RFSigFox Architecture and Network Interfaces
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SigFox architecture is designed to provide simple, scalable, and low-cost IoT connectivity. Its network comprises devices, base stations, and cloud interfaces working together to facilitate seamless data communication. This tutorial delves into the SigFox architecture, highlighting the functions of key components such as base stations, the SigFox cloud, and their interfaces, which ensure reliable message flow across the network.
Low Throughput Network (LTN) Interfaces
LTN interfaces include A, B, C, D, E, F, A’, C’ and F’, as shown in the figure below.
Figure 1 depicts the LTN network architecture with different interface types.
| LTN Interface Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Interface-A | This interface uses radio access technologies between LEP (end devices) and LAP (Base station or gateway). LEP stands for LTN End Point and LAP stands for LTN Access Point. |
| Interface-B | This interface is used between LAPs and LTN servers through WAN mediums. The WAN mediums can be ADSL, fiber, satellite, or microwave links. |
| Interface-C | This interface is used between the LTN server and the Application provider server. It is using IP protocols. |
| Interface-D | This interface is used between the LTN CRA (Central Registration Authority) and LTN servers. |
| Interface-E | This interface is used between multiple LTN servers. This is being used during roaming. |
| Interface-F | This interface is used between LTN servers and OSS/BSS servers. This is being used for exchanging data for registration and network status. |
| Interface-A’ | This interface is used inside LEP. It is used between DCS (Data Collection System) and the LTN module. AT commands over a serial connection are used for the implementation. |
| Interface-C’ | This interface is used as an End User interface, and it is provided by the application provider. |
| Interface-F’ | This interface is used between application provider and OSS/BSS servers. |
Figure 2 depicts a simplified SigFox network architecture derived from the LTN architecture shown in Figure 1.
The SigFox network consists of objects (end-user devices), SigFox gateways or base stations, the SigFox cloud, and application servers. SigFox objects are connected with Gateways using a star topology.
There is a direct secure point-to-point link between SigFox gateways and the SigFox cloud.
The cloud interfaces with servers using different protocols such as SNMP, MQTT, HTTP, IPv6, etc., as per the end applications.
References
ETSI GS LTN 001, 002, 003 (Low Throughput Networks) documents.
Conclusion
Understanding SigFox’s architecture and network interfaces helps in leveraging its full potential for IoT solutions. With its efficient design, SigFox continues to be a preferred choice for cost-sensitive IoT applications.
