Swiss-based u-blox, a global leader in wireless communications and positioning semiconductors and modules, and Telenor Connexion, an M2M focused arm of Telenor Group, have collaborated to introduce a solution for smart connection management for M2M/IoT devices and applications in mobile networks.
Both companies unveiled a new firmware for u-blox' M2M module that supports “Network Friendly Mode”, allowing M2M modems to intelligently manage connections to the network. Under this mode the intelligent M2M unit autonomously attempts to connect to the cellular network based on pre-defined and geometrically longer time delays, and maximum number of attempts, thus optimzing performance and preventing network overload.
According to u-blox, the “Network Friendly Mode” is based on the recently published GSMA report “IoT Device Connection Efficiency Guidelines” which promotes optimized modem behavior in cellular networks. In typical distributed M2M/IoT applications such as smart metering and remote security systems, a typical M2M modem may attempt multiple times to connect to the network at its peak hours thus causing congestion and reducing the overall quality of service.
Rémi Demerlé, Global Partnerships Director at Telenor Connexion
This successful partnership with u-blox ensures an optimal performance of our networks. The new firmware introduced in u-blox’ modules enables devices and applications to communicate in the most intelligent and efficient way, whilst preventing service outages, thereby ensuring a continued reliable service to our M2M customers. This collaboration is also paving the way for a larger adoption of best practices within the M2M and IoT developer community
Richard Fry, VP Strategic Partnership at u-blox
We are pleased with the result of our close cooperation with Telenor Connexion to address an issue facing all developers of M2M applications: how to provide reliable and predictable network connectivity in all possible scenarios. By carefully analyzing modem behavior within their extensive 2G and 3G networks, we were able to define a robust algorithm that ensures optimal connectivity, even when large numbers of units are involved.
