Category: CTI Latest News

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Technologies related to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) have significantly improved operational efficiency across a multitude of industries by incorporating wireless devices. However, in contrast to conventional Internet of Things (IoT), these devices require specific wireless features for effective integration.

These specific wireless features are primarily dictated by the antenna solutions they utilise, ultimately dictating the level of a devices’ capability in fulfilling their specialised roles within a network. This blog explored the differences between the two, explains the unique wireless requirements, and underscores the critical importance of antenna performance

IoT and IIoT – What’s the difference…

IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses individual devices designed to operate with one another via a wireless network. These devices vary greatly from sensors and switches to integrated software-driven devices tailored for specific tasks. These devices are versatile and often serve multiple functions as part of an interconnected network.

Predominantly targeting consumer electronics and devices, IoT applications such as smart homes, wearable gadgets, and wireless appliances, all work together seamlessly; for example, a smartwatch can communicate with heaters and kettles to turn on when the user wakes up.

IIoT

The Industrial Internet of Things adheres to similar principles as the conventional IoT, comprising a network of individual devices working toward a common objective. The key difference lies in the specialisation of IIoT networks for industrial applications, as opposed to consumer devices.

IIoT networks are widely utilised in sectors like environmental monitoring, agriculture, and construction, where they enhance operational efficiency through wireless device collaboration. In IIoT, devices typically serve specific functions, in contrast to the broader roles of IoT devices.

Wireless Requirements for IIoT:

Conventional IoT networks involve a smaller number of devices that require a balanced set of wireless features. Bandwidth, range, and latency are carefully considered, making technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi ideal for devices in close proximity that exchange substantial data.

In contrast, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks necessitate unique wireless features, requiring specialised wireless technologies. These networks may host hundreds of individual nodes across extensive areas but transmit small amounts of data. Consequently, increased connection range and reduced power consumption take precedence, while factors like throughput are of lesser importance.

The are a vast amount of dedicated IIoT wireless technologies available dependant on the application. Examples include LoRa, LPWAN, and narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), designed for long-range, low-power applications.

The Significance of Antenna Performance:

Industrial Internet of Things devices demand specific features from their antenna solutions. Frequently located in remote areas and required to operate over extended periods, these devices can be characterised by compact form factors. As a result, IIoT antennas must meet the following criteria:

  • Efficiency Any Antenna must offer high performance while significantly reducing power consumption, ensuring devices can operate reliably without frequent replacements.
  • Compactness Given the presence of numerous small devices in an IIoT network, embedded antennas are required to be both compact and reliable.
  • Performance Playing vital roles in various operations and processes, IIoT devices necessitate consistent high performance.

High-Performance Antennas for IIoT Without Compromise:

Presenting a unique set of requirements distinct from its IoT counterpart, designers must select antennas capable of meeting these diverse requirements without compromising on any one aspect.

At CTi we can offer high-performance antenna solutions that satisfy these multifaceted requirements. Our extensive product range encompasses various types and technologies, ensuring compatibility with any design.

Our high-end solutions can be easily integrated and consistently exhibit exceptional performance when installed in any device.

For more information on how our antennas can elevate your IIoT project, do not hesitate to contact a member of our team today.

Call +44(0)1420 470615 or email rf.eu@aampglobal.com

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The switch off of both 2G & 3G frequency bands will no doubt change the landscape of mobile communication technologies. As the UK transitions towards a more advanced and efficient network infrastructure, this move holds both promise and challenges for the industry. 


Below, we explore a number of facts, figures, and statistics surrounding the switch-off and discuss the key issues it poses for businesses across the country.

  • The 2G network, introduced in the UK in the early 1990s, enabled voice calls and basic text messaging services. Meanwhile, the 3G network, launched in 2003, introduced mobile data and internet connectivity, ushering in the era of smartphones.
  • According to Ofcom, as of 2021, approximately 99% of UK premises had access to 4G coverage, with around 85% of the country receiving 5G signals.
  • As the demand for faster data speeds and enhanced network capabilities grows, older technologies such as 2G and 3G have become outdated. This shift has paved the way for repurposing the frequency bands for newer technologies, like 4G and 5G.
  • The planned switch off of 2G and 3G networks across the UK is expected to be completed by 2025, as network providers gradually decommission the infrastructure and reallocate spectrum resources.

