing future-proof tracking solutions to keep a close eye on High Value Assets that their customers are planning to transport through the heart of Europe. Tracking high value goods require that critical asset parameters are closely monitored, while also requiring uninterrupted connectivity. Similarly, tracking a transit of perishable or temperature sensitive goods also require greater finesse with minimal interruptions and downtimes. The module's multi-mode capability allows it to connect to the most suitable network available (LTE-M, NB-IoT, or 2G) based on location and application needs. This ensures seamless connectivity even in regions with varying network infrastructure.

In such cases, tracking solutions based on singular network technologies face more hurdles as when the connectivity gets interrupted, there are not many fallback options which can be utilized. Here is where a multi-network LPWAN module like the C42QM shines through, offering versatile network topologies to switch over to incase of network interruptions.

In a dynamic scenario where the asset is in motion, the C42QM can utilize either LTE-M or GSM networks to keep of track of key asset parameters like current location, temperature etc. In a static scenario, where the fleet has reach a key delivery checkpoint along the route and a part of the cargo is being unloaded, the module can switch over to NB-IoT to keep delivering consistent updates as NB-IoT offers greater penetration and coverage.

Transforming Tracking Experience for End Users

Consider a scenario where in fleet manager has employed the C42QM module to be the core of their fleet's live tracking system. Majority of the routes of the fleet crosses through multiple regionalities with varying network coverages and operators. With C42QM at their behest, the fleet manager can operate with ease of mind knowing that the solution that they employed offers the least downtime. As such, they can keeping tracking their assets/fleets in any region as long as either LTE-M, NB-IoT or 2G exist as a network.

Furthermore, this solution has other benefits like say, the fleet is passing through a region with multiple delivery points along the route before reaching the final destination. While LTE-M is an ideal network for dynamic solutions such as asset tracking, conventional LTE-M operators do impose higher data plan tariffs on their respective users.

Here, the fleet manager can utilize the LTE-M network to track their asset when it is in transit along the route, ensuring greater precision and lower latency. As the asset reaches a delivery checkpoint along the planned route, the fleet manager can switch over to NB-IoT as relative movement of the asset is limited until the current delivery is completed. They can switch back to LTE-M once the delivery is complete and the asset resumes transit to the next destination along the designated route. Such possibilities not only enable higher operational efficiency, but also offer critical cost savings that help fleet managers extract the best out of their tracking solutions.

The Future of Cross-border Connectivity is Here

The C42QM represents a significant leap forward in LPWAN technology. Its combination of multiple cellular technologies, integrated eSIM, and low-power design unlocks a new world of possibilities for IoT applications, particularly in the realm of cross-border asset tracking. As we move towards an increasingly interconnected world, the C42QM paves the way for truly borderless connectivity, empowering businesses and individuals alike to harness the full potential of the IoT.