Internet in the Smart City
Stephen Hawking once said: “For millions of years, humanity has lived just like animals. Then something happened that released the power of our imagination. We learned to talk. ”
A similar revolutionary leap is currently being observed in the field of technology. Technology learns to communicate. As a result, new analytical capabilities, processes and solutions have appeared. The development of communication technology is very fast, constantly responding to the latest requirements. One of the driving forces behind these innovations is the Internet of Things (IoT), a platform for exchanging measured values and transmitting remote commands between technologies that previously worked independently.
Now we see cars communicating with parking lots, soil moisture meters with expert systems that transmit data to combines, or a refrigerator in the kitchen that communicates with a shopping list on a mobile phone.
In modern cities, IoT technology can stumble across almost every corner. However, the following question arises: how to ensure high-quality data transfer in such an open environment in which cities are undoubtedly located, where it is often necessary to carry out wireless data transfer?
A weather station installed on a street lamp post, a traffic tracking camera or a medical alarm bracelet with a “help” button on a pensioner's wrist - all this makes different communication requirements.
Currently, we can choose one of the following communication technologies.
The most widely used technology in households and public places today is undoubtedly Wi-Fi. This time-tested, constantly improving technology is suitable for transferring large amounts of data from various devices, such as consumer electronics, such as mobile phones or tablets. However, its disadvantages are high transmitted power, terminal device overload and a limited range of signals (usually not more than hundreds of meters in open areas). That's why we rarely choose simple or single-purpose devices that use Wi-Fi. On the other hand, the fact that Wi-Fi is not enough in range, it is in speed and data flow. Today we are seeing the first deployments of Wi-Fi mesh networks that could lead to new applications and wider adoption in the future. An interesting example of covering the entire territory of the country with wireless Internet access can be seen in Barcelona.
These were the first mass-deployed wireless technologies. In cities, their absolute advantage lies in the reliability of transmission, coverage and a wide range of devices. For example, communication devices via GSM / GPRS are becoming a valuable source of information for traffic estimation systems. Without knowing this, mobile phones exchange traffic information with services such as Google Maps or Yandex.Maps. The shortcomings that many hope and expect will soon be eliminated.
This is because networks require a SIM card, which excludes certain applications where it is impossible to use SIM cards, for example, due to lack of space.
SigFox was originally French technology, but today it is the fastest growing IoT operation in the world with operations in 60 countries. It was designed primarily to provide quick and easy communication between touch devices within their wireless network.
Besides SigFox, it is probably the most widely used WAN (wide area network). However, unlike SigFox, it has not only one operator, which means that everyone can not only build their own LoRaWAN network in accordance with their needs, but also serve it independently. This technology is often the preferred choice for water, gas or electricity meters within the same building or in larger buildings. LoRaWAN also provides energy-efficient two-way communication, so a simple sensor equipped with a small battery can transmit data for up to 10 years. Like SigFox, LoRaWAN also has a good signal range, which is why it is often used in hard-to-reach areas without a GSM signal.
NB-IoT is often seen as a technology that will address most of the shortcomings that its current competitors suffer from. However, the biggest problem so far is its limited deployment, which means that we do not have enough information about its application. This technology depends on 4G network coverage and will be used mainly by existing telecommunication companies that already have infrastructure. Therefore, we can expect good indoor and outdoor coverage. According to its specification, NB-IoT should run faster than LoRa (WAN) and offer the best quality of service (QoS). In the near future, the development of this technology certainly deserves attention.
Like Wi-Fi, it is a widely used technology. Today, every smartphone is equipped with a Bluetooth chip. It has been specially designed for short distance communication. However, Bluetooth should not be confused with BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). While traditional Bluetooth was designed mainly for continuous data transfer, for example, for transmitting sound using wireless headphones, BLE focuses on low-energy data transfer in devices that are designed to operate on battery power for several years. It is usually used in so-called beacons, i.e. in small transmitters that continuously transmit messages. After installing the necessary mobile application, BLE can help navigate the mall, monitor the number of visitors, measure the room temperature or the level of carbon dioxide. BLE is also used in so-called wearable garments, such as fitness bracelets. They are equipped with miniature batteries and can work for several days or weeks on a single charge.
This wireless technology deserves special attention because it is significantly different from others. She uses the so-called energy-harvesting technologies, which allow her to work without a cable, battery or other power source. It draws energy from its environment using solar panels (light), thermoelectric panels (heat) or mechanical switches (kinetic energy). Thus, he does not suffer from the drawback present in his rivals: the need for regular battery replacement. EnOcean technology is particularly well suited for use in buildings for which it offers the widest range of products. The most interesting of them are thermostatic heads, which consume energy from radiators, or window handles that, after turning, charge electronic devices and send a signal to the control system that the window is open.
