Complete Connectivity Within Reach for Logistics Industry, says IoT Provider

11th December 2017

Logistics BusinessComplete Connectivity Within Reach for Logistics Industry, says IoT Provider

Low-bandwidth IoT messaging across the global GSM network can provide ubiquitous connectivity for the global logistics industry, according to global IoT connectivity platform provider, Thingstream.

Using Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) messaging, tiny packets of data can be sent to and from devices, using GSM technology, which is embedded in 2G, 3G and LTE. Because devices enabled with the technology can automatically connect to a corresponding IoT application when in range of the nearest cell tower, worldwide connectivity is guaranteed for logistics providers tracking goods across the globe.

In addition to low power, global connectivity, a major advantage of such technology is undoubtedly security. By utilising core GSM signaling the data is not actually communicated using the internet (TCP-IP), greatly improving cyber security through having no need to use IP addresses between devices and the Thingstream global connectivity platform.

With up to 20.4 billion devices predicted to be connected to the global IoT network by 2020, such technology could prove to be a saviour for the worldwide logistics sector.

As well as location, smart sensors can be programmed to communicate almost any type of information that can be carried across a low-bandwidth signal. And because small packets of data are only transmitted when goods reach a specific part of their journey, the on/off set-up of the devices allows for battery longevity to maximised, allowing them to remain in service for years.

Neil Hamilton, VP of Business Development at Thingstream, comments: “The type of intelligent connectivity utilises the principles of the Internet of Things, yet without any ‘internet’, providing a secure, ubiquitous connection that utilises an established infrastructure. Going back to basics in an increasingly technological and complex field could significantly streamline the tracking of goods worldwide, saving logistics providers considerable time and money.”