Change of network technologies
The mobile network market is changing rapidly to react to the technological change we are currently experiencing. Reconsiderations about frequency use, network setup and expansion are needed to accomodate current and future needs. In 1991, when the first digital telecommunication networks, so called second generation (2G) networks, were introduced, it was simply unimaginable that everyone would own a mobile phone that can connect to the internet as a mini computer. It was not forseeable, that even other devices such as an intelligent fridge, smart homes, Alexa or even a trap alarm should also use these networks one day. So,it is obvious, that the field of network connections is under constant change and needs to adapt to the new uses of the service.
When talking about networks there are often a lot of abbreviations and special terms involved. On this page we want to give you some explanations, what all this means for you and your trap alarm.
What is happening to the networks right now?
Existing networks ( 2G & 3G) are being replaced by new networks, to enable the separation between devices that are used for human communication and entertainment (smartphones, TVs, streaming) and smart devices , which transmit small packages of data (so-called IoT devices).
The GSM network was the first digital telecommunication standard, and an enhancement of the previous analogue network systems, which is why it is called the second generation (2G) network. Still, the 2G network is widely regarded as the most common mobile network standard worldwide. Therefore, we at MinkPolice have decided to use the 2G network for the communication of all our previously produced trap alarms (MP1, MP2, MP5).
After the 2G network the third and fourth generation (3G/UMTS & 4G/LTE) were introduced. Currently the new 5G network is being established. At the same time new machine sensor networks are established, which will ensure separate and thus more efficient communication of connected devices, also called the Internet of Things (IoT).
In order to enable these networks of the future and ensure the efficient separation of frequencies for human and machine communication, the old network systems have to be restructured, so that frequencies can be reused. To begin with the 3G/UMTS network is being rolled back within the next 1-2 years, a so-called network sunset. This is already happening right now. In the future, also the currently most widely available network, 2G, will be phased out. However, such a network sunset will happen gradually by the network providers. For Europe the biggest mobile network providers are ensuring that 2G will be available at least until the year 2025. But it is undeniable, that in the long-term the new networks will be further developed and will be replacing previous networks.
Which networks are the MinkPolice trap alarms using?
Our MP5 trap alarm communicates through the 2G / GSM network.
In addition to the 2G / GSM network, our new MP10 trap alarm also has the option of connecting to the low-power wide-area networks NB-IoT and LTE / CAT-M1.
MP5 = 2G / GSM
MP10 = 2G / GSM + NB-IoT + LTE / CAT-M1
What are the advantages of the new network technologies?
– wider network reach
– lower energy consumption
– futureproof
Machine sensor networks, such as NB-IoT and LTE / CAT-M1, are specially designed for the communication of IoT solutions such as the MinkPolice trap alarm. Small amounts of data can be transmitted over longer distances and under difficult geographical conditions (mountains, buildings, conversions, etc.). As a result, IoT devices achieve optimal network coverage even with poor reception. Another advantage of communication via the new machine sensor networks is that data is transmitted in a energy-efficient manner and the battery life can be extended as a result. This is why they are also called narrowband or low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN).
The Telekom network provider comprehensively explains the NB-IoT network in this video.
How will MinkPolice react to the phasing out of networks in the EU?
In order to react in a timely manner to the transition of networks, we introduce the newest MinkPolice trap alarm model MP10.
We are closely watching the development of the networks and try to always make sustainable decisions in the interest of our customers, to offer them the best possible, long-term solution for monitoring their traps. Major providers in the market have announced, that they do not plan to phase out the 2G network, which our previously produced trap alarm models MP1, MP2, and MP5 rely on, in Europe before 2025. As we currently see a lot of change and predict that the current 2G network will be phased out eventually after 2025 and new machine sensor networks will offer optimized functionality for our trap alarms, we decided to take early measures. This is why we developed the new version of the MinkPolice trap alarm “MP10”. The new device is already able to connect to the new networks of the future NB-IoT & LTE/CAT-M1, which offer a lot of benefits to IoT devices, as trap alarms. Thus, they make the MinkPolice trap alarms future proof and unsusceptible to the restructuring of networks to come. While the new networks are still being established, the MP10 uses the 2G network as a fallback. This is our early response, to prepare the MinkPolice trap alarms to the network changes to come and ensure continued service to our customers during this transition period.
Then, we are openly and honestly sharing all information available to us and developments with our customers. We want to give customers the opportunity to consciously choose this future technology. You are welcome to contact us at any time by email at support@minkpolice.com or by phone on our hotline +49 40 299965521 to get further information and personal guidance on the topic.
Is the MP5 trap alarm affected by the phasing out of the 3G/UMTS network?
No, since our trap alarms are not communicating via the 3G / UMTS network, but are using the 2G / GSM network, the MP5 trap alarm is not affected by the shutdown of the 3G / UMTS network.
When does the sale of MP5 trap alarms end?
We will continue to offer the MP5 in our regular sales until 2021. We expect the sale of the MP5 trap alarm to end in spring 2021.
What will happen to my "old" trap alarms?
The MinkPolice MP5 trap alarm communicates via the 2G GSM network. Providers in the EU are also planning to gradually shut down the 2G network from / in 2025, which will reduce coverage of this network (poorer to no reception). For all 2G GSM devices, this can mean that they will no longer function as usual after a certain point in time. Although each network provider decides when exactly the last 2G locations are to be converted, we nevertheless do not see ourselves able to guarantee long-term communication via the 2G network. That is why we decided to take countermeasures at an early stage and introduce the MP10 trap alarm.
What is MinkPolice planning for my MP5 trap alarm, if it cannot connect anymore in 2025?
Since the actual development is currently unclear and we have no influence on it, it is hard to introduce a specific offer for MP5 trap alarms after 2025. We will provide a paid solution to update your devices, as far as this is technically possible (possible restriction of the serial number range), when the MP5 trap alarms will be affected by the network change.
What happens to MP5 PREMIUM devices, which were bought at the exhibition in Dortmund?
If you have purchased the new MinkPolice trap alarm at the Jagd & Hund exhibition 2020 in Dortmund, you will of course pay the reduced annual trap subscription for these trap alarms, as offered with the exhibition discount. This will be shown separately in your subscription overview in your user profile as soon as a renewal is due.
Can I still use my own SIM card in the MP10 trap alarm?
Yes, it will still be possible to use your own SIM card in the MP10 trap alarm. However, you will still have to pay the annual trap subscription fee for the service of using the latest multinetwork technologies, having unlimited access to the constantly improved user profile and the app, outstanding customer service, and one year extended warranty.
Why do I see less signal strength bars with the MP10, even though the network connection should be better?
In this case, the number of bars is somewhat misleading and the actual quality of the reception cannot be automatically read from this. Since your MinkPolice trap alarm always automatically connects to the best possible network, it will still connect to the NB-IoT or LTE / CAT-M1 even if the reception is weaker, because despite a weak signal they represent a better and faster network and are reliably ensuring communication of the trap alarm. For machine sensor networks, the signal strength is not so important, since these networks are characterized by the fact that they can reliably and extensively transmit even with poor reception.