ZigBee is undoubtedly one of the most popular wireless technologies for indoor use. Many manufacturers have adapted this technology, including Philips with its HUE or IKEA lighting system with its TRÅDFRI devices. It also has industrial applications, for example, in smart meters. This technology uses wire mesh and has low power consumption due to its sleep mode, which the device can enter under certain circumstances and thus save battery power.
Implementation companies sometimes offer solutions based on their own protocols, i.e. protocols that are usually developed by the same manufacturer and are incompatible with each other, or need protocol converters to achieve interoperability. While this is a welcome feature in wireless home security systems, IoT devices usually avoid using such technologies because they are difficult or nearly impossible.
Some application areas may benefit from using multiple communication protocols. Take, for example, fill level sensors installed in waste containers. As a rule, each sensor in the hopper sends its measurement data to the master module, which serves as a data hub. Sensors use the energy-saving Bluetooth Low Energy protocol to establish communications. Then the master module collects this data and transmits it via another communication protocol, for example, GSM or SigFox. The main advantage of this method is the optimization of communication costs at the output.
There are times when the sensors are installed in hard-to-reach places, or when frequent changes of the battery seem undesirable, as it increases maintenance costs. Therefore, when searching for the right technology, it is important to consider how the following factors affect battery life:
A different data transfer rate is required than with an intelligent water meter or when measuring, for example, the maximum power consumption for 15 minutes. On the other hand, a weather station located in the city center and equipped with dust sensors or NOx or Sox emission sensors can only transmit data if it exceeds the limit values. Universal sensor manufacturers add a sleep function to their devices that keeps the sensor in low power mode, wakes it up once, for example, 4 hours, and then transmits recently measured data. Some wireless technologies allow you to modify the level of transmission performance, which has a direct impact on power consumption.
Communication networks usually use stellar topology, i.e. they have one main transmitter / receiver, which acts as a channel and transmits messages between all network components (for example, Wi-Fi, GSM, SigFox, etc.). However, in some deployment areas, mesh networks are increasingly found. This is a network whose participants - the so-called nodes - exchange data directly, while they can also forward messages from their "neighboring" nodes. Therefore, with an increase in the number of network nodes participating in it, its range, and often reliability, also increases. However, the grid may not be the ideal choice for long distance communication, as it may require the use of a large number of nodes, which will automatically lead to a slowdown in data transfer. To ensure an optimal communication channel, the correct placement of the node is another aspect that must be considered when designing and building a network.
A similar revolutionary leap is currently being observed in the field of technology. Technology learns to communicate. As a result, new analytical capabilities, processes and solutions have appeared. The development of communication technology is very fast, constantly responding to the latest requirements. One of the driving forces behind these innovations is the Internet of Things (IoT), a platform for exchanging measured values and transmitting remote commands between technologies that previously worked independently.
Now we see cars communicating with parking lots, soil moisture meters with expert systems that transmit data to combines, or a refrigerator in the kitchen that communicates with a shopping list on a mobile phone.
In modern cities, IoT technology can stumble across almost every corner. However, the following question arises: how to ensure high-quality data transfer in such an open environment in which cities are undoubtedly located, where it is often necessary to carry out wireless data transfer?
A weather station installed on a street lamp post, a traffic tracking camera or a medical alarm bracelet with a “help” button on a pensioner's wrist - all this makes different communication requirements.
Currently, we can choose one of the following communication technologies.
Wifi
The most widely used technology in households and public places today is undoubtedly Wi-Fi. This time-tested, constantly improving technology is suitable for transferring large amounts of data from various devices, such as consumer electronics, such as mobile phones or tablets. However, its disadvantages are high transmitted power, terminal device overload and a limited range of signals (usually not more than hundreds of meters in open areas). That's why we rarely choose simple or single-purpose devices that use Wi-Fi. On the other hand, the fact that Wi-Fi is not enough in range, it is in speed and data flow. Today we are seeing the first deployments of Wi-Fi mesh networks that could lead to new applications and wider adoption in the future. An interesting example of covering the entire territory of the country with wireless Internet access can be seen in Barcelona.
GSM G / 4G Networks
These were the first mass-deployed wireless technologies. In cities, their absolute advantage lies in the reliability of transmission, coverage and a wide range of devices. For example, communication devices via GSM / GPRS are becoming a valuable source of information for traffic estimation systems. Without knowing this, mobile phones exchange traffic information with services such as Google Maps or Yandex.Maps. The shortcomings that many hope and expect will soon be eliminated.
This is because networks require a SIM card, which excludes certain applications where it is impossible to use SIM cards, for example, due to lack of space.
Sigfox
SigFox was originally French technology, but today it is the fastest growing IoT operation in the world with operations in 60 countries. It was designed primarily to provide quick and easy communication between touch devices within their wireless network.
