Location AccuracyUpdated 2 months ago
The ASSURIoT tracker has built-in redundancy to ensure that we are able to keep monitoring your assets even in sub-optimal conditions. It accomplishes this by maintaining two separate location tracking networks:
- Primary network: GNSS/GPS-based (Global Navigation Satellite System), typically accurate to within a few feet.
- Secondary network: Cell-based, typically accurate to within a few miles.
If your device shows an inaccurate location, it usually means GNSS signals are temporarily blocked, and the tracker has switched to the secondary network. Don't worry, your assets are still being protected. Your device will still be able to notify you and enter active tracking mode if it's moved.
What is blocking GNSS?
Some possible causes are:
- Obstructions above the device
Thick materials like concrete, metal, or rock can block satellite signals. For example, parking garages, underground locations, or metal containers. - Poor satellite availability
The number of satellites overhead changes as they orbit. If fewer than four satellites are visible, the device may not be able to get a reliable location fix. In general, the more satellites that are in view, the more accurate the fix will be. - Radio frequency (RF) interference
Strong RF interference from cell towers, Wi-Fi routers, radar, or other electronic equipment can disrupt GNSS reception.
In rare cases, intentional jamming (e.g., by a GPS jammer) can also cause tracking failure, though this is uncommon.
How is my device protected even when relying on the secondary network?
All of these common issues with GNSS are resolved by either moving the device onto an open road or waiting a few seconds to a few minutes for new satellites to align. Ironically, someone trying to drive off with your device is one of the most effective ways to restore satellite communication.
ASSURIoT's passive-to-active monitoring system ensures that once your device starts moving, the device pings its location frequently enough to be ready as soon as GNSS connectivity is reestablished. Again, we use multiple redundant systems to make sure we never miss when the device has started moving:
- Internal sensors detect motion of the device.
- Changes to the device's last-known location. Even on the secondary network, this is triggered by traveling between cell towers.
How do I stop the alerts?
Switching between GNSS and the secondary network can look like the device is in motion and trigger an alert. To silence these alerts, expand your geofence to within one mile of the location where your device is appearing when it picks up the secondary network.
If you're already aware that your device is in motion and want to stop receiving alerts, then you can snooze alerts related to the current movement. Do this by clicking on an alert in the alerts list, then clicking on the snooze icon in the bottom-right of your screen.
Will the secondary network get more accurate?
Yes. We're actively working to improve the resolution of our secondary network.