Arrow Electronics
Intelligent Systems/ M2M Solutions
M2M Solution Architecture and Network
Connectivity Tradeoffs
Steve Weeres
M2M Business Development Manager
sweeres@arrow.com
Agenda/Topics
–Arrow M2M Ecosystem
–M2M Demonstration/Applications
–Technology Tradeoffs: Network Access/Cellular vs
Wi-Fi
– System Tradeoffs
– Cellular Connectivity Technology Overview
– Wi-Fi Connectivity Technology Overview
–Supporting Services
– Cellular Carrier Services for M2M
– Cloud Based Remote Data Hosting
“…in the future everything that will be benefit from
being connected will be connected”
Arrow M2M Ecosystem
Introduction
– The convergence of readily available internet access,
hardware, and enabling services is enabling a new wave
of device connectivity
– The “Internet of Things” will continue to grow through the
implementation of Machine to Machine (M2M) system
integrations
– Devices that “need” to be connected, will be connected
– This presentation presents key enabling technologies
available from the Arrow M2M ecosystem to implement
connectivity solutions for a wide variety of applications
Machine-to-Machine
The connection of sensors, embedded devices, and systems
Machine with embedded intelligence
Hardware to extract data from the machine
Wired or wireless network
Middleware to bridge the network to the IT system
Enterprise software application to store and visualize the data
The NEED: Data to remote users and
control of remote assets
Typical M2M Solution
Connecting and networking physical assets to solve Business Problems
M2M Systems Architecture
7
Singular
Device
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
Device
Device
Device
Uplink
Device
Networks
Uplink
Device
Cellular Carrier,
WiFi Router,
Satellite Network
M2M Gateway
Email/SMS
Messages
Network
Interface
Host System
Database
Platform
Cellular,
Wi-Fi,
Satellite
modem
API
Uplink
Aggregator
WAN
Connection
Device
Cellular Carrier
Service/MVNO
WPAN Connection:
ISM, ZigBee/SNAP
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
P
o
r
t
a
l
Network
Interface
Device
Web Interface
In-house or
“Cloud”
Recurring
costs
M2M Service Billing
End USER
Application
MRP/ERP
End User
Invoicing
OEM Recurring
Revenue
Arrow’s M2M Ecosystem
Radio
Suppliers
CORE
NFC/RFID
Network
Service
Providers
Cloud Based
M2M Host
Services
CORE
CORE
CORE
TS
TS
TS
Design
Services
CORE
TS
TS
Edge to Enterprise Solutions and Support
ESC
Demonstrations/Applications
Demonstrations
–Remote Sensing Demo
–Wi-Fi enabled sensor to the “cloud”
Wi-Fi
Enabled
Sensor
Node
Cellular
enabled WiFi access
point
DCN
Cellular
Data Plan
Remote host platform and
enterprise application
M2M Application Example: Theft Prevention
– AirServ
– Remote machines with a
“loss rate” of 20-40%
– Added GSM Cellular Modem/
Host Connectivity
– Monitors actual usage and
machine status
– Incremental Connectivity
Cost: $125
– Payback per machine; 3
months
Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics
Visibility
•
Administrative
•
Status/Performance
Monitoring
•
Diagnostics & Control
•
Reporting
 Operation
 Maintenance
 Performance
 Faults
M2M Application Example: Equipment Monitoring
– Harmony Enterprises (MS)
– Manufacturer of industrial
compactors
– Connectivity Solution: Cellular
Modem/Carrier Service/Host
Portal
– Allows remote messaging for
compactor servicing, OEM
recurring revenue
– Improved operational efficiency,
“truck roll” only when machine is
full
M2M Application Example: Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring
– Braemar Inc.
