Felix Herbeck
Device Engineering Manager, Lytx
C h a p t e r 2
Fundamentally, the technology that
enables asset tracking is wireless
connectivity, which allows users to
communicate with their assets. However,
asset tracking has historically been
defined by a mostly intermittent form
of connectivity, in which long delays
between communications are expected.
The unique value proposition of fleet
telematics is the ability to communicate
with assets continuously and in real
time. For this reason, one of the most
important design considerations in fleet
telematics is the underlying connectivity
hardware, with the antenna often the
focus.
Many design decisions will be influenced
by the requirements of the intended
application in terms of directionality.
For example, consider a fleet telematic
system in an ambulance, which requires
reliable and continuous connectivity.
As the ambulance drives around its
environment, the location of the cell
tower relative to the antenna will change,
creating potential dead zones where no
communication is possible. In this case,
an omnidirectional (i.e., 360-degree
CONNECTIVITY DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS
Fleet telematics is not viable
without reliable connectivity. Fleet
telematics devices are installed on
vehicles traveling long distances.
The only possible way is to organize
the connectivity via the cellular
network."
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7 Experts on Design Considerations for Fleet Telematics
