In the realms of fixed wireless access, cellular connectivity has been the go-to for its reliability, security and widespread adoption. Yet, the evolving landscape of satellite services is capturing the interest of many enterprises and solution providers looking for connectivity for their devices.
In this blog we’ll dive deep into the various considerations – technology, cost, security, regulation, and application – to help you make the right decisions for your particular use case.
Understanding Satellite Services
Satellite connectivity has been around for many years, primarily through Geostationary satellites. However, the buzz around low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, like Starlink, is growing as they offer new services. Unlike their geostationary counterparts, LEO satellites orbit closer to Earth, reducing latency and boosting bandwidth. The advancements in this field have simplified switching between LEO satellites, ensuring consistent connectivity as both satellites and terrestrial devices move.
Combining Cellular & Satellite– the best of both worlds
Cellular remains a robust connectivity solution for a myriad of applications. Yet, satellite connectivity can shine in certain scenarios, either as a standalone option or when combined with cellular for enhanced resilience and redundancy. This is particularly true for remote or temporary locations as satellite can provide connectivity when cellular coverage is lacking, while cellular can step up when satellite’s line of sight may be disrupted.
Combined cellular/satellite solutions hold promise for certain types of connectivity, offering a commercially viable, unified and resilient solution across geographical boundaries and areas of weak cellular coverage. Example use cases include:
- Temporary wireless access for construction sites
- Connectivity solutions for remote or rural farming locations
- An underlay for SDWAN
- Maritime applications and ensuring seamless connectivity for river cruise customers.
Worry-free managed connectivity services for LEO
For many use cases, cellular connectivity meets business needs efficiently. Satellite services, particularly LEO, can present a compelling complementary option. As the technology evolves, potential applications will expand but, as with all solution investments, it’s essential to consider all aspects, especially in terms of cost, equipment, and maintenance, at the application’s design stage.
To begin with, you should factor in the cost of equipment. Satellite equipment prices are expected to decrease over time, but in the meantime some service providers offer attractive LEO-as-a-service models to address this challenge. In this case, the equipment is owned and operated from install to decommissioning by the service provider, with the customer paying a regular managed service fee for connectivity.
For many businesses this is an attractive option as they can use highly resilient connectivity services without needing internal technical expertise, the significant up-front investment, or the worry of exceeding data allowances.
Securing Satellite Connectivity Communications
Ensuring the security of satellite connectivity involves multiple layers, including access control, secure communication channels, frequency coordination, and protection against cyber threats and DoS attacks. Ground station security is equally important, emphasising the need for secure protocols and stringent access controls.
Additionally, navigating the regulatory landscape for global deployments is crucial, given the varying regulations across countries. Regulation is still developing in this sector, but it will undoubtedly be a critical consideration for all users of LEO services, but especially those deploying across multiple countries.
The right connectivity partners will provide the solutions that address these layers, as well as helping you navigate regulation and the need to defend, detect and react against the threats to your data.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Satellite IoT
Satellite develops apace and the future holds promise for smaller, more affordable satellite antennas, potentially small enough for light weight drone integration. The advent of 6G will usher in an era of hybrid connectivity, where smart devices seamlessly choose the optimal connectivity option.
Conclusion and Contact point
Satellite connectivity offers a valuable complement to cellular options for fixed wireless access, particularly in challenging environments or for global coverage.
As an authorised reseller for Starlink, Wireless Logic integrates LEO satellite connectivity into our extensive portfolio of managed services.
If you’re looking to deploy a global IoT solution, and need to consider cross country boundaries, connecting in remote or rural locations or are unsure of the right technology that will provide you with seamless connectivity, get in touch. Our IoT experts will consider all aspects of connectivity to offer the most suitable option and will help you navigate the end-to-end process, removing any complexities along the way.
