蜂窝网络, 也称为移动网络, 是一种电信网络,可实现移动设备或物联网设备之间的无线通信. It’s named ‘cellular’ because its coverage area is divided into cells, 每个小区都有一个基站负责发送和接收信号. IoT devices can achieve communication connections between devices and to the cloud through cellular networks.
Understand cellular network infrastructure.
Cellular network infrastructure refers to the general term for all physical devices, software and networks that support the normal operation of cellular communication systems, mainly including the following components:
1. 物联网设备
IoT devices gather data or control other devices within the IoT ecosystem, 包括 传感器, 可穿戴设备, 信标, 资产标签, 和更多.
2. IoT gateway
IoT gateway connects various IoT devices and cloud platforms, facilitating data transmission, 协议转换, data filtering and processing, and security management.
3. Base Station (Cell Tower)
The Base Stations, or cell towers, are physical structures with antennas that transmit and receive signals between mobile devices and the cellular network. They’re strategically placed to provide optimal geographical coverage in specific areas called cells.
4. Base Station Controller (BSC)
The Base Station Controller manages and controls multiple base stations in mobile network communications. Its primary responsibilities include call processing, wireless resource allocation, and network switching. The efficiency of the overall wireless communication system is closely related to the base station controller.
5. Mobile Switching Center (MSC)
The Mobile Switching Center is a central switching entity that connects the cellular network to other networks, including the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and the Internet. Its main functions include call routing, mobility management, handover management, and resource allocation, 除其他外.
6. Home Location Register (HLR)
The Home Location Register is a database within the mobile communication network that permanently stores subscriber information, 包括位置, subscribed services, and authentication details.
7. Visitor Location Register (VLR)
The Visitor Location Register stores information about mobile users who temporarily enter its service area. Together with the Home Location Register (HLR), it facilitates seamless roaming services for mobile users.
8. Authentication Center (AuC)
The Authentication Center is a security component in the mobile communication network, mainly responsible for user identity authentication and authorization to ensure network security.
9. Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC)
The Gateway Mobile Switching Center is responsible for connecting the mobile network to external networks, such as the PSTN, ISDN, and IP networks.
10. Short Message Service Center (SMSC)
The Short Message Service Center processes and delivers short messages (text messages). It can temporarily store messages, allowing for delivery even if the recipient’s device is unavailable to receive them at the time.
11. Operation and Maintenance Center (OMC)
The Operations and Maintenance Center oversees the entire network, 监控, managing, and maintaining its operations. Key functions include network monitoring, fault management, configuration management, and optimization. The OMC enables centralized monitoring and unified management, ensuring network stability and high-quality service.
How cellular networks support IoT devices
Cellular IoT connectivity encompasses technologies like 窄带物联网, LTE-M, 4G, and 5G. These networks offer global connectivity and high data rates, enabling cellular IoT devices to transmit and receive real-time data over wide areas and can be remotely monitored and controlled. Applications include location badges for personnel management in smart offices and cellular-supported gateways in cold chain or logistics.
Recommended Cellular IoT Devices from Minew
Minew offers a range of reliable IoT devices that support cellular networks, 包括:
MWC03 蓝牙® LTE 定位徽章: Combines GNSS and Bluetooth® positioning with real-time data uploads via cellular networks.
MG5 Outdoor Mobile LTE 网关: With Bluetooth® tech, LTE-M & NB-IoT communications, 和 GPS 追踪, MG5 gateway revolutionizes the entire supply chain management by ensuring sustained real-time data visibility.