The Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects. The connection of objects and/or sensors enabling the collecting and exchanging of data.
Networking of devices is not a new concept, as are LPWAN technologies, both introduced a decade ago. Technological advancements have enabled and facilitated the explosive expansion of IoT and IIOT (Industrial Internet of Things) technologies.
Wireless communications networks vary and each have their specialization and best use case.
How many protocols are there?
As you can clearly see, many!
We bet you can identify many of them. No surprise, we are all using one or more of these listed protocols on a daily basis. Ranging from wearable devices to the laptop on your desk.
Each and every single wireless communication protocol serves its designed and specific purpose.
Wide Area Networks – this is our domain!
WANs are versatile and suitable for connectivity across vast areas of space.
There are two different types of Wide Area Networks:
- High bandwidth low latency (cellular)
- Low power lower bandwidth (LPWAN)
You’re probably wondering how does SpiderMesh stack up against other LPWANs
Why is SpiderMesh The Best IoT Wireless Technology?
It all depends on the needs and scale of your project.
SpiderMesh works great in any medium to large size network applications. Furthermore, its standing out from the crowd when working in challenging radio frequency environments. Obstacles such as trees, buildings, concrete, or rock do not interfere with communication or the data received, thereby keeping the technology low-power even with large scale deployments.
Furthermore, if your project has the potential to scale up, a wireless mesh based technology means that your devices are extremely easy to set up, and can be easily moved from one location to another.
Is Mesh Wireless Technology The Best Option For Me?
As mentioned before, if your IoT project has many obstacles, mesh might be the best option for you. Why? Because the traditional star network system relies on a direct line of sight. If your node is too far from this access point, the data may not reach its final destination.
What’s The Difference Between SpiderMesh and Other Mesh Networks?
Traditional mesh networks focused on self-configuration, self-healing and did not need a direct line of sight. These are great factors, however, the lack of scalability and the power consumption needed for a large area were important issues that we decided to tackle in order to make this an ideal mesh network.
With SpiderMesh, data is synchronized at the bit level (rather than the packet level) thereby preventing typical packet collision issues from happening (such as in standard mesh technologies). Unlike other wireless mesh, SpiderMesh was built from the ground up and offers a predictable, deterministic flow of information. To date, it is the only LPWAMN (low-power wide-area mesh network).
What to Look For When Choosing a Wireless Network For IoT?
As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to look at some key factors that are important to the implementation of your project.
Availability of the communication link
Security
Scalability
Connectivity to desired devices
Hazardous location rating
Power options to meet desired publication period
Ease of use
Integration with control systems
Stranded investment risk