Senet, a provider of cloud-based software and services platforms that enable global connectivity and on-demand network build-outs for the Internet of Things (IoT), and Helium, the company behind the world’s largest decentralised wireless networks, introduced new network visualisation and planning tools to assist customers with deploying IoT solutions at scale across the United States.
Integrated coverage map
Through a previously announced network integration, Senet is providing its customers with LoRaWAN connectivity from Helium-compatible Hotspots under its Extended Coverage Services. Supporting this integration, Senet has enhanced its US Coverage Map to present a harmonised view of its public carrier-grade coverage and areas covered by more than 150,000 Helium-compatible Hotspots in the US.
This integrated and interactive network map empowers customers with planning information from the nation’s largest and fastest growing LoRaWAN network providers. The partnership increases Senet’s metro area coverage from 1,300 to over 2,000 cities and densifies coverage in major shipping ports, key logistics corridors, and major agricultural areas. It is the first US-wide LoRaWAN network and the only LoRaWAN network in the US designed, built and operated by US owned businesses.
Key attributes of the coverage map include:
- Display of Senet and Helium coverage from a single map view, illustrating overlapping and extended coverage areas
- Zip code search and zoom functionality, allowing users to view the coverage available at any location
- Dynamic updating as new gateways and hotspots are deployed
- Viewable on both web and mobile platforms
View the Coverage Map
Enhanced Network Planning Tools
Senet has also updated its Application Provider Portal tools to further assist its customers with network coverage guidance and density information for application development and deployment planning. Through the click of a mouse, Senet customers can “drop a pin” on a network planning map. Subsequently, path quality to that location from the Senet network is automatically calculated and displayed along with the display of the number of Helium gateways in proximity to that location.
“Over our years of experience in IoT, we have learned very clearly that this is not a ‘build it and they will come’ network opportunity. Rather, each customer application requires flexible geographic coverage and various signal propagation models. As we partner with companies like Helium to deliver ubiquitous LoRaWAN network connectivity across the US, providing standardised coverage information and robust planning tools are increasingly important in delivering on the promise of flexible IoT connectivity where it is needed, when it’s needed, and at the right cost,” said Bruce Chatterley, CEO of Senet. “These tools will continue to gain functionality over time, serving as indispensable resources for developing, deploying, and managing IoT solutions at scale.”
Increased Data Traffic
The densified coverage areas where Senet and Helium networks overlap, combined with areas of Helium coverage where Senet is not yet deployed, offer immediate and measurable value to solution providers and end customers.
For example, even though Senet has deployed a LoRaWAN network across all five boroughs of New York City, one of Senet’s major customers experienced a 25% increase in connected asset reporting as a result of gaining access to Helium coverage through Senet’s network services.
“Completing our network integration with Senet was an exciting and important first step in our partnership,” said Amir Haleem, Helium’s CEO and co-founder. “Now, with Senet’s expanded network visualisation and planning tools, customers can more easily identify coverage areas, plan their connectivity requirements, and scale their solution deployments across Helium and Senet coverage areas.”
