Looking past the elections,   I want to thank my ancestors for coming to this country for whatever reason.  (By in large they were poor in the old world so why not try the new one), The United States is pretty hard to attack it has (by in large) friendly neighbors to the north and south, and lots of water to the east and west.   It has rich fertile land in the center with navigable rivers all thorough it and thanks to Eisenhower an Interstate system to bridge any gaps.  It also has seaports that are by in large protected by an Intercoastal island chain that makes shipping pretty easy.

So regardless of who we elect G-d’s grace that landed us here will protect us from most calamities.

My favorite futurist, Peter Zeihan has a nightmare scenario that he discusses here, although for “US” It’s not so bad (the picture of Rocky comes to mind) If you have never heard of Peter Zeihan, I recommend you follow him and join his new network.

Two things I need to bring up. 1) I think AI is a game changer (duh?) but without IoT it’s currently a tool for hindsight.   IoT makes it so it gets the ability to predict. 2) I am not a believer in end times.  (the Centuries are filled with such predictions and if Hitler wasn’t it, I have a hard time imagining a worse scenario for G-d’s chosen people).

Oh, one more thing if you live in the US give thanks to those that got you here.

At this point, many enterprises are using sensors to provide analytics with AI. And like your personal activity watching videos at home or on your phone, you don’t think twice about the network underneath. Even though it’s a misnomer it’s like the old Intel inside line, it’s just in there and while that is true about the receiver and antenna, the network that supports it all is a great feat of RF engineering. Evan Kirstel pointed out an article about 6G being 9000 times faster than 5G and my first reaction was  So What, but then I read the article and it discussed the application of supporting a stadium event and I recognized the benefit.

So as usually happens when I write via stream of consciousness the place I wanted to go is diverted by my other thoughts and the difference is me and you.

Me First because it’s simpler. As Doctor Frank N Furter says in Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “I didn’t build him for you.” And when it comes to the network, it’s clear I am not the audience. As I watch my wife watch 10 cooking recipes in less than 2 minutes and my daughter moderates her Facebook group with constant posts.  I clearly am a luddite stuck in the idea of focusing.

However, one thing I am keenly aware of is you are not me. And whether the singularity is near or you just like keeping up, you have at Pete Mitchell says in Top Gun “a need for speed” So bring on the 6G demand and I will look to have my 6G event do two things.

Satisfy your need for faster applications and more immersive experiences. And I will look to meet my need to pay attention to “the man behind the curtain.”

I hope to see you at 6G Expo February 11-13. In Fort Lauderdale

PS I am still looking for forward looking speakers with applications for 6G and RF genius who are usually to shy to come from behind the curtain.

For many wireless networks the concept of putting an IP address out at the device is overkill.  The goal should be connectivity as an endpoint and not necessarily to provide an IP addressable end point.

GeoTraq working with Sequans (NYSE:SQNS) have “wrapped into one simple, all-inclusive, IoT solution…for a new series of GeoTraq modules targeting [Global] LTE for IoT markets.”

The new GeoTraq NB-400 series of IoT modules uses Seqauns Monarch LTE-M/NB-IoT solution for non-IP data delivery (NIDD).

This makes the “routing” the more efficient and increases speed.  It also makes it less available to IP Security hacks.  It also supports eSiM solutions which makes global distribute easier of track and trace applications.

The module is also “in an ultra-small form factor of 12 by 16 mm that includes connectors for sensor, battery, and antenna” and includes, “low power positioning technology, delivering highly accurate indoor and outdoor positioning using only the LTE radio, thereby eliminating the cost and complexity of having to add GNSS or other radios.”

In other words this is designed to meet price points and requirements for the kind of IoT solutons that are price conscious.  This comes at a time when the migration to 5G is adding costs to most to the overall consumer market.

As said by in the press release Gregg Sullivan, chief executive officer, GeoTraq. “As a company focused on delivering ROI to our customers through simple cellular IoT solutions that can be deployed with seamless global coverage for one low price, we found what we were looking for in Sequans’ Monarch technology.”

“GeoTraq is delivering [to 193+ countries] the creative solutions the IoT industry needs,” said Danny Kedar, VP of Sequans’ IoT business unit. “GeoTraq’s NB-400 modules offer a low-cost solution with a data plan that is ideally suited for sensor-based applications.”

In this case, my bottom line is the bottom line.

Yesterday, the Industrial Internet Consortium® (IIC) and the OpenFog Consortium® (OpenFog) announced that they have agreed to join forces.

