u-blox and Telenor Connexion team-up for Network Friendly M2M modems

Intelligent 2G/3G modules from u-blox optimize performance and prevent network overload in M2M and IoT applications

Thalwil, Switzerland and Stockholm, Sweden, Oct. 20, 2014 - Swiss u­-blox, a global leader in wireless communications and positioning semiconductors and modules, and Telenor Connexion, an M2M focused arm of Telenor Group, one of the world’s largest telecom companies, have collaborated to secure efficient and optimized usage of M2M and IoT devices and applications in mobile networks. The aim is to further enable rapid growth and accelerate deployments of connected solutions.

In typical distributed IoT applications such as smart metering and remote security systems, a cellular modem may attempt multiple times to connect to the network. If numerous units make simultaneous attempts, for example energy meters reporting their readings at midnight, a network may become overloaded and unresponsive.

In recognition of this scenario, and to further guide IoT device and application developers, u-blox and Telenor Connexion have introduced a “Network Friendly Mode” which will be embedded in all u-blox cellular modules. The firmware allows the modem to autonomously attempt to connect to the cellular network based on pre-defined and geometrically longer time delays, and a maximum number of attempts. The “Network Friendly Mode” is based on the recently published GSMA report “IoT Device Connection Efficiency Guidelines”, which promotes optimized modem behavior in cellular networks.

''This successful partnership with u-blox ensures an optimal performance of our networks. The new firmware introduced in u-blox’ modules enables devices and applications to communicate in the most intelligent and efficient way, whilst preventing service outages, thereby ensuring a continued reliable service to our M2M customers. This collaboration is also paving the way for a larger adoption of best practices within the M2M and IoT developer community.” said Rémi Demerlé, Global Partnerships Director at Telenor Connexion.

“We are pleased with the result of our close cooperation with Telenor Connexion to address an issue facing all developers of IoT applications: how to ensure reliable and predictable network connectivity in all possible scenarios,” said Richard Fry, VP Strategic Partnerships at u-blox. “By carefully analyzing modem behavior within their extensive 2G and 3G networks, we were able to define a robust algorithm that provides optimal connectivity, even when large numbers of units are involved.“

For more information, please contact: 

Richard Fry, VP Strategic Partnerships, u-blox
Phone:   +44 1763 269 001
E-mail: richard.fry@u-blox.com

Kristina Grandin, Marketing & Communications Manager, Telenor Connexion
Phone:   +46 734 252621
E-mail:kristina.grandin@telenor.com