Some 20 years ago, having a personal computer at home with Internet access was a rare occurrence. And home devices that can connect to the Internet were spoken of as science fiction. Today, such devices are no longer even a niche, but an entire market for the Internet of Things (IoT).
Gartner predicts that the number of IoT devices is expected to grow 21% this year from 2019 to 5.8 billion. All other things being equal, all related industries are also growing.
The Internet of Things has gained popularity among residential consumers due to its ability to combine everyday home appliances, software and specialized (often cloud) services. IoT devices are highly dependent on device communication standards, communication protocols, and network technologies. For each individual product to function efficiently and reliably, the smooth and collaborative work of the hardware, software and service segments is essential ... Smart home solution providers must consider the risks of device incompatibilities within these three segments and ensure that they operate smoothly.
In this article, we will talk about specialized devices for a smart home - GSM modules, how they work, the advantages and disadvantages of using various IoT devices together in a home (and not only) household. Details under the cut.
Principles of GSM-modules operation
A GSM module is a device that acts as a mobile phone or modem that is used to communicate with any device over the network. The GSM module requires a SIM card for operation and it operates in the range of the network that it and the mobile operator support.
Depending on the manufacturer and purpose, the transmission of control commands to the GSM module can be performed in the following ways:
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There are a lot of devices and they all differ from each other, but most of the possibilities for device administration can be reduced to three:
Using a computer
To connect devices to a computer, a USB connection is usually used, such as in Leader GSM or ethernet, such as in ERA-2000 GSM ... Software is installed on the computer and already with the help of it, you can set the operating mode, add or remove users, download the access log and much more.
Of the advantages of this method, we can note the graphical interface, and almost unlimited possibilities, and of course this is the only way with which you can manipulate the device in the absence of a mobile connection.
There is also a drawback, it is that a physical connection with a cable is required, which means you have to run. Via
SMS
The control unit of the GSM module can also be configured using commands sent via SMS. The main disadvantage of this method of administration is that all commands will have to be typed manually, and it will be almost impossible to get data back from the device.
Cloud or mobile application
If such opportunities are available, all configuration takes place through the personal account provided by the manufacturer, a regular browser is used to enter. Or through the application installed on the mobile phone.
Setting up and controlling the device is possible from any computer, tablet or phone with Internet access from anywhere in the world, for example, for PAL ES devices, even no configuration software and preliminary settings are required.
Devices are added to a personal account or a mobile application, usually by a serial number. And then, depending on the vendor, there are many options available to you. Add and remove users, view event logs, configure alarm triggering logic and much more.
Typical design of a GSM module
The GSM module consists of a radio unit, processor, memory and interfaces for integration with peripheral equipment. Depending on the model, GSM modules, in addition to voice communication and SMS, can support GPRS data transmission.
Additionally, some GSM modules are equipped with a GPS transmitter to transmit the coordinates of the place where they are.
The most advanced models support interaction with mobile applications and cloud services of the manufacturer of the corresponding equipment.
Advantages of GSM modules
Below are some of the main advantages of using a mobile operator's network to control remote devices over other channels: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet.
Possibility of control by having the simplest phone at hand (if the device is controlled by a call or via SMS). The phone may not be able to install a mobile application, connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but even from the simplest push-button device (for example, from the legendary Nokia 3310) you can call or send an SMS.
There is no single point of failure.When using a Wi-Fi network and multiple IoT devices, there is a single point of failure - a Wi-Fi router. A power outage or a malfunction at the telecom operator at one time will make all devices inaccessible at once. With a separate wireless connection of each device to the mobile operator's network, this effect will not occur. Additional redundancy can be achieved by duplicating important devices and connecting them to networks of different operators.
Control devices at any distance. From any distance you can observe what is happening and control devices. For example, feed the fish.
Disadvantages of GSM modules
GSM modules also have drawbacks. Let's analyze the main ones.
Payment for a SIM card and the need to control the balance. Each device is a separate expense item. Operators often require you to regularly perform paid actions so that the SIM card is not blocked. In addition, the balance on each SIM card must be under control so that the operator does not restrict communication capabilities and it is possible to access the device via mobile Internet, SMS or by call.
Unstable communication in bad weather. Electromagnetic radiation from a thunderstorm front can affect signal quality, and lightning can potentially damage a carrier's equipment. The event is unlikely, but possible.
Impossibility of use in remote areas and isolated rooms.Remote areas are places with no stable coverage by mobile operators. Isolated rooms - basements, rooms shielded by metal structures and other places where there is no possibility of receiving a radio signal from a base station.
