ENCORED JAPANLINKLINK

2020.11.4

Launched Japan’s first plug-in LTE communication compatible IoT router “CONNECT Hub Cellular Model”

-Connect to a range of IoT services without the need for Wi-Fi settings by simply plugging in your router-

 

Encored Japan Inc.

Starting November, subsidiary of SoftBank Corp., Encored Japan Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President & CEO: Akihiko Nakano, “Encored”) launched the sale of “CONNECT Hub Cellular Model”, an IoT router that can be connected to “CONNECT” services via LTE communication networks provided by SoftBank Corp. and other telecommunications providers.

“CONNECT” services are all-in-one services integrated into a single app that can be linked to a range of IoT devices. Information from connected IoT devices are sent to the app through the cloud. Last year, in anticipation of the rapid expansion of the IoT service market, Encored launched its IoT router, “CONNECT Hub Wi-Fi Model” that gathers information from a variety of IoT devices linked through “CONNECT” services, and has been promoting a range of smartphone services provided through a Wi-Fi Internet connection. The new “CONNECT Hub Cellular Model” adds the LTE communication function to the older “CONNECT Hub Wi-Fi Model”, enabling quick access to “CONNECT” services by simply plugging in your router, regardless of your Internet environment. This new router can be used by anyone and just about anywhere and as a result, is expected to expand applications from smartphone use (individual IoT services) to include applications for work and industrial solutions.

 

■ How it works

The “CONNECT Hub Cellular Model” uses edge computing technology from a high performance CPU built into the router to analyze data obtained from IoT devices and upload it to the cloud in the form of data that is processed to suit a range of services. As a result, it is not necessary to communicate data from IoT devices to the cloud or to other devices outside the router, optimizing data processing so there is no unnecessary data communication. This helps to enhance data security and minimize the amount of data communication to the cloud, allowing services to be provided at minimum cost.

Taking advantage of its patented technologies and AI-driven big data analysis technologies, Encored will continue to promote the development of technologies for the creation of the latest, cutting-edge products and services.

 

■ How “CONNECT” services work

 

 

See here for more information.

 

■Product features

1. Japan’s first* plug-in LTE communication compatible IoT router
Product was developed for ease of installation with simple plug-in design and smallest size in the industry. In addition to SoftBank communication networks, the router can also be used with LTE communication networks provided by other telecommunications providers.

2. Simple installation/settings
Connects to the Internet by simply plugging in the router without the need for the customer to make confusing settings.

3. Built-in edge computing technology
Equipped with a high-performance CPU, it doesn’t communicate all data obtained from IoT devices, uploading only data processed to suit a range of services. As a result, it is not necessary to communicate data from IoT devices to the cloud or to other devices outside the router, optimizing data processing so there is no unnecessary data communication. This helps to enhance data security and minimize the amount of data communication, allowing services to be provided at minimum cost.

4. Connects to multiple devices
One unit can connect to multiple IoT devices therefore all information from IoT devices that require access to the cloud is collected in one unit for data communication. It is compatible with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and can be connected to a variety of IoT devices.

5. Software update function
Software can be updated through the LTE communication network therefore any addition to or change of services that are required when linking to a new IoT device can be performed remotely.

* As of October 30, 2020 (based on our research)

 

■Product specifications