The type of data SIMs typically used in mobile phones has found much use in our industry as a means of providing a secondary (or in some cases primary) wireless IP communication path for alarm signals and status data. To transmit this information, the majority of suppliers use the 2G wireless network, which is well suited to the task.
The 2G network is currently in the process of being decommissioned in many countries around the world. However in the UK it will remain in place for several years to come, thanks to a number of ongoing projects taking place that are making use of this network.
With the availability of low cost-networks, increasing numbers of sensors, and ever cheaper processors (not forgetting widespread smartphone usage) it seems likely that in the future more and more equipment will have some form of connectivity and end users will come to expect this as standard.
Smart meters being rolled out to millions of homes are also looking to 2G as the ideal means of transmitting data, and it is likely that sensor analytics for the purpose of providing effective domiciliary care and health monitoring services are going to be big business in the coming years.
This growing requirement for 2G connectivity requires capacity in the wireless spectrum. Fortunately, the small packets of alarm and sensor data that are sent via 2G do not require large resources, yet OFCOM has recently given the green light to repurpose this precious 2G bandwidth allocation for 4G services.
These 4G services are primarily aimed at the lucrative smartphone market where increasing demands for fast, streaming video data and rich media experiences mean that network providers are in some cases scrambling to have as much capacity as possible for their “prime time” services — potentially leading to less availability for the not-so-glamorous 2G data transmission used by text messages and our alarm systems, amongst others.
As the contest for the most stable and widely available 4G networks unfolds over the next few months, there is a chance that our services could be impaired, as providers effectively perform a triage of their network capacity and squeeze as much 4G capability out of their bandwidth as possible.
This could lead to widescale wireless network outages, requiring adequate capacity of fixed-line, secondary PSTN or IP paths, which can be a challenge for signaling providers.
Perhaps the long-term answer is to upgrade our devices to support 4G. But, until then, we must ensure that our networks are resilient and robust in light of these growing risks.
I am just wondering how it happens, to the little I know both these technologies travel at different frequencies. I have never heard it interrupting each other.
@ Shehan
I think it has little to do with the frequencies, and everything to do with the network traffic. The 4G network is using up so much it is causing outages for the 2G network. So, the systems using 2G alarm signals are having downtime in their network.
@ StaceyE – It is a good point to raise over traffic / saturation. Regardless of frequency there is often a shared common network architecture. A large amount of this is handled though through backhaul to traditional broadband networks and as such as usually reasonably secure in capacity in comparison to the network frequencies themselves. @ Shehan – There are several frequency ranges in use for UK mobile data. The key difference here is that OFCOM (the UK regulator) has given the go ahead for suppliers to take some of their 2G frequency bandwidth and re-allocate it to be used… Read more »
As Joe said, it’s mostly to do with the people who control the network frequencies (OFCOM) selling the bandwidth on.
For my part, everything has its day, but it seems surprising that 2G is being (to an extent) phased out so soon. It’s not that long ago really that 3G was introduced, although in terms of the speed of technology change it could be said to be a lifetime.
I think it shows the pace of technology Rob that 2G is already facing cut backs in service. I can understand, the current 4G market is fighting for subscribers. Really though I would hope that some consideration is given to their customers in the 2G market, but it has been around for over twenty years and in the technology market thats a few lifetimes.
I agree with you. Let enjoy the 4G network as we are lacking behind on this technolgy. 2G has enjoyed its moment and agree with you that OFCOM is selling the bandwith in order to meet its target on 4G
It is and this is right for building a better connected network for the future, but I wonder if they’ve considered all the implications?
Yeah that’s the main point isn’t it. That really is a long time in tech. What USB versions are we up to, and Bluetooth for example? These communication methods move quickly
Yes agree Rob. The technology era is amazing as it is most effective way of life in our days. I think the new face of technology regarding security and safety will be intelligent reconginition by our systems through biometric features.
Really? Yes, well it’ll certainly be interesting to see if biometrics become the go to authorisation in the next decade
Yes, I am very optimistic that biometrics will be the order of the day very soon