Cyber threats. If the device is controlled by call or SMS, an attacker can spoof the number and gain access to control the peripheral equipment. Search brings up many of these services. When using more advanced equipment with support for management through a mobile application of a cloud service, such risks are removed by themselves.
Cellular signal jamming.Special equipment for jamming the signal from the GSM module to the base station will prevent intrusion notification. Such equipment is also widely available for sale.
Overview of GSM modules
Various GSM devices have entered our lives for a long time, in this section we will talk about GSM devices for various purposes and give examples of specific models. Below about:
• GSM-alarms
• GSM-modules for access control
• GSM-control for a heating boiler
• GSM-modules for a car
• GSM-switches
• GSM-sockets
GSM alarm
The basic set of GSM-signaling must include a controller and, depending on the configuration, may include video cameras, motion sensors, door or window opening sensors, smoke or water detectors. If there is no need for additional sensors, you can purchase a basic alarm kit and further equip it with additional sensors. Equipping alarm kits with additional sensors is a tribute to the course of making devices universal. In some alarm models, controllers, in order to reserve the channel, can be equipped with 2 or 3 SIM card slots.
Unlike alarms connected to the control panel of a security company, GSM alarms have only one notification channel - mobile communication. That is, if this channel is unavailable, the attacker will be unnoticed in the room. Alarms connected to the security console have additional connection channels: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, wired telephone line, and GSM is used as a backup channel. However, it should be borne in mind that console security is a mandatory subscription fee and payment for each call. If we compare GSM alarms with conventional alarming counterparts (without GSM and connecting to a security console), the latter can only be designed for inexperienced intruders, therefore, this option should not be considered at all.
Below are 3 popular models according to Yandex.Market data.
- Carcam GSM alarm kit — 3990
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- Sapsan GSM 4G CAM — 25 749
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- Ajax Hub Kit Black - price 14,990 rubles
The kit includes a central panel, a motion sensor and an opening sensor. Additionally, you can connect up to 100 devices. The sensors communicate with each other via a secure wireless channel.
In general, the topic of burglar alarms is much broader and more interesting than the context we are considering in this article, they are used to protect the house, perimeter, warehouses, shops, and in each case there is its own specificity .
GSM modules for access control
These are universal devices to which any barriers can be connected: automatic gates, barriers, turnstiles, card collectors, electromechanical or electromagnetic locks, mailboxes and elevators. Controlling similar devices without GSM support requires being in close proximity to them. For example, if you have gone on vacation or are on self-isolation, and someone needs to get into an area with limited access, it will not be difficult to remotely open a barrier, turnstile or room.
GSM-modules have become very popular in systems for controlling entry into villages and residential complexes, commercial facilities with a significant number of subscribers. They can control any automatic barriers - barriers , bollards, gate automation.
Below are three popular devices according to the version of our customers.
- Eldes Esim 320 2G / 3G - price 15,900 rubles
This is an autonomous GSM controller for controlling a barrier (gate) from a phone. The device can be controlled from the phone, via the WEB interface or mobile applications.
- DoorHan GSM 3.0 - price 10 250 rubles
The module is designed to control barriers, drives, lighting systems and other types of electrical equipment. Supports transmission of remote commands via NO, NC contacts.
- Pal SG314-GI-WR — 25 999
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An unlimited access log is kept in the personal account, the events in which are stored for as long as you like, allowing you to see who, when and using some type of identifier (dial-up, application, remote control, card) opened the executive device. Information is sent in real time to the manufacturer's servers.
We carried out a detailed comparison of GSM devices from different manufacturers, and if you are faced with the task of choosing, you should familiarize yourself with them, since the difference in functionality is huge.
• Comparison of Eldes Esim vs Pal Es
• Comparison of DoorHan vs Pal Es
• Comparison of Leader GSM vs Pal Es
GSM control for heating boiler
Systems for controlling heating in the house are designed to maintain a comfortable environment in the premises and alert you about any emergency situations. Consists of a controller, temperature and voltage sensors and is equipped with the ability to connect additional sensors.
Despite the automatic operation of modern heating equipment and its ability to maintain the required temperature without human intervention, sometimes non-standard situations arise that require adjustments to the operation of the device. For example, the weather has changed, gas supply interruptions, power outages, heating equipment overheated, and so on.
Thanks to the GSM module, you have not only timely alerts, but also the ability to react as quickly as possible to a situation, in order, for example, to avoid freezing the heating circuit.
