Traxmate provides a robust solution for IoT asset tracking by integrating Semtech’s LoRa Cloud™ into the Traxmate Cloud Locator. This technology provides cloud-based GNSS resolving and TDOA geolocation, allowing for precise and efficient positioning over LoRaWAN networks. It is designed to track assets across large geographical areas while consuming minimal power.
Cloud-based GNSS Resolving in LoRaWAN
In a traditional GNSS model, IoT devices determine their location by connecting directly to multiple satellites. This process demands significant processing power and can quickly deplete battery life. However, Traxmate improves location tracking over LoRaWAN by the Traxmate Cloud Locator GNSS offloading system, which transfers the location calculation to the cloud for greater efficiency.
- Raw GNSS Data Capture
LoRa-enabled devices periodically capture GNSS data passively, storing the raw satellite signal data without needing local processing. This approach is energy-efficient because the device only records the signals and avoids complex calculations. - Transmission to Traxmate Cloud Locator
The captured GNSS data is transmitted over the LoRaWAN network to the Traxmate Cloud Locator. This step is highly efficient due to LoRaWAN’s capabilities, which allow data to be sent in low-bandwidth bursts over long distances while consuming minimal power. - Cloud-Based Location Computation
Once in the Traxmate Cloud Locator, the raw GNSS data is processed into geographical coordinates by high-powered servers that utilize a combination of satellite signal analysis and algorithms optimized for accuracy and speed. Depending on the coverage available, the device’s approximate location is determined using data from visible GNSS (GPS or BeiDou) satellites. - Return of Location Data
After processing, the computed location is returned to the Traxmate application, where users can easily view and manage this information through a user-friendly interface or subscribe to the data flows and display it in another solution.
This GNSS offloading approach is particularly beneficial for assets that require regular location updates while maintaining extended battery life, as power-intensive processing is wholly offloaded to the cloud. It is ideal for remote or long-term deployments in, for instance, security & safety, environmental monitoring, logistics, and agriculture applications.
Time-Difference-of-Arrival (TDOA) in LoRaWAN for Geolocation
Traxmate Cloud Locator also includes TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival) as an alternative to GNSS-based location tracking. This is particularly beneficial when GNSS signals are obstructed indoors or in densely built environments. TDOA utilizes the timing differences of signals detected by multiple LoRaWAN gateways to determine a device’s position. However, if the tracker is equipped with WiFi scanning capabilities, this offers a much more accurate solution for indoor positioning. Traxmate provides excellent WiFi-based indoor tracking options built on Combain services.
- Signal Transmission Across Gateways
LoRaWAN devices periodically transmit signals, which multiple LoRaWAN gateways within range can detect. Each gateway records the exact time of arrival of the signal, relying on synchronized clocks that are crucial for Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) calculations. - Calculation of Time Differences
The Traxmate Cloud Locator collects time-stamped data from each gateway and calculates the time differences between these arrivals. These time differences indicate the distances between the device and each gateway, providing essential data points for triangulating the device’s position. - Triangulation Algorithm
In the Traxmate Cloud Locator, TDOA algorithms utilize these time differences to compute the device’s approximate location based on the gateways’ known positions. The system can estimate positions with varying degrees of accuracy, typically within tens to hundreds of meters, depending on the number of gateways and the characteristics of the signal environment. - Output and Display in Traxmate
The determined location is then made available on the Traxmate platform, enabling users to monitor and track assets in real-time. TDOA is especially advantageous for applications with limited GNSS visibility and low-cost devices that may not have full GNSS or WiFi scanning capabilities.
Technical Advantages of Using GNSS and TDOA in Traxmate Cloud Locator
- Reduced Power Consumption
Offloading computational tasks to the cloud allows devices to focus on capturing and transmitting GNSS or signal timing data, which helps extend battery life by up to 10x power savings over standard GNSS. - Scalability Across Networks
GNSS offloading and Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) are scalable solutions. Traxmate Cloud Locator can handle large volumes of location data from multiple devices in real time. - Wide Area Coverage
LoRaWAN’s long-range and low-power features enable tracking over extensive, often rural areas where traditional cellular networks may not provide coverage.
Additional Resources
Semtech LoRa Cloud™ overview video from the Semtech Academy for LoRaWAN®:
