Neul Launches A Network For The Internet Of Things

Cambridge networking start-up Neul has launched a wide-area network platform built for the innovative Weightless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication standard – and has lined up BT to try it out.

Called NeulNET, the network includes both hardware and software required to design prototype services for the Internet of Things (IoT).

The current iteration of Weightless relies on “white space” frequencies – the unused portions of TV broadcast spectrum – to connect devices in a five kilometre radius from the base station, through chips which are able to transmit information for a decade while feeding from a single battery. The technology can also use licensed spectrum.

According to Neul the open standard offers high coverage, low module cost and simplicity of operation which will allow it to successfully compete with today’s cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-based M2M solutions.

It’s go time

The Weightless standard was first announced in 2011. The complete specification, developed by the Weightless Special Interest Group (SIG) was published in 2013, alongside Iceni (pictured below), the first chip to support the standard, developed by Neul.

Now, the company is ready to show its technology to potential customers. NeulNET includes the Connected Device Platform (CDP) which provides cloud-based services for managing devices, service levels, authentication and billing.

It also offers two pieces of hardware: the first is the NT1001 terminal module built around the Iceni chip that needs just two AA batteries and an antenna to broadcast small quantities of data for over a decade. Because it operates on spectrum which is also used for TV broadcasts, terminal modules based on Weightless have high penetration rates, allowing them to communicate from deep within buildings, and even underground.

Meanwhile, the NN2510 base station can be mounted on street furniture to collect data from the terminals and send it to the customers’ servers. It requires just Power-over-Ethernet, IP backhaul and an antenna to provide coverage in a radius of up to 5km.

Several major service providers are currently looking at possible applications of Weightless, including BT, which will test the protocol.

“A networking technology that can provide deep indoor coverage, last for many years from a single battery, is simple to use, and comes at the right price point is essential for realizing the true potential of the IoT. The NeulNET solution promises to deliver on these requirements, and we’re excited to be trialing this over the coming months”, commented Mark Harrop, director of Mobile Strategy and head of the Wireless Cities Programme at BT.

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