The Internet of Things (IoT) is basically a network of connected “smart” devices that communicate seamlessly over the Internet. More designers of smart cities and smart utilities recognize that for any technology, including IoT, to become part of these transformative innovations, they must consume as little power as possible and operate over existing wireless networks, including cellular frequencies.
One such offering is NetComm’s newly launched NTC-100 which the manufacturer claims allows businesses to be less dependent on proprietary unlicensed networks in the area to manage and control these devices remotely.
Els Baert, NetComm Director of Marketing and Communications, said, "This is the first low power, low bandwidth device introduced to our industrial IoT portfolio and the only device of its kind to integrate a dual technology LTE module using Cat-M1 and NB-IoT technologies to economically track and monitor low-cost applications that were traditionally too costly to connect.
"This will accelerate the uptake of Industrial IoT by providing diverse industry sectors with the chance to connect and cost-effectively manage large fleets of small, low-value assets everywhere where there is an LTE network available."
Businesses across all industry sectors can now connect devices with the new standards developed by 3GPP: Cat M1 and NB-IoT. Widely available LTE networks support these applications by adding low bandwidth capabilities to extend range and battery life.
The new NetComm NTC-100 is the first commercially available modem to support Cat M1 and NB-IoT connections to any device that needs network connectivity, giving businesses a new way to remotely manage, control and gather data from their devices.
Whether it's to find an economically viable means of monitoring environmental conditions, such as ocean levels, improve smart metering, monitor the farm or introduce smart city applications such as road signage, parking meters and bin collection, a growing number of devices can now leverage LTE networks worldwide.
Built to endure vibration and extreme temperatures in harsh industrial, commercial and automotive environments, the robust NTC-100 features rugged IP40 rated industrial housing to ensure reliability and longevity in harsh remote and isolated climates ensuring always-on connectivity. The advanced remote management allows for a wide range of automation and monitoring features to avoid unnecessary truck rolls.
