Communications
SBD Relaying
Feature Summary
The SBD Relaying feature in GSatTrack provides a streamlined API mechanism for transmitting messages from applications to the Iridium network. This feature enables users to send and receive status updates regarding their message queue at the ground station, ensuring timely and efficient communication with connected devices. With this functionality, organizations can leverage the power of the Iridium satellite network for reliable messaging.
Overview
SBD (Short Burst Data) Relaying allows for quick and efficient communication between applications and the Iridium ground station. By utilizing a simple HTTP POST request, users can transmit messages and receive instantaneous feedback about their submission status. The SBD Relaying feature is designed for ease of use, eliminating the need for complex setups, such as developing a binary parser or requesting static IP whitelisting, which can take weeks to process.
Additional Information
SBD Relaying Communication
To easily transmit messages from your application to the Iridium network, GSatTrack has created a simple-to-use API mechanism to communicate directly with the Iridium gateway. This API allows users to receive instantaneous information regarding the message queue status at the ground station.
To communicate directly with the Iridium ground station, users would typically need to develop a binary parser and submit a static IP address for whitelisting at Iridium, a process that takes approximately 2-3 weeks.
Iridium SBD relay requests are sent using an HTTP POST to the following URL format:
https://www.gsattrack.com/Services/IridiumSBDRelay.ashx
These HTTP POSTs must include the following fields:
Parameter | Name | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
key | SBD Key | String | The SBD Key that was set up for the customer. This identifies the customer making the request. |
imei | IMEI | String | The IMEI of the device to receive the SBD message. |
messageid | Message Identifier | Integer | The unique message identifier to associate with the SBD message. This identifier should be unique across your SBD messages. |
message | Message | String (Base 64 encoded) | The binary SBD message you wish to send, encoded as a base-64 string. |
Successful submissions will return an HTTP status of 200 and include debugging information text. Submissions that encounter errors will return a non-HTTP status of 200 and provide text describing the error, such as missing input parameters.
- <form action="https://www.gsattrack.com/Services/IridiumSBDRelay.ashx" method="post">
- <fieldset>
- <div><label for="key">Client key:</label></div>
- <div><input type="text" id="key" name="key" /></div>
- <div><label for="messageid">Message Id:</label></div>
- <div><input type="text" id="messageid" name="messageid" /></div>
- <div><label for="imei">IMEI:</label></div>
- <div><input type="text" id="imei" name="imei" /></div>
- <div><label for="message">Message (base64 string):</label></div>
- <div><textarea id="message" name="message" rows="5" cols="30"></textarea></div>
- <button>Submit Message</button>
- </fieldset>
- </form>
Key Features
- Simple API Integration: The SBD Relaying feature offers a straightforward API for sending messages, making it easy for developers to implement without complex requirements.
- Instant Feedback: Users receive immediate status updates on their message submissions, allowing for quick troubleshooting and verification of message delivery.
- Direct Communication with Iridium: This feature enables direct interactions with the Iridium network, ensuring reliable message transmission to connected devices.
- Support for Base64 Encoding: Users can send binary SBD messages as base64 encoded strings, streamlining the process of sending non-text data.
- Error Handling: The API provides clear error messages for any issues encountered during message submission, facilitating easier debugging.
Use Cases
By utilizing the SBD Relaying feature in GSatTrack, organizations can enhance their communication capabilities with connected devices, leveraging the reliability of the Iridium satellite network for effective data transmission and operational oversight.
- Remote Asset Monitoring: Organizations can use SBD relaying to send critical information from remote devices to their applications, enabling real-time asset monitoring and management.
- Emergency Alerts: Users can quickly send alerts or notifications to designated recipients via the Iridium network, ensuring timely communication during critical situations.
- Data Collection: The SBD Relaying feature can collect data from various devices in the field, allowing organizations to gather and analyze operational metrics efficiently.
- Field Operations Communication: Teams in remote locations can communicate operational updates or status reports back to base, enhancing coordination and decision-making.
- Logistics and Fleet Management: Companies can use SBD relaying to track fleet movements and send real-time instructions or updates to drivers, ensuring efficient logistics operations.