Soracom blends connectivity for IoT

  • July 22, 2021
  • Steve Rogerson

IoT connectivity firm Soracom has launched Soracom Arc, a service that allows anyone developing IoT products to leverage the Japanese company’s IoT platform using any internet connection, including cellular, wifi, Ethernet and satellite.

This blended connectivity lets users mix multiple connectivity technologies while controlling their entire network through a single, unified management platform, extending the availability of IoT networking capabilities.

Since 2015, Soracom’s network and application services have made advanced IoT capabilities widely available, including cloud integration, private networking with virtual private cloud, secure remote access, and on-demand packet capture. However, until recently, those services were only available when using Soracom’s cellular connectivity, Soracom Air.

The announcement of Arc fulfils a long-standing user desire to leverage Soracom’s platform services regardless of connectivity technology.

Arc empowers individual developers, start-ups and enterprises alike to build IoT products and services using their connectivity of choice, with the ability to switch or add connectivity options as requirements change, without rearchitecting applications. Regardless of internet connection, deployments get the benefit of a fully virtualised network stack, multiple network security options and 17 other network application services.

In additionto creating blended IoT networks incorporating multiple connectivity options, this service gives IoT innovators additional benefits, including:

  • Soracom services over any internet connection: Arc provides anyone developing IoT with secure access to the Soracom suite of 17 network and application services, including cloud integration, private networking, data optimisation, secure remote access and on-demand packet capture.
  • Fluid connectivity and elegant failover: As existing deployments expand, Arc helps reduce common challenges associated with introducing connectivity options. Likewise, Arc allows devices to offload data transfer from cellular to wifi when in range, while maintaining cloud integrations.
  • Accelerated prototyping: Developers can prototype with Soracom’s network and application services using their existing wifi or Ethernet internet connection, without the need to check cellular coverage, purchase a SIM card and modem, or commit to a cellular connectivity plan.
  • Secure communication over public networks: As devices are deployed to new locations, Arc helps developers maintain end-to-end secure connections over any available public network internet connection, even on networks they do not control.
  • Zero-touch provisioning when using the Soracom IoT SIM: Managing credentials for each device presents a significant challenge as IoT deployments grow. Devices provisioned with a Soracom SIM can take advantage of Soracom’s zero-touch provisioning to obtain the configuration and credentials needed to connect to the Soracom Arc endpoint.

“We’ve always wanted to give IoT innovators the option to connect devices to our platform in whichever way is best for them,” said Kenta Yasukawa, CTO of Soracom. “Soracom already supported cellular and LPWA connections. The ability to access Soracom services over wifi, Ethernet or satellite dramatically expands the range of options available to those creating IoT experiences. Now, anyone developing IoT, anywhere in the world, can experience the deep set of features within the Soracom toolkit and start building amazing technology that could truly lead to a more connected world.”

Founded in 2015, Soracom serves more than 20,000 start-ups, SMBs and global enterprises across all industries, from agriculture, energy, construction and transportation to consumer electronics, manufacturing, real estate and healthcare.