In the vast ecosystem of the Internet of Things (IoT), IoT trackers play a crucial role in enabling real-time monitoring and tracking of various assets and objects. These devices provide valuable insights and data that drive efficiency, security, and productivity across industries. When it comes to selecting the ideal IoT tracker, Mokosmart stands out as a reliable provider offering a range of innovative solutions. In this article, we will explore different types of IoT trackers, compare wireless technologies, discuss industry applications, and provide essential factors to consider during the selection process.
What is an IoT Tracker?
An IoT tracker refers to a compact device that can be attached or affixed to personal belongings and subsequently linked to a mobile app on a smartphone or tablet. These trackers utilize various wireless technologies to transmit data, enabling seamless connectivity and remote management. By leveraging sensors, GPS, and other technologies, IoT trackers provide valuable insights into the location, condition, and movement of assets.
Key Differences of 9 Types of IoT Modules with Different Wireless Technology
9 Types of IoT Trackers with Different Wireless Technologies
Bluetooth tracker
A Bluetooth tracker is a small gadget you can attach to your things to keep an eye on them. It utilizes BLE to establish a wireless connection with your mobile device and periodically sends small data packets to the mobile device through this connection.
Wi-Fi tracker
Wifi Tracker is a Wifi scanner that helps you see the status of wireless networks in your area. It leverages Wi-Fi signals to determine the location of assets within the coverage area of the Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi trackers offer good accuracy and can be integrated with existing Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Zigbee tracker
A Zigbee tracker refers to a tracking device that utilizes Zigbee wireless communication technology to enable the monitoring and tracking of assets. It can transmit data, such as location information or sensor readings, to a central control system or a user’s device for real-time monitoring and analysis.
GSM tracker
GSM trackers function by establishing a connection with a remote server via a cellular network. The cellular network transmits location data about the device, which is received by the server. The server processes this data and presents it to the user on a map, allowing them to view the device’s location. To access this information, users can utilize a web interface or a mobile application.
LTE tracker
An LTE tracker refers to an electronic tracking device designed to relay the real-time location of a vehicle or individual by leveraging GPS. The tracking device stores the location data internally and employs IoT-enabled integration, typically through a cellular connection, to transmit the data to a designated recipient or server.
5G tracker
A 5G tracker leverages the 5G network infrastructure to establish a reliable and robust connection for real-time tracking and monitoring of assets. It uses the high bandwidth and low latency capabilities of 5G to transmit data quickly and efficiently over long distances.
LoRaWAN tracker
LoRaWAN trackers incorporate LoRa radio technology, which allows for long-distance communication while consuming minimal energy. These trackers typically consist of sensors, a LoRaWAN communication module, and a positioning system, enabling them to collect data from the assets they are tracking and transmit it to a LoRaWAN gateway or network server.
NB-IoT tracker
NB-IoT trackers are a type of IoT device specifically designed for low-power, wide-area connectivity. NB-IoT is a cellular communication standard that operates on existing cellular networks, enabling efficient and reliable connectivity for IoT applications.
Sigfox tracker
Sigfox trackers operate by connecting to the Sigfox network, which provides a dedicated infrastructure for IoT connectivity. These trackers are designed to transmit small packets of data at regular intervals, allowing for efficient communication with minimal power consumption. The Sigfox network covers a wide area, enabling trackers to send data over long distances
A Detailed Comparison Chart of 9 IoT Trackers
Here’s a table summarizing the differences between the 9 IoT trackers based on range, latency, power consumption, data transfer rate, cost, and applications:
Compare Short to Medium Range Trackers: Bluetooth trackers vs Zigbee trackers vs Wi-Fi trackers
Range of IoT Trackers
Bluetooth trackers usually cover up to 100 meters in open Spaces without any obstacles or distractions. Like Bluetooth, Zigbee trackers generally have a range of up to 100 meters in open spaces. However, Zigbee networks can be extended by creating a mesh network with multiple devices as Repeaters, which allows extended coverage over a larger area. Wi-Fi trackers operate within the coverage area of the Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi coverage depends on the particular Wi-Fi access point and its configuration. In general, Wi-Fi trackers will be farther away than Bluetooth and Zigbee and can cover several hundred meters within the range of a Wi-Fi network.
