Cellular Networks in the Industrial Internet of Things

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks of today heavily rely on cellular networks for long-distance communication with field-installed IIoT endpoints. Cellular wide-area networks offer extensive coverage, spanning across miles and even countries, unlike the limited coverage of Wi-Fi networks. When IIoT endpoints necessitate communication over distances beyond Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or similar networks’ capabilities, opting for a cellular network becomes imperative.

However, managing cellular networks within typical IIoT applications presents specific challenges compared to handling voice calls and high-bandwidth Internet traffic. IIoT applications mandate lower data rates, adaptable data plans, extended coverage for remote device connectivity, prolonged cellular-module battery life in network components, and cost-effective endpoints for sensor deployment on a large scale. Recent advancements in cellular technology, such as dynamic cellular plans, access to rate and program APIs, enhanced data control, and reduced data expenses, have overcome significant hurdles in broader adoption of cellular technology across diverse IIoT applications.

The advent of 4G-LTE technology has introduced IIoT-friendly attributes like varied bit rates, cost efficiency, extended device battery life, and stable high-bandwidth connections, thereby propelling wider acceptance of cellular technology in the IIoT sphere. Consortia and industry players from various verticals are actively investing in optimizing the utility of cellular technology for IIoT. Cellular networks are extensively rolled out at the industrial network edge for Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) communication with serial and Ethernet devices located in geographically dispersed and hard-to-access remote areas.

Before embracing cellular network solutions partially or comprehensively for your IIoT application, industry operators should consider the following aspects:

• Network coverage
• Spectrum requirements
• Cost implications of new cellular endpoints/devices or strategies to elongate existing device battery life
• Recurring airtime expenses
• Latency and throughput prerequisites

Once you evaluate these five pivotal requirements and commit to adopting a cellular network for your IIoT operation, a competent cellular network management solution can streamline network monitoring, optimize device airtime utilization, and potentially reduce operating expenses.

What features should you seek in an efficient cellular network management solution? The following guidelines can aid in making an informed decision:

Streamlining Cellular Device Deployment

Setting up industrial cellular network devices and bringing them online demands significant time and effort. Leveraging cellular network management software can save time, effort, and costs by offering features such as:

• Mass-configuration functionality for swift endpoint deployment
• Remote firmware updates
• Secure and effortless access to private cellular networks via the Internet

Ensuring Seamless Network Operation

Network administrators shoulder the responsibility of maintaining uninterrupted network functionality. Even slight communication delays or network disruptions in an industrial setup can halt critical operations, leading to financial repercussions. Thus, administrators must possess tools for real-time network status monitoring and prompt decision-making.

Enhanced monitoring and troubleshooting of cellular networks for smooth operations can be facilitated through:

• User-friendly dashboards for monitoring
• Access to historical Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) data for troubleshooting
• RESTful APIs for cross-platform monitoring

Fortifying Network Security

Besides monitoring capabilities, administrators require tools to maintain stringent access controls over network resources and prevent unauthorized access from malicious entities or applications.

• Access management based on device groups and user classification
• Advanced network security functionalities like IP blocking and OpenVPN support
• Diverse options for remote administration

Download our white paper for deeper insights into cellular network management in industrial settings.

Simplified Management with OnCell Central Manager

Furthermore, alongside equipping cellular devices with 2G/3G/4G capabilities, Moxa offers an intuitive cellular network management solution—OnCell Central Manager—to facilitate effortless deployment, operation, management, and maintenance of up to 2000 cellular devices simultaneously. 
Explore more about OnCell Central Manager here.