– Patient-worn portable cardiac monitor with cellular
modem
– Monitor triggered on cardiac “events”
– ECG file FTP to central server over GSM cellular network
– ECG file available for analysis, on line, in seconds
Application Example: GPS Enabled Tracking
– VehicleFinder
Tracking Device
–GPS+GSM Cellular
Modem
–Custom host portal
with web interface
–Device Cost: $189
–Monthly Service Fee:
$12.95
WAN Network Access Connectivity
Tradeoffs
M2M Systems Architecture
17
Singular
Device
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
Device
Device
Device
Uplink
Device
Networks
Uplink
Device
Cellular Carrier,
WiFi Router,
Satellite Network
M2M Gateway
Email/SMS
Messages
Network
Interface
Host System
Database
Platform
Cellular,
Wi-Fi,
Satellite
modem
API
Uplink
Aggregator
WAN
Connection
Device
Cellular Carrier
Service/MVNO
WPAN Connection:
ISM, ZigBee/SNAP
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
P
o
r
t
a
l
Network
Interface
Device
Web Interface
In-house or
“Cloud”
Recurring
costs
M2M Service Billing
End USER
Application
MRP/ERP
End User
Invoicing
OEM Recurring
Revenue
Connectivity Technology Tradeoffs
– Device Connectivity to the Internet; Wi-Fi or Cellular
– Wi-Fi Advantages;
– No recurring charges
– Lower cost interface ($8-30)
– Low power options available
– Wi-Fi Disadvantages;
– Dependant on local access point availability/reliability
– Requires local provisioning
– Shorter range (compared to cellular)
– Does not handle mobile equipment/roaming easily
Connectivity Technology Tradeoffs
– Cellular Advantages
– Connection independent of facility infrastructure
– Requires no local provisioning
– Easily roams
– Long range
– Cellular Disavantages
– >10x higher input power requirements
– Higher cost interface
– Requires data plan with recurring charges
Connectivity Technology Tradeoffs
– Dual Mode Interface
– Consider Wi-Fi interface standard with cellular plug in
option
– Plug-in cellular modems allow for product level
installation
– Upcharge for advanced connectivity option
Cellular Connectivity Technology
Overview
Cellular Hardware Overview
– Cellular modems for M2M applications continue to
achieve lower HW cost
– Global capabilities
– Integrated GPS available
– Certified modems allow easy integration with low NRE
– A variety of form factors available: Chipset, Module,
Board and Box
– Form Factor Decision Criteria:
– Production Volume
– Mechanical size constraints
– Project constrants; NRE/Time to Market/BOM Cost
Cellular Hardware Overview
– Hardware Selection Inputs
– Cellular Network Technology (GSM vs CDMA)
– Cellular Technology: 2G/3G/4G/LTE
– US Carriers; ATT/Tmobile/Verizon/Sprint
– Deployment Regions: US only, North America, regions
outside NA
– Single design desired to support “global” operation?
– Data only or voice/data
– Integrated GPS receiver desired? (available in some
product families)
Cellular Interface Form Factor Definition
– Chipset
– Board Level Modem
– Module
– Box Level Modem/M2M Gateway
Cellular Hardware Overview
North America Technologies with US Operators
– Cellular communication
infrastructure created to
2G GSM Not
support mobile voice
recommended for new
communications
designs in the US
– Same network
infrastructure supports
data communications
from remote devices;
M2M
– Requirements for
access:
– Compliant device
– Billing relationship
– Device number and
key
1G – AMPS
(Analog)
2G – GSM/
GPRS/EDGE
AT&T
T-mobile
2G – CDMA/1xRTT
HEADLINE
SUB-HEADLINE
3G – UMTS/HSPA
HEADLINE
4G – LTE
SUB-HEADLINE
AT&T & Verizon
& Sprint
Verizon
Sprint
3G - EVDO
Cellular Technology Evolution Path
2G
2.5G
3G
4G
LTE*
86 Mb/s
HSPA+ 21
18 Mb/s
HSPA 7.2
6 Mb/s
EV-DO
Rev A.
