This Modular LTE-M Solution Provides AI and Security at the Edge

Avnet and Octonion have teamed up with mobile network operator Orange to launch a customized, plug-and-play SmartEdge Agile IoT device using Octonion’s Brainium meta-sensing artificial intelligence software, designed specifically for the LTE-M network. The solution is the first to market that enables engineers and manufacturers deploying IoT projects on ultra-low bandwidth networks to benefit from the power of AI and security at the edge.

This new LTE-M connectivity board includes a live booster module that has been developed by Sequans Communications, a 4G chipmaker, based on Sequans’ Monarch LTE-M/NB-IoT chip platform.

Orange is the first mobile operator to harness the power of AI and security at the edge for the LTE-M network. By utilizing Avnet SmartEdge Agile and the benefits of LTE-M connectivity, users have an optimized IoT device that is cost-efficient, certified, and ready to go out of the box. The device works in conjunction with Octonion’s Brainium meta-sensing software, which helps developers simplify and overcome the complexity faced with IoT project development, serving as an end-to-end platform solution that provides AI and security at the edge.

“The LTE-M network is an ideal network for IoT edge computing, and when combined with Avnet’s SmartEdge Agile IoT Device, customers will be able to deploy smart, secure IoT solutions quickly and cost effectively. Our relationship with Octonion, Sequans, and now Orange, the first mobile operator to deploy an LTE-M solution at the edge, gives us a ‘first mover advantage,’ further solidifying the unique value Avnet’s ecosystem delivers to customers.” — Lou Lutostanski, global vice president of IoT for Avnet

LTE-M networks have been launched across many countries to support the rapid explosion of IoT, especially in the mobile and industrial IoT markets, addressing a broad range of use-cases. Benefits of AI on the LTE-M network include significant increased battery power saving features and cost-effective design and services support. In addition, by bringing data analysis and processing closer to the source, companies have the option to reduce bandwidth and latency requirements to manage their information.

With Sequans’ live booster for Orange’s LTE-M network and Brainium software on board, Avnet demonstrates its commitment to delivering a modular hardware device with a broad range of connectivity solutions to answer the needs of today’s industrial IoT customers with Avnet SmartEdge Agile.

“Monarch is the most mature LTE-M connectivity platform in the industry with ultra-low power consumption and comprehensive IoT features that help to make the new device a very smart solution to perform AI and security at the edge.” — Georges Karam, Sequans CEO

The Avnet SmartEdge Agile with Octonion Brainium solution will be showcased at Mobile World Congress by Sequans in Hall 5, stand 5C87.