Page 14 - EngineerIT May 2022

IoT

“Off-grid” short-range network is designed and operated by Q-KON Africa and offers key advantages for IoT applications
locations, i.e., locations which are not including seamless cloud integration, RS232 data interfaces, small burst data capabilities
connected to the national telco mobile and variable and scalable billing models.
or fixed line telecommunication Twoobii delivers the certainty that comes with available-anywhere,
grid, will require the necessary always-on connectivity. When combined with solar power supply
backhaul connectivity to be By 2027, options, smart satellite services are clearly an ideal fit for IoT
provided by alternative applications.
infrastructures, 5.5 billion IoT
whether satellite or devices to be connected Conclusion
wireless. The Internet of Things will revolutionise the way we work,
Based on via cellular and a further play and live. The user applications and business benefits
a conservative 2.4 billion devices on will change the way we experience and interact with the
estimate that 10% of world around us.
short-range network “off-grid” locations will be As can be expected, the fundamental requirement in
locations will be “off- connected via satellite order for this change to happen is the availability of reliable
grid”, this represents and scalable connectivity. With the wide existing footprint of
a need for alternative or wireless. cellular networks and the emergence of 5G, Ericsson’s forecast
connectivity for some of 5.5 billion devices connected via cellular networks seems
2.4 billion devices. That adds up entirely plausible.
to almost 50% of the planned mobile However, based on the total market forecast, it is expected that 2.4
networks! billion devices will be operating from “off-grid” locations and will therefore have to be
connected using alternative networks such as satellite.
Smart satellite services Dr Dawie de Wet (Pr. Eng. M.Sc. Eng.) is group CEO of Q-KON and chief engineer for
The development of Twoobii smart Twoobii, a southern African supported satellite broadband service. With over 30 years’
satellite services is perfectly aligned with experience in designing, engineering, developing and implementing wireless, microwave
this picture of emerging IoT connectivity and satellite communication systems in Africa, Dawie is focused on developing telco
requirements, and the exponential solutions that integrate user requirements, emerging markets and leading technology. n
growth that we can expect to see.
The Twoobii smart satellite service Learn more on www.twoobii.com and www.qkon.com

EngineerIT | May 2022 | 12