Soil Scout's Unique Connectivity: No SIM Cards Needed for Sensors

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Traditionally, many IoT (Internet of Things) devices or remote monitoring systems use cellular networks (2G/3G/4G/5G) to send collected data to the cloud or a central hub, requiring a SIM card and data subscription for each device. Soil Scout, however, utilizes a different architecture:

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Its Own Wireless Network Between Sensors and Base Station:

Soil Scout's underground sensors (those buried beneath the soil) do not connect directly to a cellular network. Instead, they transmit data to a nearby Soil Scout Base Station using their own proprietary, low-power, long-range wireless protocol.

​This specialized communication is designed to ensure reliable data transmission even from underground and boasts maximum energy efficiency, which is key to the 20-year battery life.

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Transmission to the Cloud via the Base Station:

The Base Station, which collects data from the sensors, then forwards this data to the cloud-based Soil Scout platform.

It is this Base Station that can utilize a cellular connection (typically 4G/3G/2G) to transmit the data to the internet. However, a single SIM card and data plan for this connection can manage the data from multiple sensors. The sensors themselves do not require individual SIM cards.

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Independence from Cellular Signal (at Sensor Level):

This architecture eliminates concerns about strong cellular signal at the precise location where the sensors are placed. Sensors can transmit data as long as they are within the Base Station's coverage area. The Base Station, in turn, is typically positioned to receive a strong cellular signal, often by being placed at a higher point or using an external antenna.

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Benefits of Not Requiring a SIM Card for Each Sensor:

 

• Cost Savings: Eliminates the cost of purchasing individual SIM cards and paying monthly data fees for each sensor. This is a significant cost advantage, especially for large farms or golf courses with extensive areas (and a large number of sensors).

• Easy Installation and Scalability: Adding a new sensor does not require complex pairing processes or new SIM card activations. Sensors are automatically incorporated into the Base Station's network. This greatly simplifies system installation and future scalability.

• Operational Convenience: Removes the operational burden of tracking, managing, renewing, or troubleshooting SIM cards.

• Reliability: The proprietary wireless communication protocol ensures reliable data transmission even in challenging underground conditions.

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Soil Scout's ability to operate without the need for SIM cards at the sensor level makes it a more cost-effective, easier to install, more manageable, and more reliable solution.