Libelium Launches Communications Module for Remote Management of Waspmote

Libelium, a provider of hardware for the implementation of wireless sensor networks, has rolled-out a new communications module, which is capable of over-the-air programming (OTAP) via 3G and Wi-Fi, for remote management of its Waspmote platform.

Waspmote is an open source sensor network platform and integrates over sixty sensors and features a low power consumption mode of 0.07uA for years of battery life. Its sensor nodes can handle secure 3G/GPRS access, Wi-Fi access with WPA2, and FTPS (secure mode) Web server connections to retrieve binary files.

With the help of the new application programming interface (API) software plug-in, telcos and developers Waspmote customers will be able to update Waspmote sensor nodes from the cloud.

Precisely, firmware updates to Waspmote sensor nodes that are deployed in any Smart Cities or M2M project can be performed automatically from the cloud, through the new module. This eliminates the need for physical access to the device.

Libelium utilized the OTAP to simplify the management of sensor networks for Smart Cities applications and Internet of Things devices. For the reason that, wireless programming is generally used in the mobile phone industry to provide dynamic software upgrades and services to thousands of devices at once. And, the use of wireless programming in wireless sensor networks reduces operation costs for large-scale deployments.

The 3G/GPRS module for Waspmote, which features CE / FCC (News - Alert) /IC certification and quad-band connectivity (850/900/1900/2100Mhz), can support any cellular connection provider, and is ready for deployment in any country in the world.

Libelium’s hardware, which are designed for the implementation of wireless sensor networks, helps system integrators, engineering and consultancy companies to deliver reliable Smart Cities solutions with minimum time to market.

David Gascón, chief technology officer, Libelium, said in a statement, “Performing OTAP with 3G technology is an ideal solution for Smart Cities sensor applications such as smart parking or environmental monitoring where sensor nodes are located underground or attached to streetlights, places that are difficult to access.”