Iridium Satellite Network
M2M Communications is an application developer for the Iridium network.
Iridium is a global satellite data communications company. Their Short Burst Data (SBD) service provides reliable, two-way data communications around the world through a global network of 66 fully operational low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites and accompanying ground infrastructure. The SBD service is ideal for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications.
Iridium’s products are installed on trucks, trailers, rail cars, containers, heavy equipment, fluid tanks, utility meters, pipelines, marine vessels, oil wells and other assets. The system can send and receive short messages in near real-time, allowing users to access critical information readily, often from areas beyond the geographic reach of terrestrial systems.
How It Works – Iridium SBD Brochure
M2M Communications products with Iridium SBD compatible modems operate anywhere in the world. These products are readily available today and the prices have dropped significantly over the past few years. However both the product cost and the monthly airtime cost remain higher than products with cellular based models.
While most populated areas in North America do offer good cellular coverage, there are still large remote geographical areas where cellular coverage is simply not available. For these areas, and anywhere outside of North America, Iridium may be the answer.
Short Burst Data:
- Works anywhere -- but does require an outdoor antenna with a clear view of the sky
- Data Capacity: 270 bytes to the unit, 340 bytes from the unit
- No need for cellular coverage or any local accounts
- Simple Installation – Simply provide power and a connection to the device to be monitored, and turn it on. The unit will automatically register with the Iridium network and report to the M2MCOMM web site.
- Medium to Fast Latency Times – SBD data typically require only ~ 20-30 seconds to transmit to (or from) a module. Occasional latencies of 1-8 minutes will occur.