Hi all,
We're developing a data logger with SD card and WiFi capability.
Currently, this logger is able to connect to a WiFi hotspot, incl. e.g. a mobile phone or mobile 4G WiFi hotspot.
Going forward, we'd like to offer a cellular option as part of the logger (which is used globally).
We've considered three options:
1) Build in a SIM card holder and functionality directly in the logger
- Probably the most elegant solution, but we're unsure of the complexity involved and the cost
2) Build a small module/device that functions as a mobile hotspot and power it via the same cable as the logger
- Advantage is that users can buy it as a module only if they need it, hence beneficial if it's costly to add; however, less elegant than 1) as it'll create more clutter
- Also unsure how difficult it is to build this device as a module from scratch and whether some good starting points exist
3) Purchase a batch of premade mobile unlocked cellular hotspots (e.g. USB sticks) and power this via the same cable as the logger
- Simplest and fastest-to-market, but also assume these are the most costly solution
Any advice/tips on what you think would be ideal and what we should consider in this?
If you have any specific suggestions for components/hardware that we should consider, we'd be happy to learn as well!
Thanks a ton,
Martin