IoT device optimization: a modem management guide
IoT device optimization means maximum efficiency at minimal cost. Balancing power consumption, low latency, hardware expenses, and connectivity costs is essential for enabling innovative services and products. However, creating new services, whether in environmental monitoring, connected cars, asset tracking, or smart cities, requires eliminating inefficiencies.
The vast scale of IoT magnifies even minor deviations from the optimum, leading to unacceptably high costs or significantly reduced performance. Effective management of IoT components, from system-on-chip (SoC) to CPU and module, plays a crucial role in achieving substantial performance gains or losses.
How battery selection and lifespan impact IoT device optimization
The choice of battery, including its capacity, lifespan, and usage, profoundly influences IoT device optimization. Proper battery selection ensures extended product lifespan and minimizes the need for frequent battery replacements or recharges. Other components impacting IoT device performance include unnecessary or overly frequent communications, which inflate network costs and deplete batteries, and inefficient utilization of actuation components, sensors, or lighting, which not only drains power but also increases maintenance needs. Additionally, misconfigured components can lead to service failures.
Modem management techniques: beyond AT commands
The modem is a central component in IoT devices, and developers are dedicating significant attention to its efficient management. By obtaining accurate modem information, developers can fine-tune modems to support the specific device and service characteristics effectively. AT commands are the most common method for developers and operators to establish data connections and test modem connectivity for IoT devices. However, alternative techniques exist and can be leveraged to optimize modem performance and adapt effectively to the specific use case in question.
These techniques are discussed in a Quectel Masterclass titled ‘How to obtain modem information and start the network’ aimed at device designers who are keen to understand more about how to obtain modem information so they can optimize the performance of any IoT device and in particular those that are Linux-based. In addition to explaining important techniques for obtaining modem information, the Masterclass shares tips, examples and ideal development environments. To view the Masterclass, please visit: https://www.quectel.com/masterclass-library/obtain-modem-information