EC-GSM-IoT (Extended Coverage for GSM based Internet of Things)
Introduction
EC-GSM-IoT (Extended Coverage for GSM-based Internet of Things) is a communication technology that provides extended coverage and high-quality wireless connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It is an advanced version of the traditional Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) technology, which is used for mobile phone communication. The primary objective of EC-GSM-IoT is to enable IoT devices to transmit data wirelessly in areas where GSM connectivity is either weak or non-existent. EC-GSM-IoT technology was introduced by the GSM Association in 2015, and it has been widely adopted by the telecommunication industry.
Features of EC-GSM-IoT
EC-GSM-IoT technology has several features that make it an ideal communication technology for IoT devices. Some of the features of EC-GSM-IoT are as follows:
- Extended coverage: EC-GSM-IoT provides extended coverage of up to 100km, which is more than ten times the range of traditional GSM networks. This feature enables IoT devices to transmit data wirelessly in areas where GSM networks are either weak or non-existent.
- Low power consumption: EC-GSM-IoT consumes less power than other wireless technologies, such as 3G and 4G. This feature ensures that IoT devices can operate for an extended period on a single battery charge.
- Low device cost: EC-GSM-IoT technology has been designed to operate on existing GSM networks. This feature means that IoT devices can be manufactured at a lower cost since there is no need to install additional hardware.
- High-Quality Service: EC-GSM-IoT provides high-quality service to IoT devices by enabling devices to transmit data at a rate of up to 384 kbps. This feature ensures that IoT devices can transmit data faster, leading to quicker response times.
- Secure: EC-GSM-IoT technology is secure and provides end-to-end encryption of data transmitted over the network. This feature ensures that IoT devices are protected from unauthorized access and cyber-attacks.
Architecture of EC-GSM-IoT
The architecture of EC-GSM-IoT is based on the existing GSM network architecture. It consists of three main components:
- Device: The IoT device is the endpoint of the communication chain. It is responsible for collecting data and transmitting it over the network. The device can be a sensor, a meter, or any other IoT device that can collect and transmit data wirelessly.
- Base Station: The base station is responsible for receiving data transmitted by the IoT device and forwarding it to the network. The base station can be either a Macro Cell (MC) or a Micro Cell (MC). The Macro Cell covers a large area and is responsible for providing coverage in urban and suburban areas. The Micro Cell, on the other hand, covers a smaller area and is responsible for providing coverage in rural areas.
- Core Network: The core network is responsible for managing the communication between the IoT device and the base station. It is composed of several elements, including the Mobile Switching Center (MSC), the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), and the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN).
Working of EC-GSM-IoT
The working of EC-GSM-IoT involves the following steps:
- Device Initialization: The IoT device initializes by registering with the network. During registration, the device sends its International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) to the network.
- Data Collection: The IoT device collects data from its sensors, meters, or other sources.
- Data Transmission: The IoT device transmits the collected data to the base station. The data is transmitted using either the Control Plane (CP) or the User Plane (UP). The Control Plane is used for signaling messages, while the User Plane is used for data transmission.
- Base Station Reception: The base station receives the data transmitted by the IoT device. It forwards the data to the core network using the GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP).
- Core Network Processing: The core network receives the data from the base station and performs several processing tasks. The tasks include authentication, authorization, and accounting. The core network also checks the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of the data and allocates network resources accordingly.
- Data Delivery: After processing, the data is delivered to its destination, which can be a server or another IoT device.
Advantages of EC-GSM-IoT
EC-GSM-IoT has several advantages over other communication technologies used for IoT devices. Some of the advantages of EC-GSM-IoT are as follows:
- Extended Coverage: EC-GSM-IoT provides extended coverage, enabling IoT devices to transmit data wirelessly in areas where other wireless technologies cannot operate.
- Low Power Consumption: EC-GSM-IoT consumes less power than other wireless technologies, which extends the battery life of IoT devices.
- Low Device Cost: EC-GSM-IoT uses existing GSM networks, which means that there is no need to install additional hardware. This feature reduces the cost of manufacturing IoT devices.
- High-Quality Service: EC-GSM-IoT provides high-quality service, enabling IoT devices to transmit data at a fast rate. This feature ensures that IoT devices can respond quickly to commands.
- Secure: EC-GSM-IoT provides end-to-end encryption of data transmitted over the network. This feature ensures that IoT devices are protected from unauthorized access and cyber-attacks.
Applications of EC-GSM-IoT
EC-GSM-IoT has several applications in various industries. Some of the applications of EC-GSM-IoT are as follows:
- Smart Metering: EC-GSM-IoT can be used to monitor and control smart meters in the energy sector. This feature enables energy companies to manage their energy distribution networks efficiently.
- Asset Tracking: EC-GSM-IoT can be used to track assets in the logistics industry. This feature enables logistics companies to track the movement of their goods in real-time.
- Environmental Monitoring: EC-GSM-IoT can be used to monitor the environment. This feature enables scientists to collect data on air quality, water quality, and other environmental parameters.
- Smart Agriculture: EC-GSM-IoT can be used in the agriculture sector to monitor crop growth and soil moisture. This feature enables farmers to optimize their crop yields and reduce water usage.
Conclusion
EC-GSM-IoT is an advanced communication technology that provides extended coverage and high-quality wireless connectivity for IoT devices. It has several features that make it an ideal communication technology for IoT devices, including extended coverage, low power consumption, low device cost, high-quality service, and security. EC-GSM-IoT has several applications in various industries, including smart metering, asset tracking, environmental monitoring, and smart agriculture. Overall, EC-GSM-IoT is a promising communication technology that can help organizations optimize their operations and improve their efficiency.