Our Technology

Space Segment

Ground Segment

User Equipment

How It Works

User Equipment

The subscriber segment consists of various models of subscriber communicators, some of which are intended for general use and some of which are designed to support specific applications. The subscriber communicator models include:

• vehicle-powered subscriber communicators that accept wide input voltage ranges
• subscriber communicators that have built-in application processors which allow customers to write specific applications
• a simple modem that has only power and serial data inputs, which are used for fixed site applications where global positioning system, or GPS, is not needed, or in applications where we are replacing an existing communications device such as cellular communications device
• full-featured devices that include application processor, multiple inputs, battery charger, GPS and weather- tight enclosure

ORBCOMM subscriber communicators targeted for M2M industrial applications are designed to interface with sensors or control devices through a variety of industry-standard interfaces. In addition to supporting our own serial interface, subscriber communicators with application processors have been programmed to interface with external devices in that device's native serial data structure, eliminating the need for an external translation device. They are usually enclosed in specialized, heavy-duty packaging enabling the units to operate even in extreme environmental conditions.

For many mobile applications, the addition of GPS functionality allows not only the tracking of assets, but the capability to add geo-fencing features into the subscriber communicator. Utilizing GPS and application programming, users can receive alerts when their remote assets are moving or when their assets have entered or exited a defined area. The subscriber communicators targeted for the messaging market incorporate interfaces such as integrated keyboards or touch-sensitive screens. Subscriber communicators used for asset tracking are usually equipped with GPS receivers, permitting the user or application to determine the subscriber communicator's location anywhere in the world.

Our subscriber communicators have also been integrated with other communication devices to provide dual-mode solutions that are compatible with multiple cellular networks. These dual-mode solutions allow us to augment the primary communications path and ensure that remote data is transmitted on our network when the subscriber communicator is located outside the cellular network's coverage area.

Click here to view all of the subscriber communicators currently available for use on the ORBCOMM network