3.1 Mb/s
GSM
12.2 kb/s
GPRS
80 kb/s
1xRTT
150 kb/s
EDGE
240 kb/s
UMTS
384 kb/s
CDMA Carrier
Evolution Path
CDMA
9.6 kb/s
1996
98 - 99
00 - 01
02 - 03
04 - 05
Peak Downlink Data Rates for Carrier Speed Evolution
06 - 07
08 - 09
GSM Carrier
Evolution Path
2010 - 2012
Understanding Cellular Frequency Bands
Global Frequency Challenge with GSM (3G/4G)
North America
Four main bands
“Quad band”
Five main bands
with the possibility
of more…….
4G banding plans
continue to evolve
Europe
2G – 850/1900
2G – 900/1800
3G –
850/1900/1700
3G – 900/2100
4G –
700/850/2400
4G – 800
Telit Cellular Modules
– Telit Cellular Module Form Factors
– SMT Modules
– xE 910 Family
– xL 865 Family
– Connectorized GSM Modules
– XX 864 Family
– x24 Family
– PCIe Modules
Board Level Modems- MultiTech SocketModem
– MTSMC-XX-IP
– Fully Certified Cellular Modem
– Form factor supports GSM and CDMA
– HSPA+; H5
– EVDO; EV3
– 1XRTT; C2
– Serial or Serial/USB interface
– Optional GPS (-GP)
– Includes MT Universal IP Stack
– MTSMC-XX
– Fully Certified Cellular Modem
– Form factor supports GSM and CDMA
– Serial or USB interface
Board Level Modems- Janus Terminus Plug In Series
– CDMA864CF 2G CDMA Modem
– Fully Certified CDMA Modem
– Verizon/Sprint/Aeris models
– USB/Serial Interface
– Includes integrated GPS
– HSPA910CF v1.00 HSPA+ Plug-In Modem
– Penta-Band HSPA+ ; Global Coverage
– Fully Certified GSM Modem
– USB/Serial Interface
– Includes integrated GPS
Board Level Modems: Nimbelink
– Skywire NL-SW-1xRTT-V
– Fully Certified CDMA Modem
– 1xRTT/EVDO options
– Verizon/Sprint models
– USB/Serial Interface
– “Xbee” form factor
Box Level Modem Introduction
– Fully Certified
– Provides a wide variety of I/O options; Serial/USB/Ethernet, and
wireless interfaces (Wi-Fi, 802.15.4, Bluetooth)
– Cellular Modem only (bit pipe) vs Gateway devices
– Can allow for interchangeable options (GSM/CDMA)
– Allows for external antenna connection only
– Highest purchase price
Box Level Modems
– MultiTech MTC-XX
– Fully certified box modem
– Form factor supports CDMA
– 1XRTT C2
– USB or Serial Inputs
– MultiTech MTR-XX
– Fully certified box router/gateway
– Form factor supports GSM and CDMA
– HSPA+; H5
– EVDO, EV3, 1xRTT, C2
– Serial/Ethernet Inputs, Supports Modbus Communication
– Advanced Network Security
– Remote Device Management included
– Wi-Fi (AP)/Bluetooth 4.0 interface Available
Box Level Modems
– Multitech MTD-xx
– Fully certified modem, USB Dongle form factor, integrated
antenna
– Form factor supports GSM and CDMA
– HSPA+; H5
– EVDO; EV2
– USB 2.0 interface, Windows and Linux drivers available
– Multitech MTCTD-xx
– Fully certified box modem
– Form factor supports GSM and CDMA
– HSPA+; H5
– EVDO; EV2
– USB, Serial, Ethernet interfaces
– Linux Development platform for custom application development
Box Level Modems
– Janus Terminus T2
– Form factor supports GSM and CDMA
– HSPA+; HSPA910T2
– EVDO, EVDO910T2/ 1xRTT, CDMA864T2
– Serial/USB Inputs
– GPIO/CAN/RS485 Inputs
– Embedded development environment
– Janus Terminus 400AP
– Form factor supports GSM and CDMA
– HSPA+; HSPA400AP
– EVDO, EVDO400AP/ 1xRTT, CDMA400AP
– Serial/USB Inputs/Ethernet inputs
– Linux based platform
– GPIO/CAN/RS485 Inputs
M2M System Cost Factors: Application
Example
– Cellular Connected Equipment
–Certified 3G GSM Board Modem
–Reports data payload 10Kbytes, 3x per day to
remote portal, 900 Kbytes/month
–ATT Service, US, 1Mbyte/month
M2M System Cost Factors: Application
Example
– Recurring Costs
–Hardware
– Multitech MTSMC-H5, Qty 1K, $127
–Service Fees per month
– ATT Service, US, 1Mbyte/month, $2.70
– 2lemetry Portal Monthly charge, $1.20
– Total services cost $3.90
–3 year cost of ownership: $267.40, $7.42/month
