VoBoSync is a synchronization technology that enables the precise coordination of sensor measurements and uplink transmissions for a group of VoBos on a LoRaWAN® network. When used on a group of VoBos measuring properties in a system, synchronizing the data collection timing improves the significance of the data and the insights gained, unlocking more value from your IIoT deployments. VoBoSync is available for all VoBo models.
What Is VoBoSync?
VoBoSync allows many VoBo endpoints to operate on a specific schedule for data collection and transmission. Instead of each VoBo operating independently based on its wake-sleep cycle time and when it was first powered up, VoBoSync ensures that measurements are taken at the scheduled time or at intentionally staggered times, based on a common time reference. This is especially beneficial when data collection time is critical for analysis, predictive analytics, or system diagnostics.
Why Synchronize VoBo Devices?
With traditional VoBo deployments, sensor sampling occurs at fixed intervals determined by the set cycle time, which begins when the device is powered on. This is especially true with battery-powered LoRaWAN® Class A devices. This works well for monitoring one or many individual data streams where only the interval between readings matters.
However, there are cases when the exact timing of the readings does matter. This is when VoBoSync is crucial. VoBoSync becomes essential in applications where:
- You need time-aligned measurements for multiple sensors (such as pressure, temperature, flow)
- Data packet collisions are causing retransmissions and reducing battery life
- Machine learning or time-series analysis requires precise timestamps
These types of cases help troubleshoot system problems, ensure solid communication with the network, and improve operations.
Benefits of VoBoSync
There are many benefits of using VoBoSync with your LoRaWAN® network.
Synchronized Measurements
All VoBo devices enabled with VoBoSync can collect data at the exact same moment or according to a predefined offset, improving the value and correlation of multi-sensor data.
Optimized LoRaWAN® Transmission
By staggering uplink messages using assigned node numbers and configurable delays, VoBoSync prevents packet collisions, reducing the possibility of lost data, the need for transmissions, and conserving bandwidth.
Extended Battery Life
Fewer retransmissions and optimized wake/sleep cycles require lower power usage, allowing batteries to last longer. This is particularly important in battery-powered deployments in remote locations.
Support for Advanced Analysis
Time-coordinated data sets provide better results for anomaly detection algorithms, ML models, and time-series forecasting tools. These provide deep data analysis for planning and troubleshooting.
Real-World Benefits of VoBoSync
VoBoSync’s powerful timing features unlock deeper insights, better performance, and longer device life in industrial monitoring applications. This provides many benefits for a wide range of applications.
1. Higher Quality, Synchronized Data
VoBoSync enables multiple VoBos to read sensor data simultaneously or on a coordinated schedule. This synchronization leads to richer and more accurate data, which is essential for applications such as pressure monitoring across pipelines. For example, coordinated readings could reveal localized anomalies that isolated samples might miss.
2. Improved Accuracy for ML and Forecasting
Machine learning models and time-series tools depend on consistent timestamps. VoBoSync ensures alignment of sensor data. This enhances the performance of:
- Anomaly detection
- Predictive maintenance
- Time-series forecasting
By providing time-synchronized data inputs, VoBoSync supports more reliable and meaningful analysis.
3. Precise Timing for Critical Measurements
The exact moment a measurement is taken matters for time-sensitive applications. VoBoSync allows you to:
- Schedule sensor readings with multiple endpoints
- Coordinate data sampling for more accurate comparisons and insights
- Coordinate data sampling in conjunction with operational events
4. Optimized Network Efficiency
VoBoSync improves LoRaWAN® network performance by:
- Staggering transmissions to avoid packet collisions
- Reducing retransmissions caused by payload clashing
- Lowering radio congestion on the network
These optimizations ensure more reliable communication and better overall system performance.
5. Extended Battery Life
VoBoSync reduces energy consumption by minimizing radio retransmissions and scheduling transmissions intelligently. This leads to:
- Longer uptime for battery-powered VoBos
- Greater reliability in remote or hard-to-access locations
- Reduced man-hours for battery maintenance
6. Greater Control and Operational Efficiency
VoBoSync adds fine-tuned control to LoRaWAN® sensor networks by enabling:
- Scheduled, synchronized measurements for multiple endpoints
- Coordinated data collection for improved system-level analysis
This centralized timing control enhances operational efficiency and provides more detailed insights for distributed monitoring systems.
Conclusion
VoBoSync enhances a LoRaWAN® network by controlling the timing of multiple VoBos and connected sensors. This timing control provides greater insights into all the VoBo data streams connected to the network. Not only does VoBoSync unlock deeper and more actionable insights, but it also eliminates packet clashes and conserves the battery life of all connected VoBos.
Whether you’re measuring process parameters across many points on the network or aligning environmental data across multiple zones, VoBoSync ensures that every datapoint tells a connected story while reducing network strain.
Learn more about VoBoSync by visiting the product page or contacting the Volley Boast sales department today.