Key Issues for Industry

  1. Legacy Systems and Infrastructure: Many businesses and organizations still rely on 2G and 3G networks to operate critical systems, including remote monitoring, payment processing, and security systems. The switch off poses challenges for those that have not yet migrated to newer technologies.
  2. Compatibility and Upgrades: The transition to newer network technologies requires significant investment in hardware and software upgrades. Companies must ensure their devices, applications, and services are compatible with 4G and 5G networks, which may lead to additional costs and complexities.
  3. Geographic Coverage: Although the UK has made significant progress in expanding 4G and 5G coverage, some rural areas may still experience limited or no access to these networks. The switch off of 2G and 3G may exacerbate the digital divide, impacting businesses operating in such areas.
  4. Customer Base: Some customers still rely on feature phones or older devices that only support 2G or 3G networks. Switching off these networks may leave certain demographics, particularly elderly or low-income individuals, without access to reliable mobile services.
  5. Network Congestion: The decommissioning of 2G and 3G networks will result in increased reliance on 4G and 5G networks. Providers must ensure their infrastructure can handle the growing data demands and prevent network congestion, particularly in densely populated areas or during peak times.
LTE Antenna
2G 3G Switch Off
2G 3G Switch-Off

The switch off of 2G and 3G frequency bands in the UK marks a significant step towards an advanced, interconnected mobile ecosystem. While the transition promises improved network capabilities and increased efficiency, it presents challenges for businesses across the country. Legacy systems, compatibility issues, geographic coverage, customer base considerations, and network congestion are among the key concerns that need to be addressed.

To mitigate these challenges, collaboration between network providers, businesses, and the government is essential. Efforts should focus on providing adequate support for businesses to upgrade their systems, ensuring seamless migration, and addressing the digital divide to foster an inclusive and connected society.

Is your business is facing the task of upgrading your systems with the planned switch off of both 2G & 3G frequencies?

If so, dont hesitate to visit our website for a comprehensive range of 4G & LTE solutions and be at the front of the queue to avoid possible logistical challenges.

Alternatively, contact our sales team on our soon to be launched collection of 5G solutions that will offer even more possibilities and options in future-proofing your communication requirements. 

 

About CTi

We design and manufacture high quality, innovative antenna products and solutions. Our range includes but is not limited to GPS, GPRS/GSM, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Glonass, Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, 5G and DAB.

With locations in the UK and Far East, we have a reputation for engineering excellence offering end to end solutions with full support through the design, manufacturing, and installation stages of any project.

CTi is a brand of AAMP Global. For more information please visit aampantennas.com or email rf.eu@aampglobal.com

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With an estimated 620,000 electric vehicles and more than 440,000 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) currently on UK roads, the increasing demand for EV Charging Points continues to surge with more than 29,000 new vehicles registered in November 2022, an increase of 35.2% compared to the previous year and following a 23.4% rise in Oct 2022.

More EV’s mean more EV Charging points

The growth of the EV market is expected to accelerate even further in the coming years as the UK prepares itself for the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales, with the sale of electric vehicles to outstrip traditional internal combustion by the end of 2022 as drivers look for cleaner and cheaper alternatives.

With increased demand across the market showing no signs of slowing, car makers such as Nissan, Tesla, Ford and Vauxhall have all expanded their model line-ups to include affordable plug-in models meaning more than 40% of existing models are available as a plug-in option, with Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz going one step further and developing their electric-only ID and EQ models respectively.

Increased demand for EV vehicles naturally brings with it the requirement for increased EV charging points. With the number of publicly accessible facilities standing at just over 34,000 across the UK, it is clear there is some way to go to meet the target of 300,000 by the end of the decade as part of the government’s £2.1 billion pound strategy to bring EV infrastructure to the masses and build on the previously announced £1.5 billion for construction of a network on UK motorways by 2035.

Although connected to the power grid and more often than not placed in convenient easy to access locations each EV charging point requires high-quality reliable communication capabilities and whilst fixed data networks are available across the country, this cannot be taken for granted given the complexities as well as both time and cost implications of running cables to hundreds, if not thousands of spaces in charging areas.

EV Charging Point Network

Wireless communication and antenna solutions provide a cost-effective solution to rapidly connect charging sites, whilst a consistent & reliable connection is essential to allow operators to monitor the status of each site in real-time, book maintenance, understand demand and ensure correct payment. In situations where fixed line connections are available, an additional wireless back can also help ensure a charge point remains operational. In this competitive market in which customers rely intensively on access to charging, long periods of downtime for CPOs could mean reputational damage along with lost revenue from non-operational sites.

Here at CTI we have designed and developed a comprehensive range of antenna solutions perfect for use across the EV charging industry. 

From a Single Antenna such as our LTE or GNSS products, Combination Antennas or Multi-Input, Multi-Output (MiMo) solutions suitable for multiple technologies our products provide a reliable & consistent signal for data transfer.

Find out more about CTi and our communication & tracking antennas, bespoke cables and telematics solutions and accessories by clicking here

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Wearable technology has come along leaps and bounds in recent years, whether used for entertainment purposes in the form of a smart watch or medical reasons such as an insulin monitor for diabetics. The technology has now entered the sports arena with many sports teams using a variety of trackers and devices to help them track players movements and their health outputs. This helps the player work at their optimum levels and deliver premiership performances that led the Lionesses to being the Women’s Euro 2022 Champions.