Boiler control modules without a GSM-module require presence at the place of its location, which can be difficult in conditions, for example, in a country house and self-isolation or going on vacation.
In this section, we will analyze three popular models according to the Yandex.Market version.
- Boiler - price 3,990 rubles
A device for controlling the temperature in the room. Additionally, the device monitors the presence of voltage in the network. Suitable for controlling electric boiler.
- ZONT Smart — 9 020
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- GSM 12 — 9 090
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These are car alarm devices. In the presence of a GSM-module, such devices can transmit telematic data about the state of the car to the owner and notify about emergency situations.
Car alarms without a GSM module have a known drawback - their range is limited by the range of the key fob. Alarm from GSM will notify the owner of what is happening, regardless of the range of his location. Some GSM alarms support control and monitoring via mobile apps. This greatly expands the possibilities: tracking the position of the car, immediately starting the engine, starting the engine by temperature or on a schedule, opening the car, searching in the parking lot and listening to what is happening in the car. In addition, the smartphone can be fully used instead of a key fob.
Below we will tell you about 3 popular models according to Yandex.Market version.
- Starline x96 v2 sl - price from 39,000 rubles
The device supports connection to CAN and LIN buses, sends notifications to the owner about any emergency situations with the car and can be retrofitted with a GPS-GLONASS module to determine the location of the car using the free service of the alarm manufacturer.
- Pandora NAV-09 - price from 10 450 rubles
The module is compatible with Pandora alarms. Control via SMS and mobile application is available. The module also has a GPS to determine the coordinates of the car, and the kit comes with a nano-SIM card with a prepaid balance to get started.
- Alligator online — 6 990
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Common types of GSM switches are devices designed to be mounted on a DIN rail (in a shield). Their principle of operation is similar to the operation of sockets - closing and opening the relay.
The GSM switch can be especially useful for those who are constantly worried about the unplugged iron or heater. Even if you leave it on, remote power outage will bring peace of mind to the safety of the room. A breaker can have one or more relays. For effective use of GSM switches (for example, so that the refrigerator does not turn off with the iron), each built-in relay must be connected to different segments of the wiring. Some switches have special controllable outputs to which peripheral equipment such as a siren can be connected.
Below we will tell about three popular models according to Yandex.Market data.
- Master Kit MP0212 - price 6 420 rubles
GSM switch on a DIN rail, the device is controlled by sending SMS. The status of the device can be monitored by the LED indication.
- -KIT-BOX with 4 machines on a DIN rail - the price is 21,000 rubles
The delivery set includes 4 machines, each of which can be controlled via SMS. It is available to receive the status of channels, to temporarily turn on / off a certain channel or all channels for a specified time, set a single password for all channels, the ability to set separate passwords for each channel, notification of a device reboot, in case of power failure.
- SimPal-D210 — 3 490
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Sockets with a GSM-module can be used to remotely switch on and off electrical appliances. The most common case is heater control, often the switch has a built-in temperature sensor.
With the help of sockets with GSM, you can be calm about turning off electrical appliances in case you suddenly forgot to turn off something when leaving. And you can also prepare the room for your own arrival and, for example, turn on the heater.
There are also devices on the market with control over Wi-Fi, they are more popular, because one Internet connection is enough for their work. But, unlike GSM sockets, they have a single point of failure - in the event of a Wi-Fi router failure, all sockets will become unmanageable. Conventional sockets without GSM or Wi-Fi are centrally controlled from the dashboard and do not have the advantages of smart sockets (unless there is a switch in the dashboard controlled via GSM or Wi-Fi).
Below is an overview of three cheap GSM sockets from Yandex.Market.
- Orcam R2 GSM - price from 3 650 rubles
The device is controlled via SMS. Additionally, you can connect a temperature sensor to automatically turn on the heater. The switch can send data on the ambient temperature.
- Zamel GSM — 3 686
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- Alfa SC4-GSM — 4 250
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In this article, we have analyzed the main areas of application of GSM-modules, outlined the advantages and disadvantages. Of course, we have considered only a small part of the whole variety of existing GSM devices. There are also GSM-temperature sensors , GSM-flooding sensors , GSM intercoms, GSM reader for ACS and many others.
The choice is huge, and every year there are more and more IoT devices in general, and with GSM modules in particular.
With the introduction of 5G into mass production, this growth will only accelerate. Ericsson Report talks about 3.5 billion IoT connections over mobile networks in 2023 and reports that the launch of 5G networks in commercial operation will lead to the rapid growth of the mobile Internet of things (IoT).