Next step: Development
Prototyping
Now that you have sent your first message to your platform through the Sigfox network and thus proven that your device idea works, it is time to think ahead.
Prototyping is the moment when you test and trial many options so that you are ready to go in production with the correct set of hardware -- one that you can afford in the long run, and that has a good balance between costs and quality.
Indeed, the Pareto Principle applies: 80% of the costs are determined at the design stage. This means that you must prepare early in order to build an efficient and cost-effective device. Hence, while the Certification and Industrialization pages are the last in this series, you should read them right now, to already know what to expect down the line. DO NOT read the pages in this series on an as-needed basis; in fact, you should read them all, regularly.
Which hardware?
The first question you should ask yourself when creating a Sigfox-enabled prototype is: how will it connect to the Sigfox network? For prototyping purposes, a lot of different solutions already exist on the market. Choosing one will highly depend on your needs.
1) The Breakout solution
Many people prefer to use "Modules" to implement Sigfox connectivity directly on their printed circuit board (PCB). Others prefer to use "Breakouts" of the very same modules, because they are easier to start off with and do not require any heavy soldering equipment.
Breakouts are usually modules mounted on a PCB, giving very easy access to their PINs, and coming with extra features to make the device maker's life easier. They also give access to easy antenna connectors, like UFL or SMA, to start sending messages instantly.
Breakouts can be found here on the Sigfox Partner Network. These breakouts are available for the Radio Configurations 1 and 2.
2) Verified Modules
Another solution is to directly obtain Sigfox Verified modules from your local distributor. This solution is a little bit more complex as you will have to design a specific PCB to mount your module but will be better in terms of integration and final result.
These modules have received the Sigfox Verified certification, and are ready to communicate on our network, as long as it is connected properly to an antenna.
Please be aware that you have to choose Sigfox Verified modules developed for your Radio Configuration.
Online tools
If you have limited skills in electronics, or need a clean and compact prototype for your proof of concept, you can use ThingType. Their automated platform lets you design your prototypes easily and have them manufactured on-demand.
Connectivity: First Sigfox contract
Once your prototype is designed, you need to connect it to the Sigfox network. For that, you must buy connectivity from your local Sigfox Operator, and assign your prototypes to your contract.
The easiest way to buy connectivity is to use buy.sigfox.com. This site allows you to choose from different connectivity packages and automatically create accounts on our backend platform.
The Buy Sigfox tool is also where you can activate the Sigfox subscription for your devkit -- for instance, when you have turned your Sens'it into a devkit.
Emulating the Sigfox network
For areas not yet covered by the public Sigfox network, we have developed the SDR Dongle. This product makes it possible to emulate a laboratory version of our network.
It allows you to develop and test your products even without Sigfox coverage. It features two tools: the Sigfox Network Emulator (SNE), presented below, and the Sigfox Radio Signal Analyzer (RSA), which we present in the Development step.
About the Sigfox Network Emulator
The Sigfox Network Emulator is a tool that runs on the Sigfox SDR Dongle. It is dedicated to testing end-to-end and bidirectional data transport services between your device and your application.
By emulating the Sigfox radio network and cloud main functionalities (callbacks), it facilitates the development of IoT applications. It can help you test all parts of your creation, from the connected device itself to the application that processes the data transmitted by the device. There is no need for an active subscription, nor for Sigfox network coverage: you can develop and test your Sigfox device anywhere, quickly.
Note that the SDR Dongle is not made for production tests. Please see our document on how to do tests in production.
With the Sigfox Network Emulator, developers can:
- SIMULATE Sigfox coverage in a laboratory environment,
- SET radio configuration (RC) for any Sigfox country worldwide,
- TEST end-to-end data services from the device to the application and vice versa,
- DEBUG applications with message content details.
Getting started
- The Sigfox Network Emulator software package is available on Windows and for Linux drivers.
- You can download user guides and resources.
- Go to support.sigfox.com for any question you might have.
Technical Details
OS compatibility:
- Ubuntu distribution: 16.04 and above.
- Windows platform: Windows 7 and Window 10, 64 bits versions.
Chipset compatibility: The radio chipset in your device must integrate an “emulation mode” command, to switch from private key to public key. We provide a list of compatible chipsets.
Multipurpose devices
To launch your first trial, you have two options:
- develop a dedicated product.
- use something already available on the market. This has the advantage of integrating the sensors you need during your tests.
Some Sigfox partners have developed dedicated products tailored for multiple uses, positioning them as trial devices.
For inspiration, check out the Sens'it, or visit our Partner Network and select the sensors you need for equivalent devices.
Evaluating the impact of IoT on your bottom line
The excitement of having the physical device in your hands can be a distraction. At this stage, it is important that technology does not become a problem.
The Sigfox loT Agency has conducted numerous IoT profitability assessments for organizations of all sizes. They have written down their four-step approach for any IoT project business-value assessment.