Wi-Fi Connectivity Technology Overview
Wi-Fi Technology Overview
– Wi-Fi, is a local area wireless technology that allows an
electronic device to exchange data or connect to the
internet using the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz ISM Bands
– Operation and functionality defined by IEEE 802.11
– Stations, components that can connect on a wireless
network are either clients or access points
– Two basic modes of operation:
– Infrastructure mode; clients connect to a central access
point which may serve as a bridge to other networks
– Peer to Peer mode; clients connect to each other in either
ad hoc or Wi-Fi Direct networks
Wi-Fi Technology Overview
– Wi-Fi enabled devices will typically be clients to an
available access point
– The Wi-Fi interface in the device can also serve as an
access point, allowing clients to connect
– The access point functionality can be “de-featured” to
provide more limited connectivity functionality, defined
loosely as a “Soft Access Point/SoftAP”
– SoftAP functionality is not standardized and is highly
dependent on the networking stack implementation
Wi-Fi Embedded Module Characteristics
– Module Implementation Options Summary
– Hosted Wi-Fi modules are “software defined” radios, module
selection dependent on features needed from application use
cases
– Band support; b/g (legacy), b/g/n (common), b/g/dual n (select
few), a/b/g/n (select few)
– Networking Stack resident or offboard
– Stack resident modules (fully hosted) provide AT command
interface via serial port
– Stack Offboard; Stack code base must be procured and
ported to the embedded platform. Interface is through SDIO or
USB to low level radio interface on the module.
Wi-Fi Embedded Module Characteristics
– Module Implementation Options
– Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth
– Connection modes supported; Infrastructure (client), Access
Point, Wi-Fi Direct, Soft AP
– All modules support infrastructure mode
– Most modules can only be in one mode at a time
– No “standard” definition for Soft AP functionality, module
dependent
– Configuration Methodology (setting SSID/Passphrase)
– Two options:
– Over the wired interface
– Via a wireless connection to the module Soft AP
Wi-Fi Embedded Module Characteristics
Configuration via Soft AP
– Module is put in Soft AP
mode (interface command
or hardware initiated)
– Client device associates
with the Soft AP
– Client device opens a
browser and accesses the
configuration web page
resident on the module
Wi-Fi Embedded Module Characteristics
– Module Implementation Options
– Security Implementation Methodology
– Module to AP: WPA2 x
– End to End Security: SSL, SSH, EAP, etc
– Processor Interface
– UART, SPI (common)
– USB (available)
– SDIO (available, generally for modules with MCU hosted
stack)
– HTTP Server function: customizable web pages hosted on
module, accessed through SoftAP mode
Wi-Fi Embedded Module Characteristics
– Module Implementation Options
– Antenna Placement
– Antenna On-Board (internal) or Antenna Off-Board (external)
– Application space on module available
– Module Certification
– Most modules are fully certified
Wi-Fi Embedded Module Characteristics
– Module Trends
– Module manufacturers continuing to focus development on “fully
hosted” modules
– Module costs continuing to trend downward
– Modules allow custom web page visibility via softAP
– Simultaneous Client-SoftAP capability
– Wi-Fi with advanced SoftAP functionality considered as an
alternative to BT/BTLE for Smart Device connectivity
– Industrial temp range devices becoming the norm
– Limited 802.11a module offerings, 802.11ac modules 1-2 years out
Wi-Fi Embedded Module Characteristics
– New Wi-Fi module offerings enable connectivity from enabled
