Advantages of Narrow-Band Data over Cellular

Communicating using narrow-band licensed radio channels has some advantages over using cellular data networks. Obviously the bandwidth is lower, but range, addressing, building penetration, and ease of integration makes DART and narrow-band data radio the right choice for some wireless data networks.

  1. Static IDs.

    1. All Wireless Devices on the network have a static ID.
    2. Any WD may also be assigned to one or more user defined groups.
    3. No need to “dial”, “call” or initiate a connection.
    4. Sending data to any Wireless Device is easy, deterministic, and fast.

  2. Messages can be broadcast to groups or individual WDs.

    1. One message broadcast over the air to the group or
    2. One message sequentially and automatically delivered to all members
    3. Group broadcasts are sent out on all base stations communicating with WDs in the group.

  3. Building Penetration.

    1. Base stations can be higher power than cellular.
    2. DART receiver sensitivity is much better than cellular modems because of the narrow channel.
    3. Link margin on narrow-band channels is better than broadband.
    4. Lower-frequency (VHF, UHF,…) means it will penetrate buildings better.
    5. DART and HYPER are optimized for narrow-band communications, at data rates as low as 1200 baud.
    6. Robust FEC and automatic re-transmission enables messages to be sent over long distances.

  4. DART modems support serial data.

    1. All have simple data-in/data-out modes where no packet formatting or additional protocols are required.
    2. MODBUS and similar protocols should work without needing special coding.
    3. Master Gateway translates IP to serial enabling TCP/IP connections to communicate with serial devices connected to WDs.
    4. Legacy hardware needed M2M communications often support only RS232 serial.

  5. Lowest Cost of Ownership.

    1. DART Base Stations are much less expensive than cellular.
    2. DART base stations cover 10 times the area of a typical cell site.
    3. When trying to connect large numbers of devices and meters to the Internet Of Things, the savings in cost using licensed channels is enormous.

  6. System Control.

    1. You can own the complete DART M2M system. DART is economical and easy to setup.
    2. When you own the system, you can manage the priority, security, and access as you wish.
    3. If you own your own DART M2M system:
      1. It will stay running when the cellular carriers overload
      2. Run when the cell system is shut down
      3. Run when the cellular carriers discontinue service or change generations.
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