Latency of IoT Trackers
The Bluetooth tracker has the lowest latency relative to the other two, meaning that it can transmit and receive data extremely quickly, resulting in minimal latency, typically in the range of a few milliseconds. The Wi-Fi tracker also demonstrated lower latency, allowing near-real-time data transfer. In general, the latency ranges from a few milliseconds to tens of milliseconds. The Zigbee tracker’s latency is not as low as the other two, with typical Zigbee latency ranging from a few milliseconds to about 100 milliseconds.
Power Consumption of IoT Trackers
Bluetooth trackers typically have low power consumption. They are designed to operate with minimal energy requirements to maximize battery life. Zigbee trackers typically have low power consumption, similar to Bluetooth trackers, and they often employ techniques such as power management modes, duty cycle cycles, and optimized network protocols to minimize power consumption. Wi-Fi trackers typically consume more power than Bluetooth and Zigbee trackers due to their higher data transfer rates and greater wireless capabilities. Continuous network connections and data transfers also increase its power consumption.
Data Transfer Rate of IoT Trackers
Zigbee trackers have low data transfer rates, typically up to 250kbps, providing sufficient bandwidth for low-power and low-data rate applications. The data transfer rate of Bluetooth classic tracker can reach 3Mbps. Wi-Fi trackers offer the highest data transfer rates, up to a few hundred Mbps or even gigabits per second (depending on the specific implementation), enabling faster and more efficient communication.
Cost of IoT Trackers
Bluetooth trackers are affordable and inexpensive. Typically, the price ranges from $10 to $50 per unit. Wi-Fi trackers often offer additional features and wider coverage compared to Bluetooth trackers. Consequently, they usually have a slightly higher cost. Wi-Fi trackers can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 or more. Zigbee trackers are commonly used in smart home automation. They offer mesh networking capabilities and integration with ZigBee-compatible devices. These range from $40 to $150 or more per device.
Applications of IoT Trackers
Bluetooth trackers are commonly used for personal item tracking, such as keys, and pet finder. Wi-Fi trackers can find applications in indoor asset tracking scenarios, such as equipment monitoring. Zigbee trackers are ideal for use in smart home automation and control systems, providing connectivity to various devices within localized areas.
Compare Long Range Trackers: LoRaWAN vs NB-IoT vs Sigfox vs GSM vs LTE vs 5G
Range of IoT Trackers
LoRaWAN trackers provide remote coverage, often covering several kilometers in outdoor environments. Sigfox trackers provide long-range coverage, potentially covering tens of kilometers, depending on network infrastructure and signal strength in a given area. The NB-IoT tracker provides wide area coverage, including remote and rural areas. They can cover long distances and provide connectivity even in hard environments like underground or indoor locations. GSM, LTE, and 5G trackers all utilize cellular networks to provide coverage in areas where their corresponding networks are available. Coverage is usually broad and includes both urban and suburban areas.
Latency of IoT Trackers
The latency of LoRaWAN trackers typically ranges from a few seconds to a few minutes. This technology is focused on remote, low-power, and low-data-rate applications, with slightly higher latency compared to cellular technology. Sigfox trackers typically exhibit moderate to high latency, ranging from a few seconds to a minute. The Sigfox network architecture is optimized for low-power, low-bandwidth applications, which can result in slightly higher latency than cellular technologies. GSM trackers typically have moderate latency, which can vary depending on network conditions and congestion, typically ranging from a few hundred milliseconds to a few seconds. NB-IoT trackers offer relatively low latency, typically ranging from a few seconds to tens of seconds. NB-IoT is specifically designed to offer improved latency compared to traditional cellular networks. This makes NB-IoT well-suited for applications that necessitate near real-time data transmission. LTE trackers offer lower latency, typically ranging from tens to hundreds of milliseconds. LTE networks provide fast data transmission, enabling near real-time tracking and fast response times. 5G trackers offer ultra-low latency, typically in the range of a few milliseconds to tens of milliseconds. 5G technology is designed to support mission-critical applications and hyper-responsive services, making it ideal for applications that require minimal latency.
