Frequently Asked Questions

How the Arctics differ from simple GPRS modems?
The very first wireless M2M solutions were implemented by placing a GPRS/GSM modem
next to the remote industrial equipment. The modem then dialed up to a central "modem bank". Viola's demanding industrial customers very quickly found out that modem/dial-up solution does not work everywhere. Often the remote equipment lacks the required intelligence to control the modem (setting up, monitoring and re-establishing the communications etc.)

To counter this problem, an intelligent node was put together with the GPRS/GSM modem. Quite often an industrial PC was selected as for the intelligent node to provide a total end-to-end communication solution.

Viola's Arctic family of products can be considered and viewed as an all-inclusive wireless M2M solution where an industrial PC, sophisticated GPRS/EDGE/3G modem and internet router are integrated together.

What is the typical delay in a GPRS/EDGE connection?
A typical round trip delay in most GPRS/EDGE networks is 700 ms.

Do the Arctics come with DIN rail mounting?
DIN rail mounting is provided as an option for all the Arctics.

What happens to GPRS bandwidth when GSM network gets congested?
Most mobile service providers allocate a minimum amount of bandwidth for GPRS/EDGE. Thus, even when the voice channels are congested, the GPRS traffic keeps going through.

Furthermore, as GPRS/EDGE are packet-based data networks, some data throughput is experienced even in the heavily loaded networks. This has crucial impact on the M2M communications: data will always flow through, only the throughput adapts downwards.

What is the monthly charge for a typical remote management application
when using GPRS?
In a larger installation including several thousand nodes, the monthly bill is at the level
of 2-3 euros per node.

How can we arrange a fixed IP address to an Arctic?
The Viola M2M Gateway provides a functionality whereby each Arctic product in the field gets an fixed IP address. Building a wireless (GPRS/EDGE/3G) network independent of mobile operators is possible, thanks to the Viola M2M Gateway.

The related benefits are:

• cost-effectiveness: end-customer can always select the cheapest SIM card / subscription
• being independent of mobile operators (e.g. getting rid of the complexities in APN service provision)

What if I have a sub network behind Arctic?
No problem at all. The Arctics have IP network address translation, i.e. natting, and related
routing scheme built-in. As a result, all Ethernet/IP nodes behind an Arctic can have unique IP addresses.

Can GSM data be used?
The Arctic fully supports GSM data dial-in PPP connection. This connection is typically used for the initial configuration and maintenance of the Arctic unit.