Scaling IoT Networks: Practical Solutions for Your Growth

Introduction: More Than Just Hardware

TEKTELIC Communications is well-known for its high-quality gateways, which are essential for building strong and reliable IoT networks. But there’s more to TEKTELIC than just hardware. The company offers comprehensive solutions tailored to address specific challenges faced by businesses in deploying and managing IoT networks.

This article explains how TEKTELIC not only delivers top-notch gateways but also offers strategies to address specific business problems, helping networks perform better and grow easily.

The Challenge

While the current setup is functioning, issues may arise from third-party trackers sending updates every 15 seconds, each with a payload of 28 bytes. This creates network strain, duty cycle limitations, and packet loss, especially as the number of sensors increases from 250 to 1,500. The existing 8-channel gateway can support only 300 devices.

Continue reading to see how TEKTELIC has addressed this challenge.

Why Solving Specific Scalability Issues Matters

Every business has unique challenges when it comes to IoT (Internet of Things) that require customized solutions. From coverage issues, scalability issues to managing thousands of devices, finding the right solution is very important for smooth operations of IoT infrastructure and achieving goals. TEKTELIC’s approach is to understand these specific challenges and provide efficient device management solutions that improve network performance and scalability.

Understanding the Current IoT Networks Challenges

Current Setup & Performance

The current IoT network includes several gateways, designed to ensure connectivity across a specified area, along with third-party trackers. While gateways do provide reliable coverage, metal structures and other environmental factors reduce signal strength in some areas. Despite these obstacles, the uplink (UL) strength is good, thanks to careful planning during setup.

Uplink Timing and Packet Loss Issues

A major scalability challenges lies in the timing between uplinks, which refers to how frequently third-party trackers send updates. Currently, these trackers report every 15 seconds with an average payload of 28 bytes. This setup, combined with a high spreading factor, has resulted in duty cycle limitations and packet loss. With 250 sensors already connected and plans to scale up to 1,500, the network is under significant strain. The existing 8-channel gateway can support only 300 devices, making an upgrade essential.

TEKTELIC’s Tailored Solutions

Gateway Solutions: KONA Mega for Scaling Up

TEKTELIC provides a range of gateways designed to meet diverse network requirements.

The KONA Enterprise gateway is ideal for moderate device loads, while the KONA Mega gateway is built for larger-scale deployments.

In this case, upgrading to three KONA Mega gateways is recommended to support the expected increase in connected devices.

This upgrade ensures the network can accommodate the expanded sensor deployment while maintaining optimal performance in the dynamic IoT landscape.

Adjustments Needed for Optimal Performance

Optimizing network performance requires adjustments to uplink timing and the spreading factor. Increasing the time between uplinks to at least 20 seconds and using a spreading factor between SF7 and SF9 can help mitigate duty cycle constraints and reduce packet loss.

These changes will significantly improve the network’s capacity to handle more devices, as shown in the following calculations:

Payload size: 28 bytes

Time between UL (seconds):

• 15 seconds supports 1,201 devices
• 20 seconds supports 1,585 devices
• 30 seconds supports 2,402 devices

Implementing these adjustments will ensure that the network remains robust and efficient as the number of connected devices increases.

Expansion Plans

Current and Future Sensor Deployment

The current deployment includes 250 sensors, with plans to scale up to 1,500. This growth requires a strategic approach to ensure the network can handle the increased IoT data without a drop in performance.

TEKTELIC’s Solutions are designed to support this expansion and fast growth of data volumes through scalable gateway options and network optimization strategies.

Recommendations for Scaling Up

To successfully scale the network, the following steps are recommended:

1. Upgrade to Kona Mega Gateways: Deploy three KONA Mega gateways to support the increased number of devices.
2. Adjust Uplink Parameters: Increase the time between uplinks and adjust the spreading factor to optimize network capacity.
3. Conduct Regular Network Assessments: Continuously monitor network performance and make necessary adjustments to maintain optimal operation of IoT platform.

These recommendations will ensure that the network can support future growth while maintaining high performance, interoperability and reliability.

Conclusion

Summary of TEKTELIC’s Capabilities

TEKTELIC Communications goes beyond providing high-quality gateways. We deliver tailored solutions that address specific IoT ecosystem challenges, ensuring enhanced network performance and scalability. By understanding the unique needs of each business or IoT projects, TEKTELIC empowers organizations to achieve their goals with confidence.

Expanding IoT Solutions: From Trackers to Smart Cities

From asset trackers to smart water meters and lighting solutions, TEKTELIC is dedicated to solving real-world challenges through innovative IoT technology. The company’s extensive portfolio – including the KONA Enterprise, KONA Macro, KONA Mega, and KONA Photon gateways – empowers municipalities and utility companies to achieve ambitious KPIs while managing vast deployments of smart devices, such as water meters.

As demand for smart city and smart homes solutions continues to rise, TEKTELIC remains a trusted leader, delivering scalable and reliable connectivity and innovative multitude of devices to meet the evolving needs of modern infrastructure.

With TEKTELIC, organizations can confidently embrace IoT, knowing they have the right tools to drive operational efficiency, capability and sustainability.

TEKTELIC’s gateways are designed with scalability at their core, enabling municipalities and utility companies to expand their networks seamlessly as their requirements grow. The company’s portfolio ensures businesses can adapt to changing demands without sacrificing performance or reliability.