Whether you call it Fog or Edge and something else, the issues are the same.  As IoT get deployed more widely the processing has to move from the cloud or data center to some where near the devices. For some of these points it can be at the device itself, but in many cases the aggregation point meets the requirement of delivering actionable information in real – time. This enables better analytics and Artificial Intelligence.

When OFC built the framework that was approved by the IEEE as a standard (i.e. 1934), the next step was to develop test beds that would implement and learn how to implement Fog Comptuing.

“The combined memberships will continue to drive the momentum of the Industrial Internet including the development and promotion of industry guidance and best practices for fog and edge computing. The organizations expect the details to be finalized in early 2019.”

Bill Hoffman pointed out that the combination represents “the single largest organization focused on IIoT, AI, fog and edge computing in the world. Between both of our organizations we have a remarkable global presence with members in more than 30 countries.”

At IoT Evolution we have many of the thought leaders from the groups looking at the future and guiding us to the Edge. I suggest you join us before you fall behind.

I have been watching the stock market act like the cyclone at Coney Island.  For many this is a time to preserve capital.   This sounds like a job for IoT.

Particularly in the two ways IoT can be used to save money.

The first is in enabling efficiency.  No surprise there.   I have listened to companies finding ways to reduce manpower.

Examples include…

• Oil and Gas company using acoustic sensors to replicate the knowledge of how pipe flows sound when leaks or drills are impacting production.
• A distribution center using LED lighting to only light when needed in zones and eliminate electric bills.
• And of course the various solutions such as asset tracking, fleet management and monitoring solutions.

In addition to these strategies come the as a service solutions that move the cost of build outs from intensive capital investment to expenses at significant savings.

Examples here include…

• Personal savings by using shared bikes and / or scooters to reduce the cost of transportation and perhaps car ownership.
• Building management solutions for costs such as water and HVAC systems that reduce the need for staff not associated directly with the line of business
• Augmenting Utility solutions with smart meters that are managed and monitored on behalf of the utility.

Talking with James Brehm, as I do daily, we got on the subject of oil prices fluctuating so dramatically and if that impacts the use of IoT.  He pointed out that whether the price of oil was high and economically viable to open all spigots; or low and requiring rigs to be capped waiting for the economics to change, IoT was essential.

So I have come away feeling pretty good that IoT is needed no matter what the economic conditions. Let me know if you agree.

Qualcomm is known for its role in smart phones, but for IoT not many people understand their role in supporting everything from asset tracking to wearables. Qualcomm’s release of the 9205 chip is a reduction in size to half of the 9206 chip and reduces power consumption by 70%.  As for processing it supports increased security capabilities and GNSS support.

Quite candidly they know how to push processing down.  The new 9205 chip is a good example of their abilities to meet the market requirements. It supports 3GPP release 14 including category M1 and NB2.  It is also enables deployment for areas that have yet to deploy LTE with it’s enhanced GPRS support.

It is also compatible with existing software and is integrated with many cloud platforms including

From an edge compute perspective it’s powered by “a variety of hardware and software components including: an ARM Cortex A7 processor, ThreadX and AliOS Things RTOS’s, and a comprehensive set of native networking protocols. Additionally, Qualcomm 9205 comes equipped with an LTE IoT SDK with comprehensive set of APIs for additional application and service enablement.”

Which brings me to a recent podcast with Qualcomm’s Gary Brotman (Senior Director and Head of AI & Machine Learning Product Management) and Hari Garlapati (Business Development & Technology Strategy). Mike Krell (Head of IoT Strategy at James Brehm & Associates) gave some context the how Qualcomm’s processing was impacting edge solutions.

Gary and Hari discuss how enabling edge devices and gateways are essential for IoT’s success and delivering on AI, real-time analytics, and other applications – all of which are key areas where Qualcomm is driving technology.

As Mike Krell points out the edge is in the eyes of the beholder. “HPE talks about edge as the demarcation point where IT meets OT and is pushing to move full cloud computing on premises. Dell thinks about edge as a gateway where you can standardize both southbound and northbound traffic. Cisco talks about the fog and edge computing being a subset of fog.  MNO’s such as Sprint and AT&T use the term multi-access edge computing to discuss moving compute closer to the customer and to more local, premises-based compute and connectivity points at the edge of the mobile network.”

Bottom line:  Qualcomm has the ability to impact the Edge in ways very few companies can.  Take a listen and tell me if you agree.

