Smart Things: How SIGFOX is redefining communication standards

Imagine for a moment that we could add a small SIM card to all our objects, allowing them to send up to 144 messages of 8 characters each per day, all for approximately €1 per month. Well, that's precisely what SIGFOX offers. It's a kind of mini-plan that gives a voice to our everyday objects, making them smart and connected. This simplification can help us understand the scope of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the vital role SIGFOX plays in this ecosystem.

Introduction to SIGFOX

In 2022, when SIGFOX, a key player in the Internet of Things (IoT), seemed to be struggling, an unexpected reinvention occurred. The company's assets were acquired by UnaBiz, changing its planned trajectory. Today, in 2023, SIGFOX is evolving and continues to be a driving force for innovation in the field of connected objects, despite competition from technologies like LoRa, NB-IoT, and 4G LTE-M. At BLUEGRioT, we have used this powerful technology in several of our projects, such as our collaboration with the Lesaffre Group, confirming SIGFOX's continued relevance in the IoT landscape.

Presenting the SIGFOX network and its role in connected objects:

SIGFOX is a network dedicated to the IoT, offering low-power connectivity over long distances. It uses the 868 MHz frequency band, a license-free band in Europe, to transmit data securely and efficiently. Connected objects, such as sensors, meters, and terminals, use this network to communicate, collect, and analyze data. In an increasingly "smart" world, SIGFOX plays a vital role in telecommunications, cybersecurity, and data transmission.

The Growing Importance of Connected Objects in the Professional and Everyday World

The popularity of connected objects is on the rise in both the professional and everyday worlds. From supply chain management and Industry 4.0 to daily life, the IoT has permeated almost every aspect of our lives. Smart Things have the potential to improve efficiency, minimize errors, and simplify tasks through constant connectivity and real-time data.

The Advantages of the SIGFOX Network for Connected Objects

Low power consumption is one of the major strengths of SIGFOX technology. This feature is crucial in the IoT, where device longevity is often a major concern. At BLUEGRioT, we have been able to leverage this low power consumption to achieve a theoretical battery life of several years for our devices, without needing to recharge them. And this is true even in extreme temperature conditions, ranging from -20°C to +50°C. This means our devices can operate reliably and continuously in a multitude of environments, using the SIGFOX.

Our collaboration with Lesaffre perfectly illustrates these advantages. For this project, we developed a connected sensor capable of measuring the quantity of liquid yeast in 300L and 1000L containers and monitoring the temperature. This sensor, certified ‘SIGFOX ready’, does not use GPS but benefits from the geolocation option offered by SIGFOX, enabling precise location to within a kilometer. Discover the project.

Professional applications of connected objects with SIGFOX

The IoT with SIGFOX has numerous potential applications. In Industry 4.0, connected objects can be used for process optimization and predictive maintenance. In logistics and the supply chain, they can provide real-time tracking and efficient asset management. Within the context of smart cities, they can contribute to improved energy efficiency and resource management.

The Future of IoT with SIGFOX

As new trends emerge in the field of IoT, SIGFOX is well-positioned to play a key role in their development. Challenges such as bandwidth optimization, enhanced cybersecurity, and increased connectivity present opportunities for SIGFOX to demonstrate its potential.

Conclusion

Despite a competitive landscape with technologies like LoRa, NB-IoT, and 4G LTE-M, SIGFOX has demonstrated its value and relevance by overcoming significant challenges. At BLUEGRioT, we remain committed to leveraging and promoting technologies like SIGFOX, which are at the forefront of innovation and digital transformation. We look forward to seeing how SIGFOX will continue to evolve and redefine communication standards in the future. While other technologies claim to eliminate their shortcomings, we observe that SIGFOX remains a solid and consistent benchmark in the IoT field.