Successful IoT for Soil, Plant, and Environmental Monitoring
ICT International have been developing connected soil, plant, and environmental monitoring systems since 2010. Originally using a 2.4GHz self-healing mesh system connected using 3G cellular networks, this has been replaced with full Internet of Things systems using LoRaWAN or CAT-M1/NB-IoT.
This background in communication solutions (combined with robust sensors, instruments, and devices) has led to ICT International having the knowledge and expertise to deploy sensor networks globally.
Which IoT communication system will work for my installation?
ICT International IoT devices are compatible with either LoRaWAN or CAT-M1/NB-IoT. Each communication option provides benefits, but also limitations.
- LoRaWAN:
- Need gateway (can be hard to install with a WiFi or Ethernet connection into a university or corporate system – are available with Cellular (SIM card) connection)
- No ongoing data collection costs
- CAT-M1/NB-IoT:
- Ongoing data costs
- no gateway required
As important as the communication system chosen is the installation of devices and positioning of gateways. This is different for each frequency used, and therefore some LoRaWAN networks will have a greater range than others. Environmental elements (such as trees and buildings) also impact signal behaviour.
When deploying a new LoRaWAN netwrok, it is beneficial to test signal strength and behaviour. Within the IoT Dashboards from ICT International it is possible to examine the Signal Noise Ratio (SNR), RSSI, and Packet Count. These three values combined can be used to identify the limits of the LoRaWAN network in terms of range.
- SNR
- RSSI
- Packet Count
Glossary of Terms used
- Sensor: converts a physical property into an electrical signal that can be directly related (using first principles) to a biophysical activity.
- Meter: the reading of the sensor output, and subsequent conversion into a meaningful output for later analysis. Able to perform calculations from the raw measurements for subsequent analysis of derived values.
- Instrument: a combination of the sensor and meter, often with internal data storage. Contains power (battery) and power supply control (charging circuit).
- Device: an instrument with internet connectivity (either through LoRaWAN or Cellular) that can transmit the collected data to a cloud-based platform
- Gateway: a LoRaWAN unit connected to the internet via either WiFi, Ethernet, or Cellular. This will direct the LoRaWAN data to the chosen cloud-based endpoint or local server.
- LoRaWAN:
- CAT-M1/NB-IoT: