What to Expect When You're Connecting

Soracom Media Lab
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Technology
  • Updated Weekly

What to Expect When You're Connecting includes interviews with a wide range of industry subject matter experts who share their journey, advice, and the mistakes they've made along the way in IoT. If you're adding connectivity to your products for the first time or seeking to optimize and scale your existing connectivity operations – welcome to the conversation.

  1. 1d ago

    The Fitness Tracker for Your Machines: How FourJaw Is Rewiring Factory Productivity

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of What to Expect When You're Connecting, host Ryan Carlson sits down with Chris Iveson, CEO and co-founder of FourJaw, to explore how plug-and-play IoT hardware is transforming factory productivity. Chris shares the journey from complex PLC integration to a beautifully simple power-clamp approach that works on any machine — from a multimillion-pound CNC to an office kettle. They discuss why most manufacturers overestimate their machine uptime, how a simple current clamp delivers 90% of the value at a fraction of the cost, the connectivity headaches that led FourJaw to Soracom, and why starting with the problem — not the technology — is the key to building something customers actually want. Topics Covered What FourJaw does — Plug-and-play IoT hardware that monitors machine energy consumption and productivity, paired with tablet computers for operators. Works on any machine regardless of age, type, or brand.From PLC integration to current clamps — How FourJaw pivoted from complex control-system integration (too slow, too expensive, too inconsistent) to simple current clamps that deliver the 90% of value customers actually want: "When is my machine making me money?"Power monitoring insights — Why on/off status and power spikes are the "check engine light" of manufacturing. How a single variable — power draw — reveals uptime, downtime, and anomalies.Connectivity growing pains — The WiFi nightmare: daily battles with dropped connections, third-party IT systems, and finger-pointing. How Soracom SIM cards in routers solved the problem by providing independent, reliable 24/7 connectivity.ROI and case studies — At ~£180/machine/month, FourJaw pays for itself within the first month. Case study: Lister Windows now produces 250 additional PVC windows per week."Aha" moments — Nearly every customer overestimates their productivity. One manufacturer thought they were running at 50% capacity — they were actually at 20%. That gap is opportunity, not a problem.Free energy tip — Put a timer on your factory compressor and auto-switch it off when the factory isn't running. You'll save thousands a year — no FourJaw required.People over technology — Why "What's your AI strategy?" is the wrong question. Start with the problem, then reverse-engineer the technology. Chris draws a parallel to Steve Jobs and Apple's philosophy.Sensor everything vs. simple — The AMRC's "Full Monty" project equipped a single CNC machine with ~1,000 sensors. Great for research, but not for delivering customer value. FourJaw's philosophy: remove complexity, get to the value with simplicity.Cloud hosting and security — FourJaw's platform runs on AWS with the ability to spin up regional servers for data sovereignty compliance. Ryan highlights Soracom's Virtual Private Gateway for secure, isolated cellular data traffic via VPC peering with AWS.Why the name "FourJaw" — A four-jaw chuck holds square material in a lathe or milling machine (a three-jaw chuck holds round material). It roots the company in manufacturing without being too prescriptive. And fourjaw.com was available.What's next — FourJaw is moving from analytics (what happened) to planning (what's going to happen), integrating with ERP systems to orchestrate jobs across machines. Industry benchmarking is also on the roadmap.Key Quotes "I just wanna know when it's making me money." — What customers actually want, vs. what tech companies think they want."We thought we were running at 50% of available time and we're actually down at 20%. That's awful. No — that's opportunity.""What's your AI strategy? That's a technology. It doesn't solve the problem.""Doing simple well isn't simple." Links & Resources FourJaw: fourjaw.comSoracom: soracom.ioSoracom Virtual Private Gateway — One-click private network for secure cellular data via VPC peering with AWSSoracom On-Demand Remote Access — Secure SSH to any Soracom-connected routerSoracom On-Demand Packet Capture — PCAP logging for Wireshark diagnostics

  2. May 5

    Using Broadcast TV to Deliver Multicast Data Streams for IoT Applications

    Send us Fan Mail Host Ryan Carlson talks with Conrad Clemson, CEO of EdgeBeam Wireless, about using broadcast TV (ATSC) signals to deliver large downstream data payloads as efficient multicast—sending one transmission to reach many endpoints—while using 4G/5G with a Soracom eSIM for control, acknowledgments, retransmits, and security. Conrad contrasts broadcast tower coverage and capital efficiency with cellular’s dense tower topology, emphasizing applications where many devices need the same content: digital signage fleets, software/map updates for cars, video distribution, LLM/model updates, and RTK GPS correction data for higher-precision navigation. Use of dual-radio M.2-style card presents as standard IP to host devices, supports common internet protocols, and can provide an “air-gapped” path for secure environments. The episode also covers scale economics (per-endpoint transmission cost approaching zero), flat-rate outcome-based pricing, and why Soracom’s cloud-native, carrier-grade platform helps EdgeBeam launch faster. 00:00 EdgeBeam Wireless Interview with Conrad Clemson 00:27 Broadcast Connectivity Intro 01:33 Why Broadcast Beats Towers 03:15 Multicast for Massive Updates 04:44 Smart Signs and Kiosks 08:08 Hybrid Device Two Radios 09:59 Security and Air Gapping 12:03 Bandwidth and Scale Math 15:09 Costs BOM and Car TCO 18:30 Business Model Outcomes 19:39 Sell Outcomes Not Savings 20:55 Multicast Hardware Onboarding 21:53 Flat Rate Pricing Model 24:33 New Signage Content Plays 26:38 Edge Computing Meets Multicast 28:24 Best Fit Use Cases 29:40 Enhanced GPS Corrections 32:16 Why Soracom Partnership 35:59 Wrap Up And Next Steps

  3. Mar 5

    RTLS at Scale: Bluetooth, Multi-Tech Asset Tracking, and Cellular Deployments

    Send us Fan Mail RTLS at Scale: Lamplight Logistics on Bluetooth, Multi-Tech Asset Tracking, and Cellular Deployments Ryan interviews Kurt Nehrenz, CEO and co-founder of Lamplight Logistics, about RTLS (real time location systems) for tracking assets, people, or machines across outdoor GNSS and centimeter-accurate indoor environments. Kurt explains that Bluetooth’s widespread adoption has reduced tag costs enough to track tens of thousands to millions of assets, including single-use stickers, while UWB, 5G, and AI/ML make large-scale data practical. Lamplight takes a software-first, “no silver bullet” approach, choosing among RFID, Bluetooth, UWB, and cameras based on accuracy, update frequency, and asset value, then unifying data streams into business outcomes. Automotive returnable containers are highlighted as a key use case to prevent loss and diagnose supply-chain bottlenecks. Success depends on integrating into systems like SAP/ERP, iterative discovery with stakeholders, and cellular “plug-and-play” gateways via Soracom for simpler deployment, predictable cost, security controls, and remote debugging; Cassia Bluetooth gateways enable long range, remote management, and tag commands like blinking for identification. 00:00 Meet Lamplight CEO 00:34 RTLS Explained Fast 01:38 Why RTLS Scales Now 03:14 Choosing the Right Tech 05:29 Cameras and Validation 06:36 Software First Strategy 07:18 Automotive Returnables ROI 09:53 Beyond Dashboards to ERP 12:17 Discovery and Iteration 16:57 Cellular as Deployment Hack 18:55 Bluetooth Gateways at Scale 20:46 Remote Debug and Find My 23:36 Soracom Trust and APIs 25:10 Locking Down Connectivity 27:50 Wrap Up and Contact Info 29:26 No More Dark Spots

  4. 10/21/2025

    From Cell Towers to Skylo: Connecting IoT Over Satellite with Cellular Radios

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting,' host Ryan Carlson chats with Satender Yadav from Skylo, the Director of Global Sales Engineering. They discuss the intricacies and advancements in non-terrestrial network (NTN) satellite technology, which enables seamless connectivity for IoT devices no matter their location. Satender explains the challenges of connecting products and services to satellites, the ease of transitioning from cellular to satellite networks using Skylo’s modules, and the flexibility offered by Skylo’s solutions. The episode also explores use cases such as asset tracking in remote areas, cold chain management, and lone worker safety. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of efficient data protocols and power management in optimizing IoT device performance on satellite networks. Satender also shares personal anecdotes about working closely with Soracom, emphasizing the collaborative spirit in advancing IoT connectivity. The episode serves as an insightful guide for IoT professionals looking to enhance their devices' global connectivity. 00:00 From Cell Towers to Skylo: Connecting IoT Over Satellite with Cellular Radios 00:32 Introduction to Skylo and NTN Satellite 01:29 Simplifying Satellite Connectivity 02:40 Latency and Speed in Satellite Networks 05:18 Availability of Satellite-Compatible Modules 09:07 Use Cases for Satellite Connectivity 13:32 Asset Tracking and Cold Chain Management 22:43 Technical Considerations for Satellite IoT 24:20  Challenges with TCP/IP in NB-IoT 24:54 Introduction to Soracom Beam 26:08 Experimenting with Data Transmission 28:10 Power Efficiency in IoT Devices 30:50 Switching Between Cellular and Satellite Networks 32:20 Innovations and Use Cases in IoT 38:56 Simplifying Network Connectivity 44:17 Q: What is Soracom to you?

  5. 08/04/2025

    The ERP of IoT: How Senzary Turns Data Into Action

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of What to Expect When You’re Connecting, host Ryan Carlson sits down with Eric Schummer, CEO and founder of Senzary, to explore how modern IoT deployments go beyond prototypes and buzzwords to deliver real business value at scale. Eric shares how Senzary is helping enterprises overcome the technical and organizational barriers that stall digital transformation—by delivering plug-and-play wireless sensing, seamless protocol translation, and a flexible IoT operating system designed to unify OT and IT workflows. From predictive maintenance and legacy machine integrations to air quality monitoring and leak detection, we unpack how Senzary’s "IoTLOGIQ" platform serves everyone from Fortune 500 factories to municipal water systems. You’ll also hear from Marlena Nickel, a former customer turned team member, who explains why scalable solutions win out over one-off “connected widgets.” Plus, we talk about how Soracom plays a critical role as a trusted connectivity layer—keeping the data flowing securely and reliably, so Senzary’s customers can focus on results, not reboots. 00:00 The ERP of IoT: How Senzary Turns Data Into Action 01:29 The Origins of Senzary 02:20 Challenges in IoT Implementation 06:04 Bridging IT and OT in Enterprises 08:38 Mobile Gateways and Wireless Solutions 12:30 Predictive Maintenance and Use Cases 13:49 Customer Engagement and Solution Flexibility 15:46 The Role of IT in IoT Projects 17:34 Specialized Solutions and Industry Applications 30:47 The Vision for an IoT Operating System 46:50 Partnership with Soracom 51:53 Vendor Relationships and Customer Support 54:48 The Importance of Flexibility and Partnership 55:19 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 56:29 What is Soracom to You?

  6. 04/29/2025

    Approaching Agriculture Inventory Monitoring by Combining IoT and AI

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of What To Expect When You're Connecting, host Ryan Carlson speaks with Nathan Hoel, Co-founder and CTO of BinSentry, a company in the smart agricultural technology market. They discuss the challenges of ensuring reliable connectivity for IoT devices in rural areas, the importance of customer-centric solutions, and the hurdles BinSentry faced with different IoT connectivity technologies. Key topics include BinSentry's use of time-of-flight sensors for accurate feed inventory in silos, dealing with microfretting in SIM cards, and the impact that a flexible and reliable IoT connectivity partner has on reliability, support, and the impact on cost savings. Nathan shares insights on maintaining focus as a start-up and the significant impact of precise billing models on their business operations. 00:00 Audio Podcast- Full Episode 00:33 Challenges in Animal Feed Management 01:02 BinSentry's Technological Solutions 03:00 Customer-Centric Approach 06:23 Processing the Data of Taking Measurements 09:42 AI and Image Processing 11:45 The AI Training Process 15:44 Inventory Management and Business Impact 18:48 Staying Focused on the Mission and Avoiding Scope Creep 19:55 How saying no is the key to maintaining focus and a winning market strategy 26:29 Digging into Technical Topics for Product Development 26:51 Connectivity and Radio Selection 32:10 Reliability Lessons Learned 32:43 The Vampire Issue: Solar Panel Problems 34:07 Importance of Carrier Relationships in Rural Areas 36:28 Soracom's Proactive Problem-Solving 40:18 Temperature Challenges and Industrial SIM Cards 46:56 Billing Model Innovations with Soracom 59:09 Final Thoughts and Reflections 01:00:08 What is Soracom to You?

  7. 03/06/2025

    Making Bluetooth Usable in Enterprise IoT Deployments

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting,' host Ryan Carlson welcomes Felix Zhao, founder and CEO of Cassia Networks, to discuss the evolution and potential of Bluetooth technology in enterprise IoT applications. Felix shares insights about the history of Bluetooth, its challenges in enterprise settings, and how Cassia Networks addresses these issues with advanced Bluetooth gateways and routers.  The conversation explores technical innovations like increased range, cost-efficiency, and Bluetooth security, making it a viable solution for industrial and healthcare environments. The episode also covers the importance of cellular connectivity in simplifying deployment and reducing costs, with Felix highlighting the partnership with Soracom to enhance their offerings.  The discussion includes practical applications and future advancements in Bluetooth technology, making it an informative listen for IoT professionals. 00:00 Video: Using Bluetooth in Enterprise IoT Deployments 00:27 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:21 The Evolution of Bluetooth Technology 02:29 Bluetooth in Enterprise IoT 06:09 Comparing Bluetooth with Other Technologies 09:06 Security and Power Efficiency of Bluetooth 10:59 About Bluetooth Security and Channel Hopping 13:52 Cassia Networks' Innovations 17:20 Technical Aspects of Cassia's Bluetooth Gateways 19:50 Integration and Application of Cassia's Solutions 23:57 Exploring Cellular Connectivity in Industrial Gateways 24:26 Challenges in Industrial and Medical Environments 25:14 Customer Feedback and Product Evolution 26:28 Cost and Maintenance Benefits of Cellular Gateways 27:02 Success Stories and Real-World Applications 31:20 Innovations in Bluetooth Technology 31:36 Bluetooth Roaming and Medical Applications 35:53 Future of Bluetooth in Industrial Settings  38:03   Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  8. 01/03/2025

    Integrating LTE-M Smart Buttons to Track Medication Use (guest Dr. Nagesh Kadaba, RxKeeper)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting,' host Ryan Carlson interviews Dr. Nagesh Kadaba, founder of RxKeeper. They discuss the innovation behind RxKeeper, a device designed to improve medication compliance through the use of LTE-M cellular smart buttons. The conversation covers the origins of RxKeeper, its development process, and the challenges faced in creating a simple yet effective solution for medication adherence. Learn about the device's ability to track medication usage, the advantages of using LTE-M technology, and how it is making a difference in the healthcare space. Tune in to hear insights on the future of digital health and connected products for IOT professionals. 00:00 RxKeeper with Nagesh Kadaba 00:54 The Inspiration Behind RxKeeper 01:36 Innovative Design of RxKeeper 02:35 Evolution of the Product 03:23 Simplifying Medication Management 08:18 Clinical Trials and Patient Outcome 14:27 Provisioning and Distribution 24:45 Technical Challenges and Solutions 28:06 Transition to AWS Server 28:26 Implementing Funk for Data Integration 28:40 API and Webhook Setup 29:07 Future Plans for Integration 31:29 Soracom Integration and Benefits 34:42 Closing Remarks and Future Prospects 35:32 What is Soracom to You?

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What to Expect When You're Connecting includes interviews with a wide range of industry subject matter experts who share their journey, advice, and the mistakes they've made along the way in IoT. If you're adding connectivity to your products for the first time or seeking to optimize and scale your existing connectivity operations – welcome to the conversation.

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