With the advancement of society, mobile location tracking has increasingly captured people's attention. Whether it's ensuring the safety of the elderly and children or managing valuable assets, this field represents a significant market opportunity. To achieve mobile tracking, it requires multiple layers of terminal devices, communication networks, and management platforms working together. Currently, wearable products like smartwatches and bracelets can offer limited functionality. However, the homogenization of these applications restricts industry growth. Therefore, integrating more advanced positioning features into these devices is essential for enriching their capabilities.
In terms of communication networks, traditional 3G and 4G technologies consume a lot of power and are costly, which deters many users. The emergence of low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technologies such as eMTC and NB-IoT offers a more efficient solution for large-scale mobile positioning. These technologies provide extended battery life, better coverage, and cost-effective connectivity, making them ideal for asset tracking applications.
2016 marked the beginning of LPWAN technology. After 3GPP finalized the NB-IoT standard, major Chinese operators started investing heavily in its deployment. The question remains: what role will LPWAN play in asset location tracking? A theme salon hosted by Qualcomm and the IoT Think Tank in Beijing explored this topic. Companies like Xiamen Yujun, Zhongyou Ruifei, and Gelian Technology, along with module manufacturers such as Simcom and China Mobile, participated in in-depth discussions on the subject.
Different application scenarios require different LPWAN technologies. The vision of the "Internet of Everything" cannot be achieved by a single communication technology. Existing cellular networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and GPS all serve specific needs. Communication technologies determine the diversity of IoT applications. LPWAN will coexist with other technologies, offering a range of options tailored to different use cases.
Qualcomm’s Liao Xianjun explained that NB-IoT is ideal for applications like mining and metering due to its deep coverage and low power consumption, while eMTC supports voice and mobility, making it suitable for mobile asset management. Non-standard LPWANs like LoRa offer flexibility for specialized applications.
eMTC holds significant market potential. China Mobile has been conducting trials with eMTC, recently completing the first eMTC data transmission in China using Ericsson’s wireless network and Qualcomm’s MDM9206 modem. With ongoing improvements in LPWAN technologies, IoT applications are expected to see a real breakthrough.
In asset tracking, different technologies are needed depending on the asset type. Static assets may benefit from RFID, while dynamic tracking requires secure GPS and cellular networks. The IoT era is characterized by the coexistence of multiple technologies.
Why does asset tracking need LPWAN? It meets key requirements: low cost, high connection density, and security. LPWAN reduces costs and enables large-scale deployment, making it vital for tracking pets, vehicles, and more. Security is also critical. According to HP research, 70% of connected devices lack proper security, but LTE-based solutions offer strong end-to-end protection.
Qualcomm emphasizes scalability, proven security, and industry collaboration. Its hardware-based security integrates with chips, reducing the need for additional components. This ensures robust protection across various environments.
GPS and other positioning technologies play a key role in real-time tracking. Unlike QR codes or RFID, which only monitor fixed locations, eMTC retains LTE’s mobile positioning feature, combining low power consumption with accurate tracking.
Low power consumption is crucial for passive devices. LPWAN technologies like NB-IoT and eMTC can last for years on a single battery, making them ideal for long-term tracking.
Real-world examples include shared bicycles, where LPWAN helps reduce loss rates and improve recovery. Industrial asset management benefits from LPWAN by enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Wearable devices are also evolving with LPWAN, offering improved performance and longer battery life.
In conclusion, asset tracking is a growing market with vast potential. LPWAN plays a central role in enabling mass connectivity, and the combination of these two fields promises exciting developments. As networks expand, the future of IoT and asset tracking looks promising.
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