Just like cellular, NB-IoT, and LoRA, Sigfox also has its own special place when it comes to IoT connectivity. But as one of an increasing number of players in the LPWAN (low-power wide-area networks) technology field, it can be difficult to know when you should propose Sigfox as part of your IoT solution.
Following the announcement of our recent partnership with Sigfox, we’ve therefore bought together some great Sigfox success stories all in one place to give you a better understanding of when to use Sigfox.
Sigfox Success Story 1: Monitoring migrating birds
Background:
Tracking and monitoring anything that moves can come with challenges—perhaps none more so than migrating birds. Connectivity needs to be as reliable as possible with excellent coverage, while devices need to be light, unobtrusive, and have extensive battery life.
AGUILA Technologie’s “Monna” project tackled these challenges with a miniature geolocation tag that was ultra light (just 18 grams), robust, resistant to climate, shocks, pecking, and scratching, and had a battery life of 3 years. From an analytical standpoint, they also developed a combination of complex algorithms tp permit long distance communication whilst consuming minimal energy. A Sigfox antenna was installed in the Urdabaï ornithological park for optimal coverage as a base point (Antennas can give a 50KM+ radius of coverage in the right conditions).
Why Sigfox?
AGUILA Technologie chose Sigfox for its low power usage, reliable coverage, small tech size, and very low telecommunication costs.
In this case the general migration pattern of the birds was known, and using Sigfox in those countries proved the perfect fit. Sigfox is not available around the world just yet (there is a coverage map). But then again, checking coverage should a prerequisite of choosing any IoT solution!
Sigfox Success Story 2: Solar Sigfox
Background:
While project Monna has a battery life of 3 years, HidnSeek have taken battery life in asset tracking to the next level, developing a tracker with infinite battery life. To do this they turned to solar power.
With built-in solar cells, the DigiTraq PV is intended for outdoor use and never needs to be recharged. It allows companies and individuals to track important items, such as sailboats and construction equipment, without the hassle of changing or recharging batteries.
The device automatically connects to the cloud anywhere there is a Sigfox network, making it easy to setup and install. Meanwhile, the tracker will sleep until it detects motion, at which point it will send its GPS location every 10 minutes. A geofencing option allows users to draw boundaries on a map, causing an alert to be triggered when the tracker leaves the area.
Why Sigfox?
In many cellular based devices on the market, a compromise is made between the amount of data sent and battery life. Often, to prolong the battery, fewer messages are sent over the network. Teaming solar power Sigfox’s ultra low power consumption together, means there’s no need to limit the data in order to preserve energy. As a result, it is able to send the maximum 140 messages a day, providing increased accuracy.
Sigfox Success Story 3: Luxurious Louis Vuitton luggage
Background:
In April 2018, Sigfox and the iconic luxury brand Louis Vuitton, announced the release of luggage that uses Sigfox technology. Users are able to track the location of their checked luggage where ever they—and their luggage—may be, whether it’s in major airports or even while travelling between different countries.
The tracking device also includes Sigfox’s Monarch service. Unveiled at the World IoT Expo in September 2017, Monarch is a new service that enables devices to run seamlessly in all parts of the world, by automatically recognising and adapting to the local radio frequencies standards.
The luggage tracker is available as an additional accessory for the the LV Horizon models and can easily be clipped into a pocket within the suitcase. It’s low energy consumption ensures a battery life of up to six months.
Why Sigfox?
In this case combining the Sigfox Monarch service with global sigfox airport coverage for IoT enabled devices made for a unique value proposition. Choosing to use Sigfox avoids the need for integration across multiple disparate mobile networks, while giving that all important reliable connection needed for asset tracking.
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