Inmarsat has collaborated with CPN Satellite Services and MinFarm Tech to launch the MF 400 IoT Satellite Bridge incorporating Inmarsat’s IsatData Pro (IDP) service
The solution is expected to enable data from IoT sensors operating on LoRaWAN networks to be optimised for transmission over Inmarsat’s IDP service, which will bring much-needed additional connectivity to IoT devices deployed in remote locations across a range of different sectors.
The success of a remote operation – such as dam monitoring or agricultural resource management – depends on having robust, reliable equipment in place to do the job. IoT devices are having a significant impact in this area, due to their ability to record and transfer data in a way that reduces the need for expensive on-site visits and lowers overall maintenance costs.
The MF 400 IoT Satellite Bridge offers organisations an off-the-shelf and ready-to-use solution to meet these challenges, simplifying the connectivity between sensor and application. Powered by a single 80W solar panel and with battery backup capacity of two to three days, the device uses protocol optimisation to forward sensor payload traffic over the high-latency, non-IP packet data satellite services of the Inmarsat IDP.
Tara Maclachlan, vice-president of IoT, Enterprise at Inmarsat, commented, “IoT is already proving to be hugely influential in enabling effective remote operations across many different sectors, and we are continually focused on innovation with the objective of making our services even better.”
According to Christian Nicolai, M2M and IoT Consultant at CPN Satellite Services, the MF 400 IoT Satellite Bridge will solve some of the major problems facing organisations operating IoT sensors in remote regions. Connecting these devices to Inmarsat satellite networks brings added reliability and resilience, with the guarantee that accurate data can be transmitted and received regardless of location.
Stephen Lynam, CEO of MinFarm, added, “This product will enable customers to pick a truly global and trusted satellite service provider in Inmarsat, while continuing to use their existing LoRaWAN hardware and cloud solutions. It promises to be a game-changing technology for the industry.”
The launch of the MF 400 IoT Satellite Bridge aims to support Inmarsat’s Future Technology Roadmap programme. In addition to working with partners to introduce new and enhanced services, Inmarsat is undertaking the largest investment in its history to extend the capacity, agility and resilience of its industry-leading space and ground-based infrastructure still further. This includes two new L-band satellites (I-6 F1 & F2), which are scheduled to launch in 2021 and to take our L-band portfolio into the mid-2030s and beyond, as well as seven further GX Ka-band satellites, which will enter service over the coming four years.