I was inspired by the article by our own Ken Briodagh about Altair and Jig Saw recent efforts to add security to IIoT systems using LTE NB-IOT/CAT – M solutions.  These standard chipsets reduce the risk of DDOS attacks IMHO because of the throughput.  The Industrial IoT market is changing with PLCs and peripheral sensors being employed to gather more data.  The added connectivity directly to PLC’s can be an Achilles heel. It makes an industrial control vulnerable that has been in a closed system for ages.  I will venture a guess that because these systems were single function, many of these systems have never been given a security update.

However, the change has been coming.  The Industrial Internet Consortium [IIC] has built a frameworkfor adding security into the mix and Steve Hanna will be speaking to this in the general session at IoT Evolution.  In addition our goal is to discuss the issues with adding all this information and when to act upon it.

Mike Krell of James Brehm & Associates(where I also work) and I have a continual discussion about the security strategy.  Mike points out the significant risks of certain control systems such as Energy management.  Ken Briodagh shares his view in some ways who points out that systems still have antiquated login strategies.

While I agree that these systems are vulnerable this often means feet on the street repair.  I therefore look at the network security solutions to prioritize.

As Richard Soley of the IIC has pointed out there are two types of companies those that have been hacked and those that don’t know it.

Obscurity is no longer an answer.

I spoke with Keith Pennachio, EVP of SQUAN, about the issues facing Smart City development and it was not surprising that many of the challenges are associated with magic thinking.  Everyone wants their own gigabit connection, while not wanting the infrastructure in their own back yard.  Fortunately, SQUAN has a portfolio of strategies that make them great partners for Smart City planners.

SQUAN combines its unique and in-depth knowledge of network engineering and fiber construction to solve complex and evolving telecommunications problems around macro networks, small cell, DAS, 5G, IoT, and smart cities for wireless, wireline, and enterprise customers. SQUAN is focused on the evolution of communications networks for wireless, wireline, and the components within. Services include backhaul, small cells, C-RAN, fiber, right of way, and the design, construction, and technical installation services that support them.

Their skill sets include the development of Real Estate Investment Trust [REIT], (which are typically how towers get funded), navigating right of way issues, contracting conduit and pole construction etc.  SQUAN is a one-stop shop that provides services from design, sourcing and overall project management.

For many cities, the hype has got them talking a vision that is far from their reality.

Many cities see network infrastructure based on phone poles and PLATs (aka public land maps).  The map shows connectivity but not capacity or demand.

We live in very confusing times where buzz words like 5G, IoT permeate the public awareness but does not answer the question.

What works for delivering the future to the citizens?

In many cases these days Cities are being awarded smart city grants based on a defined project.  While it’s great to win, often the award is equipment specifically for the project. Rarely does this lay the groundwork for other opportunities.

At the heart of Smart City strategy their needs to be a Field of Dreams vision that lays the foundation.  You have to build it for Smart City solutions to come.

For many cities, SQUAN can help determine the way to negotiate effectively with the existing service providers and if needed to source the requirements.   This is beneficial since the SQUAN team has been deploying network technology including fiber, in a very confusing area of buzzwords and hype cycles.

Another valuable aspect of SQUAN’s 400 plus employees is their history of problem solving from retrofitting buildings with connectivity to supporting service provider deployments, their strength is experience and adaptability.

The reality for municipalities is that they are not working with a clean slate.  They have connectivity in existence good or bad – it’s there.  They have government buildings that were built before fiber and wireless were available.

Getting advice that supports the dream requires someone in the field with the combined level of expertise that SQUAN offers its customers.

It’s hard to get a handle on how network operators are going to convince building operators to deploy in building coverage – will they suggest small cells, or will they suggest a DAS (Distributed Antenna System)? Mind you in some countries like South Korea, dominated by one operator, a network equipment manufacturer and a cooperative government small cells are kicking it, and are often provided at no cost by the operator.

Here in the US where we have a competitive market of network operators (some would argue, but it’s true) it’s a different story. First of all we have the operators leaving in building coverage to the building manager or owner. Secondly we have very few companies that have negotiated a plan for their employees. Finally, we have a no mandated strategies with the possible exception of rural coverage at the moment.

IMHO, the result is that we are better suited to DAS strategies where the signals for all the service providers are gathered and either boosted or backhauled to the appropriate macro networks.

