Empower Your Cloud-to-Code Journey

Jari Haiston in Blogs on June 26, 2024

About Jari Haiston

Jari Haiston is part of the growing digital marketing team at Symmetry Electronics. Jari comes from a background in technical writing and event coordination. In her current role, she specializes in content creation and social media management. Jari's focus as a writer is to create interesting content that is accessible to any audience.

Regardless of the application, IoT devices require a reliable cloud connection for data storage. However, the steps that are required for provisioning, configuring, and connecting devices can be extensive and complicated. Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive, cloud computing platform provided by Amazon that encompasses infrastructure, platform, and software services, has developed the ultimate solution for overcoming shortcomings related to cloud-connected applications: AWS IoT ExpressLink. Amazon’s AWS IoT ExpressLink is a connectivity software for hardware modules developed by AWS Partners (Figure 1). Utilizing AWS IoT ExpressLink, AWS Partners have developed modules that include AWS-validated software that make it faster and easier to securely connect devices to the cloud while offering access to over 200 AWS services.

u-blox, an industry leader in connectivity solutions, is an AWS Partner and has developed two AWS IoT ExpressLink modules–the NORA-W2 (Wi-Fi) and SARA-R510AWS (Cellular) and accompanying evaluation kits USB-NORA-W256AWS and EVK-R510AWS-01 to support accelerated device development. In this article, we will cover common challenges associated with integrating cloud connectivity, benefits of leveraging u-blox’s AWS IoT ExpressLink modules, common AWS IoT ExpressLink applications, and key AWS services that you can leverage to get your project off the ground quickly and ready to scale.

Figure 1: Illustration of how the AWS IoT ExpressLink software works in conjunction with hardware and other AWS services.
(Source: AWS)

Cloud Connectivity Issues Plaguing IoT Developers

Connecting IoT ecosystems to the cloud can be a complex task due to several reasons:

Coding Overhead: To enable cloud connectivity, developers often need to write thousands of lines of code. This not only increases the complexity of the application but also the time and resources required for development, maintenance, and more.
Specialized Skills: Establishing a secure and reliable connection to the cloud requires expertise in networking and cryptography. These specialized skills are not common among all developers, adding another layer of complexity to the process.
Resource Constraints: IoT devices often operate under significant resource constraints. Many devices lack the necessary memory or processing power to handle the additional code required for cloud connectivity. This shortcoming can limit the functionality of a device and further complicate the cloud connection process.

Focus Solely on Your Application with u-blox AWS IoT ExpressLink Modules

So, how do you become immune to writing thousands of lines of code, spending countless hours establishing your network connection, integrating security, and preparing to scale? The first step to being able to focus solely on your application is leveraging u-blox’s AWS IoT ExpressLink modules (Figure 2). Both the NORA-W2 (Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 5 Low Energy) and the SARA-R510AWS (LTE-M) modules integrate:

AWS IoT ExpressLink with pre-provisioned AWS connectivity
Offload complex networking and cryptography tasks to the module
Easy integration with high-level commands
Remote deployment of security updates, bug fixes, and new firmware updates
Compact footprint with multiple antenna options (NORA-W2)
Global certifications
Pre-provisioned security certificates limits IP exchanges with contract manufacturers and reduces complexities
Modules are preprogrammed to seamlessly integrate with over 200 AWS services

Figure 2: Showcasing u-blox’s NORA-W2 and SARA-R5 AWS IoT ExpressLink modules being utilized for a vending machine application.
(Source: u-blox)

By leveraging u-blox’s AWS IoT ExpressLink modules and evaluation kits, thousands of lines of code drop down to as low as 10. Internet of Things devices can be built in weeks instead of months. Security is built in to the product from the start. You no longer need to outsource engineering support for complex tasks or spend months certifying your devices. Finally, you can easily monitor and scale your application with access to diverse AWS services.

Common u-blox AWS IoT ExpressLink Applications

u-blox AWS IoT ExpressLink modules are compact, making them suitable for small to medium IoT applications. For short range solutions, the NORA-W2 stands out as a powerful solution boasting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 Low Energy. Common applications include smart home automation where Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as lights, locks, and cameras can be connected to AWS. The NORA-W2 is also optimal for industrial IoT factory equipment and machinery monitoring.

u-blox’s SARA-R510AWS LTE-M module was the first Cellular AWS IoT ExpressLink module available on the market. u-blox being a major player in the Cellular space has developed this technology to enable rapid development for Cellular applications like fleet management for tracking vehicles and optimizing routes and environmental monitoring to collect data from remote weather stations.

Address Cloud Complexities with Key AWS Services

Aside from AWS IoT ExpressLink software and modules, AWS offers over 200 optional services that developers can leverage to make provisioning, configuring, and connecting devices that much simpler.

1. Data Storage and Management

Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) offers object storage for data, commonly used for backups and media files.
Integration of AWS IoT ExpressLink modules with Amazon S3 streamlines data transfer from IoT devices, enhancing data management efficiency.
Amazon Relational Database Service (Amazon RDS) simplifies database setup and maintenance, with IoT ExpressLink modules seamlessly integrating data collection, processing, and storage.

2. Serverless Computing

AWS Lambda executes code in response to events, useful for microservices and automation tasks.
Integration with AWS IoT ExpressLink solutions enables serverless computing triggered by IoT device data, eliminating the need for server management.

3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Amazon SageMaker facilitates ML model building, training, and deployment.
AWS IoT ExpressLink modules enhance SageMaker's capabilities by integrating IoT device data for streamlined machine learning processes.

Security and Identity Management

AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) manages access to resources, while Amazon Cognito is a service that handles user authentication and authorization for web and mobile apps, and it integrates with social identity providers.
AWS IoT ExpressLink modules support a seamless integration that ensures secure and efficient management of identities and access in the IoT ecosystem.

IoT Development

AWS IoT Core securely connects and manages IoT devices, widely used in various sectors.
AWS IoT ExpressLink modules seamlessly integrate with IoT Core, providing efficient IoT solutions for smart homes, industrial automation, and healthcare.

Get Started with u-blox AWS IoT ExpressLink Modules

Integrating reliable cloud connectivity for IoT devices is essential yet often complex. AWS IoT ExpressLink simplifies this process, offering secure, efficient cloud connections and access to over 200 AWS services. u-blox, a leader in connectivity solutions and an AWS Partner, provides two modules, NORA-W2 and SARA-R510AWS, along with evaluation kits to accelerate your IoT project development. For your next cloud-based IoT project, harness the power of u-blox's AWS IoT ExpressLink modules and AWS services to streamline development, ensure security, and scale effortlessly.