end node devices direct to router/AP
– New modules feature reduced peak power consumption
enabling extended battery powered operation. Example:
– Tx current = 19 mA at 1 Mbps, 15 dBm, compared to 200
mA at 22 Mbps
– Devices also have Sleep and Standby modes to reduce
power consumption
– Compact form factor allows small design footprint for reduced
physical size devices
– On-board application code space and I/O can eliminate the
need for a separate microcontroller
– Stack resident modules make microcontroller interface easy
WiFi 802.11 Technology; Product Examples
– Fully Hosted Modules
– NetComm/Qualcomm GT-202
– 802.11 b/g/n
– UART/SPI interface
– Infrastructure mode, Configuration
via SoftAP
– Stack hosted on module over UART
or HCI mode with Freescale
processor
3.3V
GT-202
Flash
SPI
– SSL/HTTPS Support
– Integrated or external antenna
– Industrial Temp Range
SPI
MCU
QCA4002
Antenna
WiFi 802.11 Technology; Product Examples
– Fully Hosted Modules
– RTX4100
– 802.11 b/g/n
– Stack Hosted: Full IPv4/IPv6 stack
– Onboard application space; 24K code
space
– 4 uA standby current
– Supports infrastructure and Soft AP
modes
– RTX 4140
– 802.11 b/g/n
– Onboard application space; 288K code
space
WiFi 802.11 Technology; Product Examples
– Fully Hosted Modules
– ST SPWF01Sx
– 802.11 b/g/n
– UART, SPI, I2C Interfaces
– Full IPv4 stack
– Infrastructure mode, Configuration via
SoftAP, supports data mode via SoftAP
– HTTP Web Server on board
– On-board application space
– Integrated (A) or External (C) Antenna
Options
WiFi 802.11 Technology; Product Examples
– Fully Hosted Modules
– Redpine RS-WC-201/301
– 802.11 b/g/n (201), a/b/g/n (301)
– Stack Hosted: Full IPv4 stack
– Wi-Fi Direct, Access Point and
Client mode
– Inventek ISM43362-M3G-L44-E/U
– SPI/UART/USB Interfaces
– Industrial temp range
– Advanced SoftAP mode
supports 8 clients
WiFi 802.11 Technology; Product Examples
– Fully Hosted Modules
– Digi Xbee Wi-Fi
– 802.11 b/g/n
– UART/SPI Interface
– Full IPv4/IPv6 stack
– Infrastructure mode, Configuration via SoftAP
– Socketed design, form factor compatible with
Digi Mesh networking modules
– Integrated, External Antenna options
WiFi 802.11 Technology; Product Examples
– Fully Hosted Modules
– Lantronix Xpico Wi-Fi
– 802.11 b/g/n
– UART (2)/SPI/USB Interface
– Infrastructure mode, Configuration via SoftAP,
simultaneous Client/SoftAP mode operation
– Full IPv4 stack
– Supports simultaneous client and SoftAP
operation
– HTTP Web Server on board
– External Antenna
– Industrial Temp Range
WiFi 802.11 Technology; Product Examples
– Stack Hosted on MCU
– LS Research TiWi5
– Combo Bluetooth/BLE/Wi-Fi Links
– 802.11 a/b/g/n
– Stack offboard; Stack host target; TI OMAP
– Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 1.8 mm
– LS Research TiWi BLE
– Combo Bluetooth/BLE/Wi-Fi Links
– 802.11 b/g/n
– Stack offboard; Stack host target; TI OMAP
– Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 1.8 mm
Supporting Services
Cellular Data Plans for M2M Applications
Cellular Data Plan Service Providers
– There are two types of service providers
• MNO: Mobile Network Operator
• MVNO: Mobile Virtual Network operator
– MNO
• Own the infrastructure and equipment, and lease spectrum
– MVNO
• Value added reseller for MNOs targeting clients with specific service
requirements
– Arrow’s franchised service carrier partners
• Telit m2mAir (formerly CrossBridge Solutions), Kore Telematics,
Device Cloud Networks (DCN) and Wyless
MVNO Cellular Carrier Services
– MVNO’s are established to provide data services
to the M2M market space to enable customers
efficient use of the cellular data network through
superior services with flexible data plans.
