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General FAQ
Aeris is a wireless operator with unique and privileged access to cellular infrastructure that enables us to deliver M2M services that are not available from anyone else, across multiple carriers and technologies.
“M2M” is an acronym for machine-to-machine. Aeris specializes in optimized communications between equipment, vehicles, computers, and so on. Specifically, Aeris enables rapid, reliable communications between commercial applications and deployed RF devices.
A commercial application is the software and systems located at an Aeris customer facility that receives device data from Aeris and processes the data. Examples include Telematic Service Provider systems and Security Centers that monitor and process alarms.
Aeris doesn’t merely provide network connectivity. Aeris is a cellular operator that provides a specialized communications and device-management infrastructure for M2M. In the sense that data between deployed wireless devices and commercial applications is routed through the Aeris switching center, Aeris functions as an ISP. But Aeris also provides professional services and support to help develop, test, deploy, and maintain wireless devices.
An MVNO leases a wireless network from another company who owns the network and has a license for the portion of the spectrum used by the network.
Aeris does license access to multiple wireless carriers in order to provide wireless coverage. However, unlike an MVNO, Aeris also provides a communications infrastructure that enables the wireless devices to communicate with a customer’s
commercial applications, and enables customers to easily manage wireless devices, monitor usage, and adjust service plans.
Aeris is sublicensed by 20+ North American cellular carriers and operates an overlay network that aggregates the collective infrastructure of all those carriers. The Aeris switching center is directly connected to more than 700 switches and 100,000 towers in real time. Operating a single control and switching center, Aeris offers rugged, real-time continent-wide connectivity to wireless M2M devices, and offers multiple levels of service (remote control, exception event monitoring, real time text/data messaging, streaming data feeds, and even voice). The services are highly optimized for the unique requirements of M2M.
Aeris is a pioneer in M2M communications and remains an industry leader today. Aeris’s patented technologies such as MicroBurst and eCallDirect address requirements unique to M2M communications by providing rugged, reliable service. Aeris has been an M2M operator for over 15 years managing communications for millions of devices.
Yes, Aeris supports AMPS cellular network services in North America. Aeris will continue providing AMPS coverage as long as it is available from our serving carriers. The AMPs Sunset FAQ has more information.
A coverage footprint is the geographic area that has access to a cellular network.
Devices on the Aeris network use a special class of non-dialable phone numbers, reducing the risk of hackers or fraudulent calls. Aeris also implements processes to authenticate message traffic.
No, Aeris does not view message payloads.
For network monitoring and billing purposes, Aeris stores the following information about messages routed through the Aeris switching center:
The PRL for CDMA devices that operate on the Aeris network must be obtained from Aeris. The latest version of the Aeris PRL is available on the AerPort.
Aeris GSM/GPRS Services (sometimes referred to simply as “GSM Services”) facilitate M2M communications between
commercial applications and deployed GSM devices. Aeris supports the following GSM services:
Yes, GSM Services are designed especially for GSM devices, and take advantage of additional device management services provided through AerFrame.
Aeris provides the following key differentiators:
1) Customer Service
The Aeris network is supported by an experienced staff of dedicated professionals who specialize in M2M. Aeris has been an M2M operator for over 15 years managing communications for millions
of devices. For most carriers, M2M is a side business. For Aeris, it is our core business.
2) Device Management
Aeris provides real-time status information for devices, coverage, and traffic to or from the device.
3) Application Development Tools
Aeris provides an API to simplify communication between commercial applications and wireless devices. Using the Aeris API, you can reduce time-to-market for new applications by focusing on the application and allowing Aeris to handle the communications.
Aeris GSM Services are well suited for fixed or mobile M2M applications. Aeris GSM can be used where:
Any FCC and PTCRB certified radio can be used.
Yes. Standard GSM RF Modules are commercially available.
Yes, existing applications can be migrated to Aeris by replacing the SIMs in the deployed devices with Aeris SIMs, and modifying the
commercial application to send and receive data through the Aeris switching center. For more information, contact an Aeris Account Manager.
GPRS and EDGE are packet-based data services that allow commercial applications and devices to communicate over the Internet using IP sessions.
GPRS and EDGE differ in terms of data rates. GPRS supports a theoretical maximum rate up to 114 Kbps. EDGE supports a theoretical maximum rate up to 184 Kbps.
The actual throughput for any electronic communications technology depends on the location of sending and receiving equipment, the number of devices using the air at a given time, the software and hardware that generate and process the communications, and so on. Coverage can be affected by terrain, weather, foliage, buildings and other construction. The data rates through the Aeris network are comparable to the data rates through other carriers.
GPRS and EDGE IP sessions typically run over TCP/IP or UDP/IP. Sessions can run over a secure VPN or Frame Relay connection to the Aeris switching center. A VPN connection can be implemented quickly.
On the commercial application, data to or from GSM devices can be sent using the Aeris API or SMPP protocol. The Aeris API is recommended for new applications and also for existing applications migrating from other carriers to Aeris.
GPRS and EDGE broadband data is transported between customer devices and the Aeris Switching Center over TCP/IP or UDP/IP. Aeris manages this connection. Customer applications are connected via secure VPN or Frame Relay connection to the Aeris switching center. A VPN connection can be implemented more quickly. On the commercial application, data to or from GSM devices is exchanged using the Aeris API or SMPP. The Aeris API is recommended for new applications and also for existing applications migrating from other carriers to Aeris.
The time required to set up a new IP session with a device for the first time typically varies from 5 to 45 seconds. The setup time for subsequent sessions to the same device is typically reduced to a range of
1 to 15 seconds.
What Parameters Must Be Configured on an RF Module in a Device To Communicate With Aeris GSM Service?
The following parameters must be configured on the GSM RF Module:
Does Aeris Act as a Pass-Through for IP Sessions to the Commercial Application, or Is Additional Logic Required?
Aeris does act as a pass-through. No additional logic is required or applied to IP sessions between a device and the commercial application.
Aeris also offers a suite of CDMA services.
After February 18, 2008, carriers are no longer required by the FCC to maintain AMPS service. Carriers have the option to continue service but it is expected that many will stop AMPS service so they can use those resources to enhance their digital services.
AMPS sunset will affect MicroBurst AMPS service. The AMPS sunset will not affect digital MicroBurst or any other Aeris network services.
Not necessarily. For devices that are provisioned by December 31, 2006, Aeris will continue service as long as our supplying carriers continue AMPS service in the area where the device is located. Aeris will not terminate AMPS service if the supplying carrier continues to support the technology.
Aeris will support activation of new MicroBurst devices that use AMPS-only RF modules through December 31, 2006. After this date, Aeris will no longer activate new AMPS devices. MicroBurst devices that use CDMA or dual mode RF modules will continue to be supported on the Aeris network beyond December 2006.
MicroBurst devices that use Analog only RF modules are considered “activated” if they have been “provisioned” on the Aeris network.
No. AMPS devices must be replaced with digital CDMA or GSM units. For example, if an AMPS-only device was taken out of service because the MIN was canceled, and the customer now wants to redeploy the device in a new vehicle or end customer site, the device cannot be reactivated.
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