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Types of Satellite Networks Used in IoT Solutions

There are two main types of satellite networks, geo-satellites and compact LEO-satellites. GEOSatellites have been in space for decades and have a stable technology partner. However, geo-satellites have a high service bill and require frequent maintenance. LEO-satellites are relatively small, sandwich-box-sized and occupy low-Earth orbits. They have a lower latency and are more capable of handling critical IoT applications.

LEO-satellites have a smaller footprint than GEO-satellites, and their signal footprint is typically less than a few hundred kilometers. Because of these limitations, satellite network providers have taken steps to mitigate signal interruption from LEO-satellites as they move away. Because LEO-satellites are smaller than GEO-satellites, their signals are lower-powered and have higher latency, but they are still a viable option for IoT applications.

LEO-satellites are the best choice for most IoT applications, as their coverage footprint is small and continuous. In addition, they are capable of reaching objects with limited terrestrial connectivity, such as sensors. LEO-satellites also offer guaranteed service levels (SLAs) compared to their GEO counterparts. These benefits make satellite a natural complement to terrestrial IoT networks. While past satellite adaptations weren’t designed for IoT use, today’s satellite solutions are affordable and accessible.

LEO-satellites are a better choice for many IoT solutions. LEO-satellites are more efficient and cost-effective, while GEO-satellites are more efficient for broader coverage. And, they are less likely to be affected by natural disasters. And, since LEO-satellites have fewer satellites than GEO-satellites, LEO-satellites provide more reliable connectivity.

These networks are becoming the most practical choice for IoT applications. In fact, M2M solutions are a vital component for ensuring the safety of employees, managing operations, and tracking assets in the field. Several industries depend on M2M services for a number of reasons. In addition to being a convenient and cost-effective way to monitor and manage assets, M2M solutions enable businesses to improve their business processes.

In addition to M2M applications, many other industries benefit from IoT connectivity through satellites. They can support M2M communication between remote devices and data centers in a cost-effective way. This is particularly important for mission-critical applications, such as disaster management and agricultural monitoring. Similarly, IoT solutions can provide information to businesses around the world, including healthcare. The type of connectivity used in these environments can be determined by the size of the IoT device.

Different types of satellite networks have different operating characteristics. The LEO satellites have a smaller footprint than the GEO-satellites. The LEO-satellites are in geostationary orbits and rotate in sync with the planet. As they rotate, they always look down on the same large area. The GEO-satellite constellation is a constellation of satellites that covers the globe with connectivity.

IoT devices communicate with the cloud and with the Internet. The data from IoT devices is transmitted and received by the satellite antenna. The data is then sent to a data center. The data is ultimately accessed by a user via the Internet. For example, the sensors in cargo containers may collect and store information and transmit data to the cloud. By 2028, there will be five billion connected devices and 24 million connections via satellite.

The existing satellite technology for IoT solutions does not use a high-throughput spectrum. It does not have the same capacity as the terrestrial networks. As a result, satellite-based IoT solutions are generally more expensive than other solutions. There are three main types of satellite networks used in IoT applications. They are narrowband providers, which operate in the GHz range, and high-throughput, multi-satellite systems.

The M2M/IoT solution is based on a combination of both GSO and NGSO technologies. The latter is a better fit for mobile and low-throughput applications. It offers a wide range of services. Hence, the M2M/IoT networks have become increasingly popular among IoT providers.

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