Anyone exploring telematics for fleet management and safety, or operational efficiency, will quickly come across a range of technologies. These technologies vary in how they transmit data, their ideal use cases, and where they work best. Below is a breakdown of the core technologies used in telematics today, and how they apply in real-world scenarios.
Cellular networks are the most common way telematics devices transmit data. These include 4G and increasingly 5G, which offer fast, reliable data transfer via existing mobile infrastructure. While older 2G and 3G networks laid the groundwork, they are now being phased out across Australia and New Zealand.
Modern telematics devices use cellular networks to send vehicle location, trip data, safety alerts (like duress or man-down triggers), and more. 4G offers excellent data speeds and coverage in urban and regional areas, while 5G (where available) enhances bandwidth and latency for real-time applications.
GPS is a foundational technology in telematics. It enables location tracking independent of mobile or internet signals by connecting to satellites orbiting the Earth.
A GPS device needs a clear line of sight to at least four satellites to determine its exact position. This means it's most accurate outdoors and may struggle in tunnels, parking buildings, or heavily forested areas.
Most telematics devices include GPS functionality as standard, providing real-time tracking of vehicles and staff for safety and operational insight.
Satellite communications differ from GPS. While GPS provides location, satellite communication enables two-way data and voice messaging in areas with no cellular coverage.
Satellite-enabled telematics devices are invaluable for organisations operating in remote or rugged environments, where there’s little or no mobile coverage. These devices ensure continuous connectivity for critical safety features, such as SOS alerts and lone-worker communications.
Many solutions today use hybrid devices - prioritising cellular networks for cost efficiency, and automatically switching to satellite when mobile reception is unavailable.
RF, or Radio Frequency, uses short-range signals (typically up to 200 metres) to connect a personal safety device to a vehicle or base unit.
In a telematics context, RF is often used for lone worker safety. A worker carries a device that connects via RF to a receiver in the vehicle. If an emergency alert is triggered, the signal is relayed - along with the GPS location of the vehicle - via cellular or satellite networks.
The limitation? RF only works within its range, so the worker’s location is approximate, not pinpointed.
Learn about the best combination of telematics technologies for your organisation’s safety and operational needs.
Contact Smartrak today to learn about the best telematics solutions and loner worker solutions for your business needs.