Speaking with Don Henry of Comba Telecom we discussed the current trends in wireless coverage. Comba Telecom is an excellent company to ask about these topics since their products are all about wireless coverage including DAS and small cells. However, Don notes that Comba’s small cells products are only offered internationally. Comba North America’s team focuses on Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) and Fiber DAS solutions designed for public safety and commercial wireless in-building coverage.

Operators here in the North America primarily are concerned about the macro coverage and in-building coverage for large public spaces like, stadiums, airports and railways and in many cases will fund the in building coverage solution. But for a vast majority of large buildings, operators just do not have the funding to provide coverage for literally thousands upon thousands of buildings. Therefore if wireless coverage is wanted, the business owner must look to have a solution installed at their own expense. Small cells can provide a solution for the enterprise customer, but there are issues like band limitations and operator aggregation not to mention that a small cell solution for multiple operators will require multiple parallel systems (read that to mean a ceiling full of access points). A better solution is a DAS where multiple operators’ frequencies can be combined to design a more elegant solution for the business owner at an affordable price. Comba is well positioned with their DAS products to provide this solution to the enterprise customer.

Additionally on the public safety front, Comba is one of the leaders in providing solutions that ensure first responders can count on reliable in-building 2-way radio voice communications.

For new construction, building owners must adhere to building code. In most major markets around the country, part of building code is that first responders must be able to communicate over their 2-way radio network from within the building – this is enforced by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). If successful communications is not possible, then the building owner must install a public safety in-building communications system known as an Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System (ERRCS).

Additionally, FirstNet, a nationwide broadband public safety wireless network for delivering high speed data to first responders, will help save lives by adding preemptive broadband data services to the technology toolset that can be used by public safety. As First Responders continue to take advantage of the broadband capabilities of FirstNet, the apps are going to require better coverage, especially in-building coverage.

Whether we ever have a mandate in the US for in building coverage for FirstNet, which impacts the citizens as well as the first responders, we are probably still going to have a combination of solutions. Comba Telecom is well positioned to quickly provide solutions that will help first responders do their job – saving lives.

When it comes to First Responders, the last thing you want to do is have your hands tied up with phones. Keeping your hands free to protect and defend is essential. However communication to keep coordination is also essential. The use of Land Mobile Radio [LMR] systems with Push to Talk [PTT] solutions is how first responders communicate. Today each organization uses disparate systems and a variety of devices. Pryme specializes in making Push To Talk peripherals designed to work with most LMR devices. Building for First Responders has special requirements such as rugged, water – proofing, and other agency specific solutions.

Talking with David George (Pryme’s President and Chief Engineer), we discussed his history as a radio engineer and the need for Push to Talk [PTT] solutions over cellular.

George says, “In recent years, public safety users have been adopting push-to-talk over cellular (PoC), driving the development of more ruggedized devices similar to what they were using on their LMR radios, as well as many new PoC app compatible wireless PTT accessories.”

Now if any of my readers have followed me from my days in VoIP, you would know that Cisco acquired Dynamicsoft, specifically for it’s push to talk capabilities in support of Sprint/Nextel. However, when it comes to today’s most popular cellular phones the ability to deliver PTT capabilities with wired accessories has some hoops to manage; particularly with Apple’s iPhone.   Pryme has solved this problem by using the iPhone’s interface (accessory connection) and imbedded micro-controller along with some special sauce software to make the push function work without interfering with other native functions (i.e. phone control, voice assistants, shutter controls, etc.) but still allowing normal phone call operation.

“Although Bluetooth wireless PTT products are still a mainstay, first responders often find this unacceptable due to pairing issues and device charging,” said George. “Wired accessories are more reliable but had the PTT operation issue, but Pryme has developed a solution to the PTT problem with our new PICO Wired Surveillance Kit with a PTT button that reliably accesses many PoC applications on smart phones or other devices without Bluetooth”

In the future David George sees the opportunities for first responders to communicate and use more data centric capabilities using FirstNet’s broadband LTE network. He believes we will see additional peripherals and equipment which will provide first responders with functions never imagined such as: isolating gun sounds, streaming body cameras, and systems using facial recognition systems, sensors, location tracking, biometrics, etc.

At this year’s IWCE event, the emphasis was most certainly on First Responders and the FirstNet network, but there are also many commercial and industrial users of two – way radio systems as well. Pryme currently has over 5,000 different products available. If you are looking for Heavy Duty two-way radio, cellular, or tablet push to talk accessories, you can look at other companies, but I would check out Pryme first!