The Low Cost Tracker

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Communication Technologies

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Communication Technologies

  • Cellular Networks (LTE/2G/3G): The LCT is primarily designed to communicate over cellular networks to ensure broad coverage and long-range capabilities. This allows the device to send periodic location updates to the cloud for tracking.
  • LoRa: Like the Level Meter, LoRa can be used in remote locations where cellular coverage is weak. The LCT can also send low-power, long-range signals for asset tracking in challenging environments.
  • GPS and GNSS: The device uses GPS (Global Positioning System) or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) to track the location and movement of assets.
  • Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): For short-range communication and proximity-based tracking (such as when within a specified radius of a base station).

Sensors and Data Collection

The LCT typically collects and transmits data related to:

  • GPS location: Coordinates to track the movement of assets.
  • Battery level: Low battery alerts to ensure continuous operation.
  • Geofence: Sends a notification when the tracker moves outside a predefined geographical area.
  • Accelerometer: Detects movement or impact, useful for monitoring if the asset has been disturbed or moved.

Example of Data Transmission

Payload: The tracker sends its data to the cloud platform with the following format:

{
\"device_id\": \"LCT987654\",
\"location\": {
\"latitude\": 40.748817,
\"longitude\": -73.985428
},
\"motion_detected\": true,
\"battery_level\": 60,
\"geofence_crossed\": true
}

OTA Updates for Low-Cost Tracker (LCT)

The Low-Cost Tracker (LCT) is designed primarily for asset tracking, and keeping its firmware up-to-date is essential for ensuring reliable location tracking, power management, and new feature deployments. OTA updates on the LCT enable the same core benefits as the Level Meter, with added importance for remote asset management and improved security.

How OTA Works for LCT:

  1. Firmware Update Process:

    • Similar to the Level Meter, the LCT connects to a cloud-based server, checks for new firmware versions, and begins the download process once an update is available.
    • Firmware or configuration updates (such as new location tracking algorithms or battery management routines) are validated to ensure correctness before installation.
    • The device installs the update and reboots automatically, ensuring seamless functionality.

  2. Update Methods:

    • MQTT: The LCT can use MQTT to receive the update commands and initiate the download from the cloud. Once the firmware is downloaded, it gets installed.
    • LoRa: In cases where traditional cellular communication is not feasible, OTA updates can be sent via LoRa networks, especially for devices deployed in remote areas with limited infrastructure.
    • HTTP/HTTPS: HTTP/HTTPS is commonly used when the LCT has cellular connectivity, enabling secure transmission of firmware and configuration updates.

  3. Example of LCT Firmware Update Payload:

{
\"device_id\": \"LCT987654\",
\"update_type\": \"configuration\",
\"version\": \"v1.5.2\",
\"url\": \"https://server.com/firmware/LCT_v1.5.2.bin\",
\"checksum\": \"9f86d081884c7d65b1b42e7c397a4b1b06e3e3a5a528fefabb5905595452411\",
\"signature\": \"MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEAqzJZQivqjyKq2vw1wC6EKvWz1X6\"
}

LoRa Connectivity in the LCT (Low-Cost Tracker)

The Low-Cost Tracker (LCT) supports LoRa (Long Range) communication, enabling low-power, long-distance data transmission for IoT applications.

1. How LoRa Works in the LCT

  • The LCT transmits small data packets over long distances using LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network).
  • Unlike cellular networks, LoRa operates on unlicensed frequencies, reducing connectivity costs.
  • The device connects to LoRa gateways, which then forward the data to the central IoT platform.

2. Key Advantages of LoRa in the LCT

Low Power Consumption → Extends battery life, ideal for remote tracking.
Long-Range Communication → Up to 10-15 km in rural areas, 2-5 km in urban areas.
Cost-Effective → No need for cellular subscriptions.
Deep Indoor Penetration → Works where GPS and cellular signals fail.

3. LoRa Use Cases for the LCT

  • Asset Tracking → Monitor the movement of goods or equipment in warehouses or open fields.
  • Environmental Monitoring → Transmit temperature or motion sensor data from remote areas.
  • Security & Tampering Detection → Send alerts if unauthorized movement is detected.

4. LoRa Communication Workflow in LCT

  1. Sensor Activation → The LCT collects data from sensors (temperature, accelerometer, etc.).
  2. LoRa Transmission → The device sends a low-power data packet via LoRa.
  3. LoRa Gateway Reception → A nearby LoRa gateway captures the signal.
  4. Data Forwarding → The gateway forwards data to the IoT platform via the LoRaWAN network server.
  5. Cloud Processing → Data is analyzed, and rules (e.g., alerts) are applied.

5. LoRa Data Transmission & Payload Example

LoRa payload example from the LCT, showing sensor readings:

{
  \"device_id\": \"LCT-12345\",
  \"temperature\": 22.5,
  \"motion\": true,
  \"battery\": 85,
  \"timestamp\": \"2025-04-01T12:00:00Z\"
}

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Connectivity in the LCT (Low-Cost Tracker)

The Low-Cost Tracker (LCT) supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for short-range, energy-efficient communication, enabling interaction with nearby devices such as smartphones, beacons, and IoT gateways.

1. How BLE Works in the LCT

  • BLE allows the LCT to transmit small data packets to paired devices within a range of 10-50 meters.
  • The device can broadcast data (advertising mode) or establish connections for two-way communication.
  • BLE is optimized for low power consumption, preserving battery life.

2. Key Advantages of BLE in the LCT

Energy Efficient → Designed for ultra-low power consumption.
Short-Range Communication → Ideal for local interactions with mobile apps or nearby IoT hubs.
Fast Data Transfer → BLE enables quick sensor data updates in real-time.
Works in No-Connectivity Areas → BLE functions without WiFi, LoRa, or cellular networks.

3. BLE Use Cases for the LCT

  • Mobile App Integration → Users can configure and monitor the LCT from a smartphone.
  • Proximity-Based Tracking → Detects nearby BLE beacons or interacts with IoT hubs.
  • Firmware Updates (OTA via BLE) → Allows Over-the-Air (OTA) firmware updates when connected to a phone or gateway.
  • Access Control → BLE-based authentication for secure interactions.

4. BLE Communication Workflow in LCT

  1. Device Scanning → The LCT scans for nearby BLE-enabled devices (phones, gateways).
  2. Connection Establishment → If a trusted device is detected, a BLE connection is initiated.
  3. Data Transmission → The LCT sends sensor readings, battery status, or alerts via BLE.
  4. Cloud Synchronization → The connected device (e.g., smartphone) forwards data to the cloud if internet access is available.

5. BLE Data Transmission & Payload Example

Here’s a sample BLE payload from the LCT, showing sensor data:

{
\"device_id\": \"LCT-56789\",
\"temperature\": 21.8,
\"battery\": 90,
\"motion_detected\": false,
\"timestamp\": \"2025-04-01T14:00:00Z\"
}

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