Looking past the elections,   I want to thank my ancestors for coming to this country for whatever reason.  (By in large they were poor in the old world so why not try the new one), The United States is pretty hard to attack it has (by in large) friendly neighbors to the north and south ..read more

At this point, many enterprises are using sensors to provide analytics with AI. And like your personal activity watching videos at home or on your phone, you don’t think twice about the network underneath. Even though it’s a misnomer it’s like the old Intel inside line, it’s just in there and while that is true ..read more

For many wireless networks the concept of putting an IP address out at the device is overkill.  The goal should be connectivity as an endpoint and not necessarily to provide an IP addressable end point. GeoTraq working with Sequans (NYSE:SQNS) have “wrapped into one simple, all-inclusive, IoT solution…for a new series of GeoTraq modules targeting [Global] LTE for IoT markets.” The new GeoTraq NB-400 series of IoT modules uses Seqauns Monarch LTE-M/NB-IoT solution for non-IP data delivery (NIDD). This makes the “routing” the more efficient and increases speed.  It also makes it less ..read more

Yesterday, the Industrial Internet Consortium® (IIC) and the OpenFog Consortium® (OpenFog) announced that they have agreed to join forces. Whether you call it Fog or Edge and something else, the issues are the same.  As IoT get deployed more widely the processing has to move from the cloud or data center to some where near the devices. For some of these points it can be at the device itself, but in many cases the aggregation point meets the requirement of delivering actionable information in real – time. This enables better analytics and Artificial Intelligence. When OFC built the f ..read more

I have been watching the stock market act like the cyclone at Coney Island.  For many this is a time to preserve capital.   This sounds like a job for IoT. Particularly in the two ways IoT can be used to save money. The first is in enabling efficiency.  No surprise there.   I have listened to companies finding ways to reduce manpower. Examples include… Oil and Gas company using acoustic sensors to replicate the knowledge of how pipe flows sound when leaks or drills are impacting production. A distribution center using LED lighting to only light when needed in zo ..read more

Qualcomm is known for its role in smart phones, but for IoT not many people understand their role in supporting everything from asset tracking to wearables. Qualcomm’s release of the 9205 chip is a reduction in size to half of the 9206 chip and reduces power consumption by 70%.  As for processing it supports increased security capabilities and GNSS support. Quite candidly they know how to push processing down.  The new 9205 chip is a good example of their abilities to meet the market requirements. It supports 3GPP release 14 including category M1 and NB2.  It is also enabl ..read more

I was inspired by the article by our own Ken Briodagh about Altair and Jig Saw recent efforts to add security to IIoT systems using LTE NB-IOT/CAT – M solutions.  These standard chipsets reduce the risk of DDOS attacks IMHO because of the throughput.  The Industrial IoT market is changing with PLCs and peripheral sensors being employed to gather more data.  The added connectivity directly to PLC’s can be an Achilles heel. It makes an industrial control vulnerable that has been in a closed system for ages.  I will venture a guess that because these systems were single ..read more

I spoke with Keith Pennachio, EVP of SQUAN, about the issues facing Smart City development and it was not surprising that many of the challenges are associated with magic thinking.  Everyone wants their own gigabit connection, while not wanting the infrastructure in their own back yard.  Fortunately, SQUAN has a portfolio of strategies that make them great partners for Smart City planners. SQUAN combines its unique and in-depth knowledge of network engineering and fiber construction to solve complex and evolving telecommunications problems around macro networks, small cell, DAS, 5G ..read more

It’s hard to get a handle on how network operators are going to convince building operators to deploy in building coverage – will they suggest small cells, or will they suggest a DAS (Distributed Antenna System)? Mind you in some countries like South Korea, dominated by one operator, a network equipment manufacturer and a cooperative government small cells are kicking it, and are often provided at no cost by the operator. Here in the US where we have a competitive market of network operators (some would argue, but it’s true) it’s a different story. First of all we have the operators leaving i ..read more

When it comes to First Responders, the last thing you want to do is have your hands tied up with phones. Keeping your hands free to protect and defend is essential. However communication to keep coordination is also essential. The use of Land Mobile Radio [LMR] systems with Push to Talk [PTT] solutions is how first responders communicate. Today each organization uses disparate systems and a variety of devices. Pryme specializes in making Push To Talk peripherals designed to work with most LMR devices. Building for First Responders has special requirements such as rugged, water – proofing, and ..read more