Asset Tracking Device Network Plan Selection Across Cellular Dead Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asset tracking devices often encounter dead zones or low-quality network coverage, leading to unresponsive devices and potential misinterpretation of device failure, especially when assets are in areas with poor or no cellular connectivity, which can impact safety and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates a detected coverage plan from asset tracking device location reports, providing a geographical map of network coverage and dead zones, and automatically selects and provisions a cost-optimized mobile network plan based on device location history and machine learning, ensuring continuous connectivity and reducing operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If asset tracking devices use cellular networks for location reporting, then connectivity and data transmission are enabled, but dead zones and low-quality network coverage cause device unresponsiveness and tracking failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes network parameters by selecting from multiple mobile network operators based on real-time signal quality assessments. When one operator's signal drops below a threshold, the system switches to an alternative operator, maintaining continuous connectivity despite dead zones in any single network's coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The asset tracking device is configured to work with multiple mobile network operators simultaneously, making it universally compatible across different network infrastructures. This multi-functionality ensures the device can maintain connectivity regardless of which specific operator has coverage in a given location.
2Reliability
If multiple mobile network operators are supported for continuous connectivity, then network coverage reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic network selection where the device automatically assesses signal quality from multiple operators and switches between them based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach maintains simplicity by only actively managing connections to operators that provide acceptable service, rather than permanently configuring complex multi-operator functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The asset tracking device autonomously performs network quality assessment and operator selection without requiring external intervention. The device self-manages its connectivity by monitoring signal strength and automatically switching operators when needed, reducing the operational complexity for users and deployment personnel.
3Reliability
If signal quality assessment and automatic network switching are implemented, then connectivity in dead zones is maintained, but device power consumption and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs signal quality assessments at periodic intervals rather than continuously, reducing power consumption while still maintaining effective connectivity. The periodic monitoring allows the system to detect network degradation and switch operators timely without requiring constant active measurement of all available networks.
Solution Approach 2:
When signal quality drops below acceptable thresholds, the system rapidly switches operators without prolonged attempts to maintain connection with a degraded network. This approach minimizes the time spent in poor connectivity states and reduces the energy expenditure associated with struggling to maintain failed connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for automatically selecting a mobile network rate plan for an asset tracking device based on a set of reported geolocations of the device overtime, coverage data for various mobile networks, and a set of possible network rate plans. A change in mobility rate plans may be implemented through remote provisioning of a new mobile network profile to the asset tracking device.