Power Consumption of IoT Trackers
LoRaWAN trackers enable long battery life, typically lasting several years on a single charge. The NB-IoT tracker also features low power consumption. They are designed to operate over narrowband cellular networks, allowing efficient utilization of power resources. The Sigfox tracker is designed to be energy efficient and designed to extend battery life. They use ultra-narrowband technology that transmits small amounts of data at low speeds, resulting in low power consumption. GSM trackers have moderate power consumption compared to low-power technologies such as LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, and Sigfox. They rely on GSM cellular networks and require a continuous connection to the network, which can consume more power than intermittent or event-based communication. LTE trackers have medium power consumption similar to GSM trackers. They use 4G cellular networks that offer higher data transfer rates and advanced features compared to GSM. 5G trackers typically have moderate energy consumption levels. But 5G networks offer higher data transfer rates and lower latency compared to low-power technologies like LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, and Sigfox, so they require higher power.
Data Transfer Rate of IoT Trackers
5G trackers offer high data transfer rates ranging from several hundred Mbps to several Gbps, supporting fast and high-bandwidth communications for tracking and monitoring. GSM trackers can provide data transfer rates of several Mbps, providing relatively fast data transfer for tracking and monitoring applications. LTE trackers offer data transfer rates of several Mbps, similar to GSM trackers, ensuring real-time data transmission and efficient tracking. NB-IoT trackers offer data transfer rates up to 250 Kbps, providing reliable and efficient communication for remote tracking applications. LoRaWAN trackers offer medium to high data transfer rates, with transfer speeds up to 50kbps. They are suitable for transmitting small and medium-sized packets. Sigfox trackers have low data transfer rates of up to 100 bps and are suitable for transmitting small amounts of data with low bandwidth requirements.
Cost of IoT Trackers
LoRaWAN and NB-IoT trackers are designed to be cost-effective for low-cost, wide-area deployments. Sigfox trackers typically have a medium to high cost compared to other options due to the specialized infrastructure and network services provided by Sigfox. GSM trackers are generally more affordable compared to some other cellular-based options. The cost is influenced by factors such as the capabilities of the tracker, network compatibility, and any additional features or services provided. LTE trackers have a moderate cost, depending on the implementation, features, and connectivity requirements. Due to the advanced technology and infrastructure associated with 5G networks, 5G trackers may have higher costs than other options.
Applications of IoT Trackers
The LoRaWAN tracker is suitable for outdoor asset tracking in industries such as agriculture and utilities, where remote connectivity and low power consumption are critical. The NB-IoT tracker is suitable for remote asset tracking in remote areas or underground environments. Sigfox trackers are suitable for applications where energy efficiency and remote coverage are critical, such as environmental monitoring and supply chain management. GSM trackers are commonly used for asset tracking in GSM coverage areas, such as logistics and fleet management. LTE trackers are suitable for applications that require real-time tracking, and high bandwidth data transmission, such as fleet management, and logistics. 5G trackers are well suited for applications that require ultra-fast data transfer, low latency, and reliable connectivity, such as autonomous vehicles and high-bandwidth IoT applications.
Different types of IoT Trackers: Which is better
Features of different types of IoT tracker
- Bluetooth tracker
– Better for short-range applications and device-to-device communication.
– Suitable for personal tracking and proximity sensing.
– Lower power consumption but limited range and data transfer rates.
- Wi-Fi tracker
– Better for high-speed, local network connectivity.
– Suitable for applications requiring fast data transfer, such as data-intensive IoT devices.
– Wide coverage within the Wi-Fi network range, but higher power consumption.
- LoRaWAN tracker
– Better for long-range, low-power, and wide-area coverage.
– Suitable for applications in asset tracking, and smart farms.
– Offers low-cost, low-power consumption, and scalability but lower data transfer rates.
- ZigBee tracker
– Better for low-power, short-range connectivity with mesh networking capability.
– Suitable for home automation.
– Provides reliable communication but limited range compared to other technologies.
- GSM tracker
– Better for wide-area coverage and real-time tracking.
– Suitable for applications like vehicle tracking.
– Offers established infrastructure and reliable communication but higher power consumption.
- NB-IoT tracker
– Better for long-range tracking and wide coverage, even in remote areas.
– Suitable for smart utilities.
