TOIP - Telemetry Over Internet Protocols

Technologies

Mobile Phone Telemetry

Radio Telemetry

There are two primary technologies for telemetry: mobile phone and radio.
Radio systems led the market in the early years. This is because the only competition was from slow, expensive dial   up systems.
The introduction of mobile (cellular) data connections changed this. Like broadband connections for home or business PC’s, mobile data brought higher data rates and significant price reductions allowing this technology to take over as market leader.
Recently the release of new radio systems (such as LoRaWAN) has begun what looks like a swing back to radio .

In mobile phone telemetry, each logging device is fitted with a modem which connects to the mobile phone network. The modem requires a SIM card which is typically operate on a “Machine  to Machine” data plan.
Even at 15 minute log/transfer rates, the average site can run on a low cost 5MB per month data plan
The limitation of cellular systems is that they can only deployed at sites which are within network coverage.
Outside the network, users must revert to radio or satellite systems.

Radio telemetry has traditionally come in two flavours: licensed and unlicensed. The former offers longer range, security and protection from interference, but requires users to hold a radio license. Unlicensed systems are typically shorter range, provide no interference protection but are free.
Lately a third sort of system has emerged: free to air (unlicensed) radio operated on a subscription basis or on private networks. Examples of this are Sigfox and LoRaWAN.