Choosing a SIM and data plan for the RV50X and LI-COR equipment

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This document serves to help you choose a suitable Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) and data plan for the RV50X when used with LI-COR equipment.

Understanding your needs

Before inquiring with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), it helps to understand your needs. Do you need to view results and download data, or do you need to remotely update the configuration? Figure 2‑1 gives some common considerations and the network details that support those needs.

Figure 2‑1. The decision tree can help clarify decision-making for a cellular SIM and data plan.

If you are purchasing from a consumer-focused retail store, the salesperson may be unfamiliar with the terminology and needs for IoT devices. Start by describing your objective: To put an IoT device online.

Most likely, you will get an IoT SIM that provides a private dynamic IP address, public static (fixed) IP address, private static (fixed) IP address, or a public dynamic IP address. The SIM can allow one-way or two-way communication, but there are important differences.

Many customers in Europe report a good experience ordering SIMs from Wireless Logic wirelesslogic.com/. Examples of carriers include AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-mobile, and Vodafone. You may find many suitable SIM vendors and service providers, however.

Common terminology

"Consumer data SIM cards" (also known as "iPad data plan" or “tablet SIM cards”) are available in consumer stores. They are easy to get and relatively inexpensive but may not provide the flexibility needed. Typically, this type of SIM features one-way communication and a private dynamic IP address, which is suitable for connecting with FluxSuite for alerts and summaries.

“Two-way suitable SIM cards” (possibly supporting “public/static” or “public/dynamic”) are typically not available in consumer stores. If you are purchasing from a consumer store, it may be helpful to ask for an "IoT", "M2M," "industrial SIM”, or “B2B” data card.

  • One-way communication: Allows devices to push status information, summary files, and EddyPro results to FluxSuite (requires the SmartFlux 2 or 3 system) or a user-provided data repository that supports FTP, SFTP or HTTPS data transfer protocols. Does not allow the upload of new configurations to devices.
  • Two-way communication: Allows devices to push raw data, summary files, and results to FluxSuite or repositories. Allows the upload of new configurations, along with all capabilities supported by one-way communication. Supported by both static and dynamic IP addresses. If you are unable to get a static IP address, you can configure the system to have a dynamic IP address and use a DDNS service to track the RV50X IP address.
  • ISP: Internet Service Provider.
  • M2M: Machine-to-Machine communication.
  • B2B: Business-to-Business communication.
  • MVNO: Mobile Virtual Network Operator.
  • IoT: Internet of Things.
  • VPN: Virtual Private Network.

Private IP Address

  • Used in a local area network or ISP network.
  • Reachable by devices on the same subnetwork.
  • Supports one-way communication only, even if the IP address is tracked by a Dynamic DNS service.
  • Allows posting to FluxSuite.
  • Does not allow remote configuration.
  • Less prone to cyber attacks.

Public IP Address

  • Used on the global internet.
  • Reachable from any device on the internet.
  • Supports one-way or two-way communication.
  • Allows posting to FluxSuite.
  • Allows remote configuration and upload.
  • More prone to cyber attacks, therefore, some prefer to avoid using a public IP address.

In some regions – Europe and others – public IP addresses have limited availability (difficult to procure or too expensive). Instead, look to MVNO businesses that specialize in M2M, industrial SIMs, B2B SIMs, or IoT connections to purchase the SIM. An MVNO can setup a VPN-enabled SIM to enable a static IP address, which is more secure.

Dynamic IP Address

Get a dynamic IP address if you only need to get information from the devices (FluxSuite required), if a static IP address is not available or your region, or if a static IP address is too costly.

  • An ISP allows temporary use of the IP address, which may change arbitrarily or when rebooting the gateway.
  • May change if the device restarts but can be tracked by a Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS) service.

Advantages: Less costly than a static IP address.

Disadvantages: Since the IP address is assigned by the Internet Service Provider or device, it may change. Use a DDNS track the IP address and connect with your instruments online. Several service providers are supported by the RV50X. Under Services > Dynamic DNS, select a service from the drop down list.

Static (fixed) IP Address

Get a static IP address if one is available for purchase and it is affordable.

  • Typically assigned by the ISP.
  • Does not change.

Advantages: The RV50X will always have the same IP address, so you will be able to connect with your devices from any networked computer by entering the IP address. A static IP address is the simplest way to ensure access to devices.

Disadvantages: A static IP address may not be available in some regions, and it may be prohibitively expensive. It may be more vulnerable to hackers.

Data volumes

The typical raw data volume when logging compressed .ghg eddy covariance files is about 1 MB per half hour, or about 1.5 GB of raw data in 30 days. See Table 2‑1 for more details.

Table 2‑1. Data generated by eddy covariance and soil systems.
Sensors in System Files to Transfer GB per Month1
Any configuration given below Status Reports <1
EC system with sonic anemometer and CO2/H2O gas analyzer. Raw Data <2
EC system with sonic anemometer, LI-7700, and CO2/H2O gas analyzer. Raw Data <2.5
EC system sonic anemometer, biomet station, and CO2/H2O gas analyzer. Raw Data <3
EC system with sonic anemometer, biomet system, LI-7700, and CO2/H2O gas analyzer. Raw Data <3.5
LI-8100A Soil CO2 Flux System Raw Data <2
LI-8250 with eight chambers, LI-870, and LI-7810 Results <0.3