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. 10/21/2025

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

    Send us a text 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?

    47 min

  2. 08/04/2025

    The ERP of IoT: How Senzary Turns Data Into Action

    Send us a text 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?

    57 min

  3. 04/29/2025

    Approaching Agriculture Inventory Monitoring by Combining IoT and AI

    Send us a text 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?

    1h 4m

  4. 03/06/2025

    Making Bluetooth Usable in Enterprise IoT Deployments

    Send us a text 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

    42 min

  5. 01/03/2025

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

    Send us a text 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?

    36 min

  6. 12/17/2024

    Building Cellular-powered Asset Tracking and Cold Chain Monitoring Solutions

    Send us a text In this episode, we welcome Rosie Amlani, the CEO of ColdChase, to discuss the multifaceted applications of asset tracking, IoT, and connectivity solutions provided by her company. Rosie explains the integrations and custom solutions offered by ColdChase's sub-brands: AssetChase and PaXChase. She delves into the origins and progress of the ColdChase platform, focusing initially on cold chain logistics during the COVID-19 pandemic and expanding to other sectors such as food safety and airport operations. Rosie highlights the importance of simulation in product development from her engineering background and the rigorous testing required for regulatory compliance. We explore how ColdChase leverages connectivity solutions like Soracom to ensure global coverage and robust data transmission, providing a comprehensive and reliable customer experience. The episode also touches on the challenges of technical sales and the importance of understanding customer needs in delivering tailored IoT solutions. 00:00 Introduction to Rosie Amlani and ColdChase 01:43 Origins of ColdChase: Cold Chain Solutions 02:49 Customizing Sensor Solutions 04:54 From Manufacturing to In-House Product Development 06:02 Importance of Simulation in Product Development 08:14 Understanding the Customer and User 12:24 Regulatory Compliance and Business Optimization 16:54 Environmental Considerations and Connectivity Challenges 20:59 Early Tests with Other Carriers 21:30 Testing Connectivity Across Borders 24:16 How ColdChase is Getting it Right: Connectivity as a Customer Experience 25:52 Customer Story 27:25 Importance of Asset Tracking 30:32 Challenges in the Food Industry 39:21 Security and Data Encryption 40:22 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 43:50 Closing

    45 min

  7. 09/19/2024

    How Product Design Influences User Adoption and Data Quality with Withings Health Solutions

    Send us a text In this episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting,' host Ryan Carlson sits down with Antoine Robillard, Vice President of Health Solutions at Withings. They discuss the power of design in healthcare devices, the evolution of connectivity from Wi-Fi to cellular for seamless patient care, and the importance of ease-of-use in driving user adoption and retention. Discover how Withings' consumer-centric approach has impacted millions of lives and what the future holds for connected health.

    54 min

  8. 09/11/2024

    Building IoT Hardware to Leverage Multiple Radio Networks with Blues Inc

    Send us a text In this episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting,' host Ryan Carlson interviews Brandon Satrom, Senior Vice President of Product and Experience at Blues Inc. They delve into the challenges and innovations in IoT connectivity, discussing Blues Inc.'s unique approach to creating flexible and efficient solutions for connecting products. The conversation covers topics like blended networking, the importance of developer-focused communities, and the significant advantages of modular hardware design. Recorded at Soracom Discovery 2024 in Tokyo, Brandon shares insightful reactions to the event and explains how Blues Inc. is simplifying IoT deployment for engineers and product builders. 00:00 PODCAST: Interview with Blues Inc 00:27 Introduction to Today's Topic 00:39 First Impressions of Soracom Discovery 2024 02:24 Understanding Blues Inc.'s Unique Approach 05:00 Challenges in IoT and Connectivity Solutions 05:48 The Concept of One-Way and Two-Way Door Decisions 09:58 Blues Inc.'s Hardware and Firmware Innovations 17:21 Blended Networks: Cellular and Satellite Integration 18:01 The Future of Satellite Connectivity 32:07 Advice for Newcomers in IoT 37:03 Closing Thoughts and Developer Community 37:49 What is Soracom to You?

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Soracom Media Lab
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 What to Expect When You're Connecting (Soracom)
  • Show Website
    What to Expect When You're Connecting