Internet of Things
collect real-world data which is then processed in real-time by an AI engine. The AI analyses patterns in the data and makes predictions or decisions before sending instructions, if any, back to the IoT device. In some cases, processing is offloaded to the cloud before instructions are relayed to the point of origin.
Ian Itz
moment in time entails and what it means for the future of smart connected devices.
Facilitating large packet data transfers for intelligent IoT Remote sensors are not just located in warehouses or factories. They are in the middle of the ocean, in dense forests, and other harsh environments. They are housed in aircraft, cargo ships, trucking fleets, tractors, and other types of vehicles. Satellite connectivity is critical for ensuring these devices function as expected because cellular service has limitations, particularly in areas far from cell towers. In these cases, satellites can either serve as a backup to cellular, offering dual-mode, continuous coverage in areas with spotty reception, or as the go-to communications infrastructure in environments with no available cellular service (such as a desert or the sea). Either way, global satellite networks provide a fail-safe for IoT devices that require constant connectivity for collecting, processing, and transmitting data.
While Narrow-band IoT (NB-IoT) is coming to Non- Terrestrial Networks (NTN), the need for dedicated devices and proprietary IoT is still present. NB-IoT will be a great solution for small, low-power, non-critical data, but dedicated devices and services will remain vital. The move toward smaller
www.cieonline.co.uk
and more powerful IoT modules that can transfer larger data packets is an effort to accommodate these demands. Sensors may require two-way data packet transfers of up to 100,000 bytes, depending on the device and its purpose. The new modules allow higher data throughput and larger sized data messaging, enabling high-resolution sensor readings and imagery. They can process data locally yet still send mission- critical workloads back to the cloud for more in-depth analysis.
Building the foundation for satellite AIoT
These advancements are foundational elements for the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes integrated with IoT services known as AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things). With AIoT, devices
In each case, having a satellite network that provides low latency is critical for transmitting large packets of information quickly. Satellite constellations that operate in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), a few hundred miles above the ground, are more effective at transmitting data at a faster rate than Geostationary (GEO) satellites that are over 20,000 miles away, simply due to a closer proximity to Earth. LEO satellites deliver data almost instantly so that devices can make predictions, infer insights, and act within seconds. Having pervasive pole-to-pole satellite coverage that is weather resilient is equally important to deliver dependable connectivity for all devices, anywhere. GEO satellites stay fixed at the equator, serving a specific consistent geography and do not cover certain regions, including the poles, which makes them inadequate for serving remote sensors in far northern and southern hemispheres. In contrast, LEO satellites are continuously moving, allowing them to provide more constant and complete coverage suitable for AIoT operations. Additionally, LEO networks in the L-band frequency range are less prone to weather-related disruptions, as they are less exposed to atmospheric interference.
The impact of satellite technology advancements and AIoT: sample use cases
The combination of compact yet powerful modules capable of large and fast data transfers with the reliable coverage of a LEO network is fulfilling satellite AIoT’s promise for remote asset tracking, management, and optimization. Here are a few examples: Sensors on a seagoing vessel operating in a remote area of the ocean are continually and unfailingly relaying and analysing information in real-time. In case of a problem, the ship can self-correct or immediately contact a shore-based crew who can efficiently respond to the issue.
Iridium Certus
A wildfire detection system analyses heat signals locally and separates low-risk situations from high-risk anomalies. In the case of a fire, an emergency message is automatically sent to first responders,
allowing them to mobilize quickly.
A flood detection system relays critical sensor data to a cloud-based AI application. The data is processed and compared with additional information, allowing the system to predict a flood’s potential impact on surrounding neighbourhoods, so that emergency crews can prioritize their preparation and rescue efforts.
A utility system’s sensors detect the possibility of a malfunction and quickly send data out to the cloud for further analysis. A corresponding alert is sent back to the point of origin, and maintenance crews are immediately notified and dispatched to fix the problem before it impacts the power grid. The technology for these use cases exists today, but its widespread adoption will depend on how easy it is for developers to take advantage of the capabilities of the modules. It is important that satellite technology providers not only make the modules powerful but easy to set up for developers of all skill levels. Developers should also be able to customize and adapt the modules to different scenarios so they can create effective satellite IoT solutions that work for their unique purposes.
Our intelligent, hyper-connected future is here
The advancements in satellite IoT technology and AIoT are redefining the possibilities for remote sensing, real-time data processing, and intelligent decision- making. With smaller, more powerful IoT modules, enhanced LEO satellite connectivity, and AI-driven analytics, businesses across industries can now operate more efficiently, safely, and autonomously than ever before. From seagoing vessels and disaster response systems to smart utilities and environmental monitoring, the ability to transmit large data packets in real-time, anywhere in the world, is transforming operations. As more organisations integrate AI-powered automation with satellite IoT, they will unlock new efficiencies, cost savings, and predictive capabilities that were once out of reach. We have long strived for an intelligent, hyper-connected future, where real-time decision-making, predictive analytics, and automated responses are not limited by geography or infrastructure. Thanks to continued, tireless innovation in the satellite industry—that future is now.
https://www.iridium.com/ Components in Electronics March 2025 45
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