– Provides long battery life, low-cost deployments, and secure communication.
- Sigfox tracker
– Better for long-range, low-power connectivity.
– Suitable for asset tracking.
– Offers low-cost deployments, minimal infrastructure requirements, but limited data transfer rates.
- 5G tracker
– Better for ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity, and high-bandwidth applications.
– Suitable for autonomous vehicles.
– Provides massive device connectivity but limited coverage and higher cost.
- LTE tracker
– Provides wide coverage, high-speed data transfer, and real-time update.
– Suitable for applications in industrial IoT.
– Offers reliable communication, and advanced network capabilities, but higher power consumption.
Factors to consider when choosing types of IoT tracker
- Coverage: Determine the required range and area of coverage for your application. Some technologies, like LoRaWAN trackers and GSM trackers, offer long-range coverage, while Bluetooth trackers and ZigBee trackers have shorter ranges.
- Power Consumption: Assess the power requirements of your devices and choose a tracker technology that aligns with the desired battery life. Low-power options like Bluetooth trackers and ZigBee trackers are suitable for battery-operated devices.
- Data Transfer Rate: Evaluate the data transfer needs of your application. Technologies like Wi-Fitrackers, 5G trackers, and LTE trackers offer high-speed data transfer, while others like LoRaWAN trackers and Sigfox trackers are designed for low-bandwidth applications.
- Latency: Consider the time sensitivity of your application. Technologies like 5G trackers and LTE trackers provide low latency, making them suitable for real-time applications, while others may have higher latency.
- Cost: Evaluate the overall cost of the tracker technology, including device costs, infrastructure requirements, and ongoing operational expenses. Some technologies may require additional infrastructure investment, while others have lower deployment costs.
What Industries Benefit from Types of IoT Trackers?
Numerous sectors can reap the advantages of employing IoT trackers. Here are some examples:
Asset Tracking: IoT trackers are used to monitor and track valuable assets such as vehicles, equipment, containers, and shipments. They provide real-time location updates, enabling efficient asset management and reducing the risk of theft or loss.
Fleet Management: IoT trackers are used in the transportation and logistics industry to track and manage fleets of vehicles. They provide real-time information on vehicle location, route optimization, driver behavior, fuel consumption, and maintenance schedules, leading to improved fleet efficiency and cost savings.
Supply Chain Management: IoT trackers play a crucial role in supply chain management by providing end-to-end visibility of goods and shipments. They enable real-time tracking, monitoring of temperature and humidity conditions, inventory management, and supply chain optimization, ensuring efficient and secure delivery of goods.
Personal Tracking: IoT trackers are used for personal safety and security purposes, such as tracking elderly or vulnerable individuals, children, pets, or personal belongings. They provide location updates, geofencing capabilities, and emergency alerts, offering peace of mind to caregivers and ensuring the safety of loved ones.
Smart Agriculture: IoT trackers are used in agriculture for crop monitoring, livestock tracking, irrigation management, and environmental sensing. They provide data on soil moisture levels, temperature, humidity, and livestock behavior, enabling farmers to make informed decisions, optimize resource usage, and increase productivity.
Healthcare and Elderly Care: IoT trackers find applications in healthcare for remote patient monitoring, medication adherence tracking, and fall detection for the elderly. They enable continuous health monitoring, remote consultations, and timely interventions, improving healthcare outcomes and enabling independent living for the elderly.
Industrial Monitoring: IoT trackers are utilized for monitoring and controlling industrial equipment, machinery, and infrastructure. They provide real-time data on equipment performance, predictive maintenance insights, energy usage, and safety compliance, ensuring operational efficiency, reducing downtime, and enhancing worker safety.
Smart Cities: IoT trackers contribute to the development of smart cities by enabling applications like smart parking, waste management, environmental monitoring, and public safety. They provide data for optimizing city operations, reducing congestion, improving sustainability, and enhancing the overall quality of life.
Advancements in IoT Tracker Technology Market
According to the market research report: the global market size of IoT trackers was USD 583 million in 2021 and is estimated to reach USD 1,655 million by 2030, with a projected CAGR of 12.6%.
