Sep 27 2017
At the Sigfox World IoT Expo, Sigfox reaches a new milestone in the history of IoT, as it launches a suite of new services that will connect billions of wireless devices that are not yet connected to the internet.
This game-changing development has been made possible by the cognitive capabilities of the Sigfox network and its Software Define Radio technology, where all the network and computing complexity is managed in the Cloud rather than on the device. This enables Sigfox to constantly improve its network features and make them available by simple software upgrade.
Connecting the unconnected
Admiral Ivory is a simplified connectivity service which now makes it possible to transform any short- range wireless device into a long-range IoT, with a hardware component as little as $0.20, as simple as the one that you find in a garage door remote control.
Unlike other services currently available on the market, Admiral Ivory opens the door to creating connected, disposable assets and one-time IoT applications. Imagine being able to connect and track small parcels and letters. Through Admiral Ivory, this will be technically and economically possible – presenting a significant opportunity for industrial packing, logistics and retail industries.
This complements Sigfox’s ultra-low-cost connectivity solution, now named Sigfox Admiral Blue. The technology enables inexpensive modules from as little as $2 to send tiny packets of information over long distances, while using very little power.
Together, these services are set to enable millions of entry-level devices to gain internet connectivity.
IoT Connectivity anywhere: Cognition service
Most IoT applications are sold and operated locally. However, manufacturers looking to export their devices around the world need to be able to deliver devices that can run in any part of the world, if they are to achieve economies of scale.
In response, Sigfox announces its new Sigfox Monarch cognitive service, which offers seamless connectivity worldwide by allowing IoT devices to recognize and automatically adapt to local communications standards.
Sigfox’s technology operates in unlicensed bands worldwide, with radio frequencies ranging from 862 to 928 MHz. Using unlicensed bands enable devices to send their data to the cloud while using little power, at very low cost. Sigfox Monarch provides a unique radio recognition service enabling devices to manage the radio frequency changes, without any additional hardware such as GPS or Wi-Fi chipset.
By enabling ‘globe trotter’ assets that can seamlessly adapt as they move across borders, Monarch represents a game-changer for logistics, freight, and consumer goods industries. Lost luggage will become a distant memory thanks to Sigfox Monarch, as the luggage can be tracked worldwide. It will also allow manufacturers, including consumer electronics and white goods, to have a single hardware design for products sold around the world.
Location Service
These new services add an extra layer of functionality and value to the existing Sigfox geolocation service. Atlas, previously known as Sigfox Geolocation, is the world’s lowest cost integrated geolocation function. It uses radio-signal analysis to determine the device’s location. Unlike GPS, the service does not increase power consumption and requires no extra hardware, beyond the already-integrated Sigfox chip.
“Each of these services radically reduce the costs and barriers to entry for manufacturers that want to break into the IoT market. Manufacturers will benefit from faster time to market, lower cost of production and the ability to deliver greater customization for each device.”
— Ludovic Le Moan, CEO of Sigfox.
New simplified onboarding process
In addition to its newly announced services, Sigfox has also launched a new, streamlined, onboarding process, Sigfox Sunrise. Designed to help partners cut their development time and costs, Sunrise includes:
- Sigfox Partner Network: the one-stop source for all resources partners need for their IoT project, from hardware to devices, development kits, platforms and end-to-end solutions. Visit Partner Network.
- Sigfox BUILD: an online portal dedicated to supporting device makers and solution providers at every stage of their journey, from designing to certification and scalability of IoT projects. Visit Sigfox Build.
- Sigfox BUY: this new service makes it easy and fast for partners, developers, universities, anyone to quickly buy Sigfox devices and connect them to the Sigfox global IoT network, with a starter offer at 10 devices.