Barcelona, Spain, May 21, 2024 — Researchers at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) are developing a new model to synchronize the needs of Internet of Things (IoT) devices with satellite access times. This model focuses on low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites like Starlink. The method promises to enhance energy efficiency for IoT devices that rely on satellite communications.
How satellites can improve IoT through LPWANs and similar technology
Satellites can potentially optimize IoT applications, especially in remote areas where traditional network infrastructure is unavailable. Low-power, wide-area networks (LPWANs) have already shown significant promise in connecting IoT devices over large distances while consuming minimal power. These networks can offer even greater reach and reliability when integrated with satellite technology.
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The main advantage of using satellites in this context is their ability to provide coverage in areas where ground-based networks fall short. Whether monitoring agricultural fields, tracking shipping containers, or supporting smart city initiatives, satellites make it possible to maintain robust connectivity in challenging environments.
Challenges in integrating IoT with satellites
Despite the advantages, several challenges must be addressed to effectively integrate IoT devices with satellite networks. These issues are both technological and operational. One of the primary challenges is the irregularity of communication windows. Unlike terrestrial networks, LEO satellites do not offer consistent coverage, resulting in short and sporadic periods when communication is possible.
Other challenges include limitations in the design of IoT devices themselves. These devices typically operate on battery power and employ duty-cycling to conserve energy. However, synchronizing these duty cycles with the unpredictable availability of satellite communication windows presents a significant hurdle. Additionally, the risk of communication interference and the increased complexity of managing these devices add to the difficulty.
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“We, therefore, need to develop more advanced synchronization strategies to ensure reliable communication and access to the connection opportunities provided by the satellite network,” said Guillem Boquet, one of the researchers involved in the study.
A new approach to solving synchronization issues
Researchers Guillem Boquet and Borja Martínez from UOC’s Wireless Networks (WINE) group propose synchronizing the transmission needs of IoT applications with the communication windows of satellite networks. This synchronization is achieved by predicting satellite availability using a satellite’s orbital path model.
“Our proposed solution is to synchronize the IoT application’s transmission needs, and the network’s communication needs on the one hand with the satellite’s availability times on the other,” said Guillem Boquet. “This synchronization is based on the ability to predict these times by using a model of the satellite’s orbital path, starting from a known initial point.”
The researchers tested their solution with the Enxaneta nanosatellite, the first satellite deployed by the Government of Catalonia under its NewSpace project. The results were promising: according to their report, the satellite access ratio improved by up to 99%, ensuring long-term network access while minimizing the device’s energy consumption.
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“The next steps are to complete the cost-benefit analysis of implementing the solution, taking into account various applications, service networks, types of satellite constellation, IoT devices, and communication technologies, and then to propose and put in place energy-saving modes that automatically adapt to communication needs and the changing conditions of non-terrestrial networks” added Boquet.
Photo credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been done by Christopher Isak with Midjourney for TechAcute. The statistic graphic has been done by Statista. The diagram showing satellite positions has been done by Mark Mercer, used via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. The photo of the UOC has been provided to us by their PR experts for media usage.
Source: Press release from UOC