– The MVNO provides the same data access to the
cellular network as the MNO, with many
additional benefits for M2M customers
MVNO Cellular Carrier Services
– Flexible and scalable data plans that support
many different user deployments. The long term
commitments or contracts associated with MNO’s
are not required
– Pooled data plans from 0 KB to 5 GB allow wide
range of data network requirements for M2M
applications
– Ability to support mixed network use modes
including GSM and CDMA, with one account and
billing arrangement
– Satellite communication services are available
MVNO Cellular Carrier Services
– Flexible account plans; ability to deploy groups of
devices with custom accounts to match the
OEM’s business model
– Powerful web portals for managing accounts;
activating devices, deactivating devices, changing
rate plans, viewing call detail and invoices
regardless of the size of the account
– Easy to use portals for monitoring device usage;
view network sessions, historical data usage
charting, configuration and test capability and
threshold reporting
MVNO Cellular Carrier Services
Manage Your Account
• Activate devices
• Deactivate devices
• Change Rate Plans monthly
• View invoices and call detail
• Run Excel or CSV reports
MVNO Cellular Carrier Services
Monitor your device usage
• View network session info real-time
• PPP session start and stop
• Historical data usage charting
• Configure and send canned SMS text
• Threshold reporting
Cloud Based M2M Host Services
M2M Service Solutions;
M2M Host Server Services
– Arrows M2M Host services provide
customers with secure, configurable and
scalable platforms for hosting M2M network
interfaces
– Built using the “Platform as a Service”
cloud computing model, these services
allow advanced hosting servers to be built
quickly without costly software
development efforts
– Host platforms are scalable to meet a wide
variety of OEM business models
– Configurable portals allow for internet
based network interaction, device
management and data export
Cloud Computing Landscape + Services



Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Physical infrastructure abstracted

Can be scaled up or down as needed

Needs to be provisioned and managed
Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Platform and infrastructure abstracted

Custom applications built quickly

Custom applications need to be managed
Software as a Service (SaaS)

Platform and infrastructure abstracted

Reduction and effort to deploy and manage

Applications configured but not customized
Architecture Overview
• Find trends
• Run computations
• Build complex models
• HTTP webhook
• Republish Rules
• SMS / Email
• Reformat Payloads
REST API
Data Storage
Rules
Engine
CEP
Engine
Customer facing
portals
• Historical Data Storage
• Automatica Replication
• Schemaless
Broker Layer
• Supports custom protocols
• Supports MQTT, Stomp, CoAP
• Balanced by geographic response time
Regional Load Balancing
6
6
Advantages of Utilizing Cloud Based M2M
Device Hosting
•
•
•
•
Low start-up costs
•
Minimizes up front NRE for initial system deployment
•
Pay as you go model; recurring costs are linear with usage
Ease of system maintenance and management
•
No keeping licenses current
•
No need to purchase additional hardware
Secure and Robust Infrastructure
•
Multiple data centers provide redundancy
•
Leverages secure platform best practices from IT industry
Dynamic Scalability
• Infrastructure can be scaled based on requirements
•
Device and location independence
•
•
Access cloud via desktop, laptop, smartphone
Rapid Innovation
•
New features rolled out based on users needs
Cloud Based M2M Device Hosting
Evaluation Criteria
•
•
•
•
Hardware Agnostic
• Should not require specialized hardware from the
remote node
Device API or Agent Code Size
• Embedded side code requirements must be known
and accounted for
Protocols Supported
• Multiple protocols including TCP and SMS messaging
Nodes supported and flexible scaling model
Thank you