Extracting more value from wireless networks, whether from new revenue-generating services or new business models, requires new capabilities. This is especially true when it comes to supporting a growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. To meet the challenges that come with providing network connectivity for IoT solutions at today’s projected growth rates, one company is executing a strategy underpinned by the belief that network services for massive IoT will be built on partnership.
Given a recent infusion of capital into the company, Senet - a provider of cloud-based software and services platforms that enable global connectivity and on-demand network build-outs for IoT - is not wasting any time in expanding their service offering. Last week, the company announced a full suite of RAN planning and management tools, business development programs, and co-marketing initiatives to “support the deployment of commercial LoRaWAN solutions, broadening the opportunity for traditional infrastructure providers and other physical asset owners to participate in the IoT services economy.”
As large 5G networks are being rolled out around the world, with particular acceleration in the U.S., Senet may be banking on the premise that there is no one size fits all connectivity technology for IoT, and Tier Ones may be ready to diversify their offerings to support a broader range of IoT applications. The same may hold true for Cable companies, Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISP), and others looking to participate in the IoT services economy.
As the IoT generally grows beyond the Proof of Concept and trial stages and into the field – literally in the case of agricultural deployments, and figurately across nearly every industry where the monitoring, management, maintenance, and optimization of physical assets promises massive gains in yield and productivity - Senet is leveraging their experience in building and managing LoRaWAN networks across the U.S. and globally, to introduce RAN tools and services to support the varying needs of IoT solution providers and end-users.
“To support the scale and operational complexities of IoT, legacy network architectures and business models are being replaced with cloud-based services, innovative RAN deployment models, and partner engagements that allow companies of all types to participate in the IoT economy,” said Bruce Chatterley, CEO at Senet. “A shared RAN infrastructure is a key step toward delivering lower connectivity costs and interoperability and we’re committed to providing tools that enable our RAN partners to deliver robust network services under a mutually beneficial financial model.”
Providing the same industry-leading tools Senet uses to manage the largest LoRaWAN network in the United States, the Senet RAN Provider Portal enables RAN Providers to plan, monitor, and manage critical infrastructure, network, and assets, including:
- Network design and RF planning, such as gateway placement, end node coverage simulation, and redundancy strategies and planning
- Continuous real-time monitoring of system and network health
- Reporting on the aggregation of alerts network-wide or by individual asset
- Case management for generation and tracking of support cases from individual alerts
Optional services available from Senet to assist with network planning and deployment include:
- RAN site evaluation and acquisition services including location planning, permitting, and power and backhaul analysis
- RAN deployment services for gateway hardware acquisition, gateway provisioning and staging, installation, and onboarding to the Senet Network Server
“Senet is unique among IoT connectivity providers in that we have extensive experience developing the critical core technologies and building and operating an expansive LoRaWAN network to support a wide variety of solutions with differing connectivity and performance requirements,” said Dave Kjendal, CTO and COO at Senet. “Our RAN Provider tools and services extend this expertise to operators, infrastructure companies, and solution providers, allowing them to perform high-quality RAN designs and deliver carrier-grade coverage and capacity for massive IoT opportunities.”
Senet’s RAN Provider tools provide network operators, tower companies, municipalities, building owners, and solution providers with tools and services enabling developers and operators to rapidly design, deploy, and manage carrier-grade LoRaWAN networks (both indoor and outdoor) directly from a dedicated RAN Provider Portal. Managed by Senet on the back end, these networks can be operated in public, private or hybrid capacities, and RAN providers have the option to participate in Senet’s patented Low Power Wide Area Virtual Network (LVN), which provides unique revenue sharing opportunities.
Alternatively, RAN Providers can contract RAN deployment services from Senet on an as-needed basis. The tools are available in over 80 countries, where the company offers coverage and connectivity readiness.
As detailed in the company’s recent funding announcement, Senet is also offering RAN Partner programs to facilitate engagement between network infrastructure companies and IoT solution providers. Initiatives include the coordination of ecosystem engagements for regional and national solution deployment, collaborative promotions in support of public network readiness, and network branding opportunities.
Arti Loftus is an experienced Information Technology specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the research, writing, and editing industry with many published articles under her belt.Edited by
Ken Briodagh
