IPv6 and M2M

The rising use of M2M technology has brought to light an issue that seems inevitable. As more and more devices become connected we are seeing a much bigger push for the conversion to IPv6, driven mainly by the military; which have applied the rational that there is a shortage of IP addresses.

Did You Know Sierra Wireless Allows You To Save Your Modem Configurations?

The configuration of a modem seems to get more complex every day. As the manufacturers continue adding functionality it has now become a matter of not only activating the modem, but getting it configured to work with the device being attached; whether it’s a server, a camera or some types of I/O’s. No matter the device you’re hooking up to the modem, it can be cumbersome and time consuming to configure all the settings individually.

Thankfully, manufacturers such as Sierra Wireless allow us to save our configuration as a template. This allows for a much easier process of integrating future devices into your deployment.

Ford, Google Team Up to Make Smarter Cars

As a child I often found myself thinking up inventions I would love to have had the resources to create. One of those ideas was to make a car that could drive without any human interaction needed. While this idea seemed far off back then it now seems closer than ever with Google testing this concept just last year. The project was just one in a line of concepts that Google has been working on. Most recently, Google and Ford have joined forces to develop cars smart enough to know where you’re going and how best to get you there.

The concept sounds interesting as it will utilize the power of Google’s remarkable Prediction API to create cars that determine where you’re going by examining where you have been. The Prediction API adds pattern-matching capability to existing cloud-based datasheets, using it to predict probable outcomes for current events. Basically the concept would allow for our behaviors to be learned thus enabling us to have more effective routing, fuel efficiency, and the like.

While this is all far beyond what I dreamt of as a child I am excited by all the possibilities this could open for the M2M and automotive world as a whole. It may still be quite a few years off and still highly theoretical, but don’t be surprised if some day you’re driving down a highway and come across a vehicle that is completely driving itself while its passenger takes a nap on their long trip. Seem too good to be true? Only time will tell.

See the news release at http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/05/ford-google-prediction-api/

New 4G Networks with Verizon, AT&T and Sprint = The Need to Review Your Antenna / Modem Options

With new 4G networks becoming available this year and moving forward, it is time to review and consider updated antenna solutions and modems for your current deployment. AT&T and Verizon are currently deploying their new LTE (Long Term Evolution) 4G technology that operates in the 700 MHz spectrum. Sprint has and continues to deploy their WiMax technology through their partnership with Clearwire. This is a complementary network to Cellular/PCS, which means that the modem and network will determine the fastest network that is available, and seamlessly connect users.

DH Solutions has partnered with vendors such as Antenna Plus and Sierra Wireless to bring to market antennas and modems capable of utilizing this new technology. Having some of our staff living in a 4G (WiMax) area, we have seen how this effects data speeds and are happy to report that it is a definite improvement over the current 3G options. That is one of the real catches with the whole 4G situation; you have to be in a covered area for the benefits to be seen. For those of you lucky enough to be in a 4G area; now may be the time to start looking at your current fleet and gauge whether or not an upgrade is both warranted and beneficial to your business.

Multi-Tech Partners with Sprint to Offer Data Plan with Developer’s Kits

As some of our readers may be aware, Multitech has recently began a partnership with Sprint to offer a free 90-day data plan coupled with Multitech’s Cellular Development Platform (CDP). This recently launched ruggedized cellular modem provides an OpenEmbedded Linux development environment. We are excited because we can see the value in both the development platform and the offering from Sprint. We have been working with the CDP for some time and can see just how valuable this partnership can be for all parties involved.

This allows us to develop an application specific to a deployment while having the ability to pilot the solution on Sprint’s network. It is a great way to ensure the solution meets your requirements while also having 90 days to try it out.

Have you had any experience with the CDP or couldn’t find a device out of the box that met your project requirements? How do you see this affecting your business? Feel free to comment and let us know your thoughts.

See the full presss release at http://m2mworldnews.com/2011/05/04/multi-tech-partners-with-sprint-to-offer-data-plan-with-developer%E2%80%99s-kits/

Smart Grid Standards Finally Agreed Upon

A few weeks ago the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) took steps toward a unified smart-grid framework by agreeing on a new set of standards and guidelines. The documents, “Guidelines for Assessing Wireless Communications for Smart Grid Applications” and “Meter Upgradeability Standard,” address the need for wireless communications among grid-connected devices and standards for the ability to upgrade household electricity meters as the grid evolves.

This opens up a realm of possibilities. Imagine a home where a dishwasher starts to clean when energy rates are the cheapest, or adjusting the temperature in your house just by adjusting the thermostat with your Smartphone or laptop. Perhaps even creating a way to shut off sockets that have chargers attached to them at specific times to conserve energy. The technology to make this happen has been here for a while now, but a lack of standards, high costs, and an unclear value proposition has derailed smart homes and appliances from becoming a reality.

Now that standards have finally been agreed on, it appears the tide is changing. The smart grid would equip homes with a smart utility meter that communicates with home appliances and provides consumers with real time information about electricity usage and cost. The new standards could be the push needed to make “connected” homes a viable solution.

See the news release at http://m2mworldnews.com/2011/04/22/sgip-agrees-on-wireless-communication-standards/

Verizon Wireless and USA Technologies Partner to Deliver Industry-Leading Cashless Payments Services and M2M Solutions for Vending

Verizon Wireless and USA Technologies, Inc. announced a collaboration that the companies believe will accelerate the adoption of small-ticket, wireless, cashless payment services and machine-to-machine applications via USA Technologies’ ePort Connect Service.

The solution currently offered by USA Technologies will now include the Verizon Wireless network for connectivity that enables wireless point-of-sale payments at vending machines via credit and debit cards. Additionally, USA Technologies expects to benefit from Verizon Wireless’ Machine to Machine Management Center portal managed through nPhase, a Verizon Wireless-Qualcomm joint venture and pioneer in helping business ease deployment and management of M2M applications.

Being a partner with nPhase, we have seen the nPhase portal and all of the additional features it comes with. It seems that this collaboration was a great way to grow both businesses’ ventures in the M2M world. We will have to wait to see this final product but it seems they are on the right track to creating the turnkey solution that the vending machine market could likely embrace.