Avnet helps you open your mind! Check out these new Sigfox-based applications

Domestic Low-Power Wide-Area Internet of Things (LPWAN) developers often discuss NB-IoT and LoRa, while Sigfox, another LPWAN technology, is less frequently discussed. However, Sigfox, founded in 2009, is considered one of the earliest companies to enter the LPWAN field. After nearly a decade of development, and particularly the challenges of recent market competition, Sigfox has firmly established itself and confidently competes with other LPWAN technologies in the market.

It is no accident that Sigfox has reached this point. We can summarize Sigfox's competitive advantage in three words: cool technology, new model, and wide application.

Figure 1. Sigfox network structure (Image source: Avnet)

Technically, the Sigfox network operating in the Sub-GHz unlicensed frequency band adopts a unique ultra-narrowband wireless (UNB) technology, which optimizes the definition of communication data communication - sending 140 messages per day, 12 bytes per message, and a wireless throughput of 100bps - so in comparison with NB-IoT and LoRa, it has the lowest power consumption (only 50~100 microwatts), high sensitivity, and the maximum communication distance can theoretically reach 30-50 kilometers, which is very suitable for IoT applications that require effective data transmission over long distances.

From a business model perspective, Sigfox has adopted an innovative business model: Sigfox owns and provides a full range of services from background data and cloud services to terminal software. This software-based communication solution allows all network and computing complexities to be managed in the cloud rather than on the terminal device, thereby greatly reducing the power consumption and cost of connected devices. Currently, the cost of Sigfox RF modules can be as low as US$2, effectively reducing the user's entry cost.

At the same time, Sigfox's open approach to the device market and network operations has attracted the participation of numerous chip and solution companies, as well as partner operators, forming a growing ecosystem. Participants in the Sigfox ecosystem can establish their own business and partnership models based on their expertise. For example, Avnet leverages its resources as a global technology distributor to serve as a multi-party connector within the Sigfox IoT ecosystem, helping customers and other partners accelerate the development and implementation of Sigfox networks.

Whether through technological uniqueness or innovative business models, Sigfox's goal is to rapidly integrate its technology into various IoT applications, establishing it as a de facto "standard." After nearly a decade of development, Sigfox has become one of the most widely deployed LPWAN technologies in IoT and M2M applications, with numerous proven use cases in smart cities, public administration, agriculture, asset tracking, smart homes, industry, insurance, IoT, retail, and smart part-time jobs.

Here we share several commercial use cases developed by Avnet based on Sigfox , which will undoubtedly provide valuable insights.

The construction industry is a key application scenario for LPWAN. Avnet has transformed hard hats, a must-have item on construction sites, into smart devices. These smart hard hats not only accurately determine the wearer's location through GPS + BLE on-site positioning technology, but also monitor their health status (heart rate, body temperature, etc.) and environmental safety data (such as gas detection). This data is transmitted to the cloud via the Sigfox network for analysis and processing, making construction site management safer and more efficient.

Figure 2: Avnet's Sigfox-based smart helmet solution

Modern agriculture is becoming increasingly sophisticated, striving to maximize yield per unit area. Avnet's horticultural IoT sensor node solution meets this development trend. These IoT sensors allow agricultural technicians to easily monitor key factors such as soil temperature, soil moisture, atmospheric humidity, and air temperature. Sensor data transmitted via the Sigfox network can then be further analyzed and studied, significantly improving agricultural productivity. Sigfox is ideally suited for agricultural IoT applications, with its wide coverage, low data transmission rates, and low power consumption.

Figure 3: Avnet transmits agricultural IoT sensor data via the Sigfox network for analysis and research by crop users.

As cities grow larger, the challenges of urban management become increasingly complex. Avnet has innovatively integrated GPS tracking and ultrasonic sensing into its Sigfox solution. GPS provides precise location information, while ultrasonic sensors can detect liquid levels. This further enhances the functionality of Sigfox applications. In smart city management, this multifunctional Sigfox solution has a wide range of applications, from obtaining vehicle location information in parking lots to monitoring the level of water tanks and trash cans.

Figure 4: Avnet's Sigfox solution integrating GPS and ultrasonic sensing

If you feel like your imagination has been opened up after reading the above use cases, don’t stop! Sigfox and Sigfox ecosystem partners like Avnet will always find a way to make your ideas a reality!