Device Connectivity

Smart Device may use any range of connection technologies to send data to the TVA platform, and this flexibility is beneficial to customers operating in various regions of the world and in different operational environments. Ultimately TVA provides interfaces for devices to connect through secure and encrypted channels, and the supported devices take advantage of these interfaces to send data to the system.

Connectivity Options & Considerations

Devices may use a range of technologies, ranging from local area transmission through to global satellite networks, and it is important to choose the right device for the given need. TVA as a platform does not have a requirement for any particular communications and connectivity capability, as long as the device is supported by the system, so it is important to define requirements and evaluate devices against these prior to deployment.

Selecting smart devices may have a wide range of requirements, depending on the organization, compliance factors, reporting interval, and other features, however a baseline set of requirements is:

• Area of Operation - Consider where the device will need to operate, and what support (or lack of support) is available to operate in the area. Satellite devices often have relative global coverage, but cellular devices have specific cellular standards, frequencies, and other factors that impact connectivity. A SIM card further impacts the ability of devices to operate in various countries, so the cellular device and SIM card both must be considered concurrently.
• Transmission Requirements - Consider the frequency of reports required for a given task or mission within the organization. Battery powered devices generally have less frequent reporting intervals in order to conserve power, although some have solar panels to provide passive recharging opportunities. Externally powered devices often support higher rates of reporting, but have additional support requirements.
• Device Capabilities - Various devices have features beyond position reporting, including battery and status reporting, environmental (temperature / humidity) information, and incident (drop impact, tilt, security) event reporting. The ability for a device to support different reporting capabilities may be critical to the success of the device in the organization.

One device is generally not suitable to all requirements across an organization, and often a hybrid composite strategy is proper. Building a portfolio of a few scenario-targeted devices may provide the best coverage and capability, and ensure success when deploying items to the field.

Connectivity Testing

Although TVA is not ultimately responsible for the operation of devices, the team does highly recommend that connectivity and scenario-based testing be performed in various conditions and areas. The team has some ability to support test scenarios, and TVA support should be contacted to see what options may be available for test actions.

When planning to deploy new devices, or to change the paramters of use, TVA recommends doing a small scale pilot test. This may include sending devices to new operational areas to validate connectivity and coverage, placing new devices in various configurations, and simulating adverse events such as security or impact incidents. Any device or operating area that has not been tested and verified should be considered a risk and effort taken to minimize or address this risk.

In the event that a device is properly reporting in an area that has been vetted, but not in an area that should be supported, the device vendor can be contacted to verify coverage and operational factors for the device in question. Please ensure the vendor best practices for configuration and placement prior to engaging with support, in order to easily address any deployment issues.

Connectivity Challenges

As noted above, there are challenges in having small smart devices connect back to the TVA platform, and these are often based on the connection not being established properly from the device to infrastructure, or from the device being unable to acquire current information such as a current position.

• Operational Area - A device moved to an area not supported by the device technology or configuration may not work, and this should be validated by the connectivity testing described above. It is not a device failure if it is placed in an area without the proper cellular infrastructure, satellite coverage, or other requirement. To resolve this issue, ensure that the device has the proper cellular bands, SIM cards, satellite coverage, and other factors that are proper for the designated environment.
• Obscured Devices - Often devices may be placed on shipping containers, pallets, hardware, and in other locations that may occasionally be obscured or blocked. A container loaded in a ship hold, or a package placed inside a metal transit crate will have a difficult time acquiring a GPS fix, and transmitting back device information, status, and other details. To resolve this issue, ensure that the device is not in an area that is obscured, or wait until the device is removed from the area and returns to a better coverage environment.

Based on the different connectivity challenges, the device configuration and test process is especially important to discuss with your hardware vendor. When planning a device procurement, even for a small scale test, provide for your vendor:

• Planned Countries and Areas of Use
• Required Reporting Intervals
• Planned Packing or Boxing
• Security and Integrity Monitoring Requirements

Using these requirements a device vendor should be able to inform on the best device and device configuration possible to meet the range of requirements, and to ensure the devices are online and operational.