To understand satellite-based IoT systems it is important to know what IoT is. Simply put, IoT is connecting equipment, and using it to monitor, scan or process remotely. If you are new to the concept, here are some basic articles to help you understand what it means. Industrial and commercial IoT projects are growing rapidly. However, there has been an evident lack in the range of connectivity. To solve this issue, there was a lot of research and development to expand the range of IoT. Subsequently connectivity has grown from local, to nation-wide, to global and even branching out to outer space.
Satellites in particular have been designed and manufactured to support IoT applications and networking. Given the range of satellites and versatility of IoT the combination of these two is sustainable in several services and applications. The convergence of these fields can moreover play an important role in providing a long-term sustainable solutions.
Satellite-based IoT networks
Satellites and IoT do not often come across as a single entity in most applications. On the contrary there are some situations wherein they can compound the efficiency of each other. Additionally, as both IoT and the satellite links are wireless it is easy to integrate the systems with each other within their coverage area.
Why Satellite-based networks?
1) Reliability
Normal wireless networks do not provide the reliability needed in some applications. Satellite networks however have a higher reliability as compared to cellular networks. For applications like disaster management and military communications, both availability of the network and reliability are crucial.
2) Broader coverage
IoT networks typically use cellular infrastructure, which limits the coverage and usability. For a larger radius of coverage the cellular network requires large heights that often are not feasible. But in the case of satellite networks, a large area can be covered considerably easily.
3) Security
Since these networks use satellites, intercepting and manipulating data from these systems is close to impossible. Cellular networks on the other hand do not provide heightened security and are relatively easier to hack and manipulate.
4) More economical
Most large-scale applications require a large number of sensors and thus cannot be used in some budget-constricting applications especially in a wide spread deployment. In such cases satellite-based networks which have wider coverage and require less resources prove to be more efficient in terms of overall economy.
5) Longevity of the networks
Satellite based networks tend to sustain longer as compared to the cellular networks. This is due to the constant changes and upgrades required by cellular networks and the need for hardware upgradation that is contrast to the nature of satellite network and development.
Applications of satellite based IoT systems:
There are several existent and emerging applications in this field. Most of the research and products in development pertain to crucial and emergency applications, in addition to large-scale needs.
Critical Applications
Emergency services, like management of resources and __ during disasters like flood, which need constant availability and accuracy of networks all the time. These applications cannot afford the absence of the network for even a short time. Such applications using cellular networks has proven to be unreliable since the infrastructure can get damaged. Hence satellites which aren’t so prone to damage are used for such vulnerable situations.
Location Based Applications
Satellite-based networks enhance applications that require exact location. This is because satellites provide better location details than the cellular networks. Applications that require both locations and navigation, especially for military purposes can highly benefit from satellite based IoT networks. Another instance for location-based application is tracking. Ranging from logistics tracking of planes or cargo, or tracking criminals in police searches – tracking requires accuracy in real time.
Healthcare
Several aspects of healthcare can benefit from the support of Satellite in IoT networks. For instance, remote health monitoring of critical patients or administering care to patients before they arrive at the hospital can be done accurately and in a timely manner using such networks. Even in areas with no reliable cellular network, satellites can aid in providing healthcare services remotely.
Development and marketing:
The applications discussed above and many others are either in development or only in theory. But several satellite developers like Swarm Technologies, Hiber, Astrocast and EchoStar have taken several steps to ensure that IoT networks using satellites are not a far off fantasy.
They mainly target areas not yet supported by cellular to boost immediate requirement and varied applications. As an emerging field it however has its own setbacks. Evolving to accommodate a plethora of needs and IoT devices within satellite networks is an ongoing process that needs to be perfected to ensure reliability. Moreover, in order to compete with cellular networks in the market, satellite providers will have to ensure competitive prices and energy-efficiency. There are also several other challenges that need to be overcome through time and consistent effort.