The IoT tracker technology market has experienced significant advancements in the past, and its evolution continues at a rapid pace. In the past, notable developments include miniaturization, enabling smaller and more compact trackers, as well as the introduction of low-power wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks. Battery life has also improved, thanks to enhanced power efficiency, allowing for longer operational durations. Localization technologies such as GPS, Wi-Fi positioning, and cellular triangulation have advanced, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of location tracking. Furthermore, the integration of data analytics and cloud platforms has enabled real-time tracking insights and historical data analysis.
Looking ahead, the future of IoT tracker technology holds exciting trends. Edge computing is expected to gain prominence, enabling faster decision-making by processing and analyzing data closer to the source. AI and ML will play a crucial role, in providing advanced analytics, predictive capabilities, and behavior pattern recognition for IoT trackers. The widespread adoption of 5G networks will offer faster data transfer rates, lower latency, and increased capacity, unlocking more sophisticated and real-time tracking applications. Sensor fusion, enhanced security measures, integration with the broader IoT ecosystem, and energy harvesting technologies are also expected to shape the future of IoT trackers. Additionally, the integration of IoT trackers with AR and VR technologies opens up possibilities for interactive tracking solutions in various domains.
Finding the Best IoT Tracker Solution: MOKOSmart
When searching for the best IoT tracker solution, MOKOSmart offers a wide range of smart device customizations to meet diverse tracking requirements. Our solutions include LoRaWAN trackers and cellular trackers.
MOKOSmart’s LoRaWAN trackers
- Wide coverage
A LoRaWAN tracker has the capability to provide wide coverage, reaching distances of up to 60km in rural areas or challenging environments like dense cities or indoor settings.
- Long battery life
The LoRaWAN tracker offers an extended battery life compared to other IoT devices due to its lower power consumption. This characteristic allows the LoRaWAN tracker to operate for a significantly longer duration before requiring a battery recharge.
- Unauthorized frequency band
The LoRaWAN system operates on unlicensed frequencies, eliminating the need for licensing fees associated with licensed cellular bands.
- Low bandwidth
The LoRaWAN network operates at minimal bandwidth, making it well-suited for IoT technologies that require low data rates.
- Easy to Deploy
The deployment and setup of the LoRaWAN system are relatively straightforward and uncomplicated.
- Cost Savings
The LoRaWAN specification offers a reduced need for frequent battery replacement, thereby lowering the overall cost of maintaining connectivity.
MOKOSmart’s cellular trackers
- Multi-constellation GNSS
Multi-constellation GNSS enables trackers to receive signals from multiple satellite systems, such as GPS, All-Star, Galileo, and Beidou, providing enhanced positioning accuracy, faster acquisition of satellite signals, and improved tracking performance.
- Ultra-long standby
By optimizing power consumption and utilizing efficient power management technology, the tracker can operate for extended periods of time without the need for frequent recharging or battery replacement.
- Over-speed and light alarm and T&H monitoring
Notifying users when certain predefined speed limits or optical thresholds are exceeded, preventing accidents, theft, or unauthorized access to assets. In addition, T&H monitoring ensures that environmental conditions are monitored and appropriate actions are taken to maintain the optimal condition of sensitive assets or products.
- IP68 waterproof
The IP68 water resistance rating ensures that the IoT tracker is completely protected from dust and can be immersed in water to a certain depth without any ill effects.
- Visual data platform
The visualized data platform provides intuitive dashboards, reports, and data visualization tools that enable users to gain valuable insights from tracked data and more easily identify patterns or anomalies.
- Remotely control engine
Remote engine control supports functions such as starting or stopping the engine, securing the vehicle, or controlling a specific operation. It offers convenience, security, and operational flexibility, especially for fleet management or asset control applications.
Conclusion
IoT trackers play a vital role in revolutionizing asset tracking across industries, enabling real-time visibility, efficient operations, and enhanced security. By understanding the different types of IoT trackers and wireless technologies available, businesses can choose the most suitable solution for their specific needs. Whether it’s short-range Bluetooth trackers or long-range cellular trackers, leveraging IoT technology opens up a world of possibilities for optimized tracking and asset management. Partnering with experienced providers like Mokosmart ensures access to cutting-edge solutions that drive the success of IoT-powered tracking initiatives.
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