LoRa / LoRaWAN
Besides SigFox, it is probably the most widely used WAN (wide area network). However, unlike SigFox, it has not only one operator, which means that everyone can not only build their own LoRaWAN network in accordance with their needs, but also serve it independently. This technology is often the preferred choice for water, gas or electricity meters within the same building or in larger buildings. LoRaWAN also provides energy-efficient two-way communication, so a simple sensor equipped with a small battery can transmit data for up to 10 years. Like SigFox, LoRaWAN also has a good signal range, which is why it is often used in hard-to-reach areas without a GSM signal.
NB-IoT
NB-IoT is often seen as a technology that will address most of the shortcomings that its current competitors suffer from. However, the biggest problem so far is its limited deployment, which means that we do not have enough information about its application. This technology depends on 4G network coverage and will be used mainly by existing telecommunication companies that already have infrastructure. Therefore, we can expect good indoor and outdoor coverage. According to its specification, NB-IoT should run faster than LoRa (WAN) and offer the best quality of service (QoS). In the near future, the development of this technology certainly deserves attention.
Bluetooth / Bluetooth Low Power
Like Wi-Fi, it is a widely used technology. Today, every smartphone is equipped with a Bluetooth chip. It has been specially designed for short distance communication. However, Bluetooth should not be confused with BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). While traditional Bluetooth was designed mainly for continuous data transfer, for example, for transmitting sound using wireless headphones, BLE focuses on low-energy data transfer in devices that are designed to operate on battery power for several years. It is usually used in so-called beacons, i.e. in small transmitters that continuously transmit messages. After installing the necessary mobile application, BLE can help navigate the mall, monitor the number of visitors, measure the room temperature or the level of carbon dioxide. BLE is also used in so-called wearable garments, such as fitness bracelets. They are equipped with miniature batteries and can work for several days or weeks on a single charge.
Enocean
This wireless technology deserves special attention because it is significantly different from others. She uses the so-called energy-harvesting technologies, which allow her to work without a cable, battery or other power source. It draws energy from its environment using solar panels (light), thermoelectric panels (heat) or mechanical switches (kinetic energy). Thus, he does not suffer from the drawback present in his rivals: the need for regular battery replacement. EnOcean technology is particularly well suited for use in buildings for which it offers the widest range of products. The most interesting of them are thermostatic heads, which consume energy from radiators, or window handles that, after turning, charge electronic devices and send a signal to the control system that the window is open.
Zigbee
ZigBee is undoubtedly one of the most popular wireless technologies for indoor use. Many manufacturers have adapted this technology, including Philips with its HUE or IKEA lighting system with its TRÅDFRI devices. It also has industrial applications, for example, in smart meters. This technology uses wire mesh and has low power consumption due to its sleep mode, which the device can enter under certain circumstances and thus save battery power.
Own RF
Implementation companies sometimes offer solutions based on their own protocols, i.e. protocols that are usually developed by the same manufacturer and are incompatible with each other, or need protocol converters to achieve interoperability. While this is a welcome feature in wireless home security systems, IoT devices usually avoid using such technologies because they are difficult or nearly impossible.
Combination of several communication protocols
Some application areas may benefit from using multiple communication protocols. Take, for example, fill level sensors installed in waste containers. As a rule, each sensor in the hopper sends its measurement data to the master module, which serves as a data hub. Sensors use the energy-saving Bluetooth Low Energy protocol to establish communications. Then the master module collects this data and transmits it via another communication protocol, for example, GSM or SigFox. The main advantage of this method is the optimization of communication costs at the output.
Wireless Power Consumption
There are times when the sensors are installed in hard-to-reach places, or when frequent changes of the battery seem undesirable, as it increases maintenance costs. Therefore, when searching for the right technology, it is important to consider how the following factors affect battery life:
- Data rate;
- The attenuation level of the transmission signal;
- The signal strength of the transmission device.
A different data transfer rate is required than with an intelligent water meter or when measuring, for example, the maximum power consumption for 15 minutes. On the other hand, a weather station located in the city center and equipped with dust sensors or NOx or Sox emission sensors can only transmit data if it exceeds the limit values. Universal sensor manufacturers add a sleep function to their devices that keeps the sensor in low power mode, wakes it up once, for example, 4 hours, and then transmits recently measured data. Some wireless technologies allow you to modify the level of transmission performance, which has a direct impact on power consumption.
Communication networks usually use stellar topology, i.e. they have one main transmitter / receiver, which acts as a channel and transmits messages between all network components (for example, Wi-Fi, GSM, SigFox, etc.). However, in some deployment areas, mesh networks are increasingly found. This is a network whose participants - the so-called nodes - exchange data directly, while they can also forward messages from their "neighboring" nodes. Therefore, with an increase in the number of network nodes participating in it, its range, and often reliability, also increases. However, the grid may not be the ideal choice for long distance communication, as it may require the use of a large number of nodes, which will automatically lead to a slowdown in data transfer. To ensure an optimal communication channel, the correct placement of the node is another aspect that must be considered when designing and building a network.
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