The blog post "The Miserable State of Modems and Mobile Network Operators" laments the frustrating developer experience of integrating cellular modems into IoT projects. It criticizes the opaque and inconsistent AT command interfaces, the difficult debugging process due to limited visibility into modem operations, and the complex and often expensive cellular data plans offered by MNOs. The author highlights the lack of standardized, developer-friendly tools and documentation, which forces developers to wrestle with legacy technologies and proprietary solutions, ultimately slowing down IoT development and hindering innovation. They argue for a simplified and more accessible ecosystem that empowers developers to leverage cellular connectivity more effectively.
This blog post details the author's successful, yet extremely tight, implementation of a full Wi-Fi networking stack (including TLS) on the memory-constrained nRF9160. Using the Zephyr RTOS, they managed to squeeze in lwIP, mbedTLS, and other necessary components, leaving only about 1KB of RAM free. This required careful configuration and optimization, particularly within lwIP, to minimize memory usage without sacrificing essential functionality. The author highlights the challenges of working with the nRF9160's limited resources and shares specific configuration adjustments, such as reducing TCP window size and disabling IPv6, that enabled them to achieve a working Wi-Fi connection. The post serves as a practical demonstration of pushing the boundaries of what's possible on this resource-constrained platform.
Hacker News users discussed the challenges and ingenuity of fitting a full Wi-Fi stack onto the resource-constrained nRF9161. Several commenters expressed admiration for the author's accomplishment, highlighting the difficulty of working with such limited resources. Some questioned the practical applications, given the nRF9161's integrated cellular modem and the availability of smaller, cheaper Wi-Fi microcontrollers. Others suggested potential uses like captive portals or bridging between cellular and local networks. The Zephyr RTOS was mentioned as a contributing factor to the project's success due to its small footprint. One commenter shared their experience with similar memory constraints on embedded systems and offered debugging advice. The discussion also briefly touched on the implications of this achievement for IoT devices and the potential for further development in low-resource Wi-Fi applications.
Summary of Comments ( 0 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43182854
Hacker News commenters largely echoed the author's frustrations with cellular modem integration. Several shared anecdotes of flaky connectivity, opaque documentation, and vendor lock-in issues, particularly with Quectel and SIMCom modems. Some pointed to the lack of proper abstraction layers as a core problem, hindering software portability. The difficulty in obtaining certifications for cellular devices was also highlighted, with some suggesting this complexity benefits larger established players while stifling smaller innovators. A few commenters suggested exploring alternatives like the Nordic Semiconductor nRF91 series or using a Raspberry Pi with a USB cellular dongle for simpler prototyping, while others called for more open-source initiatives in the cellular modem space. Several also discussed the challenges with varying cellular carrier regulations and certification processes internationally. The general sentiment was one of agreement with the article's premise, with many expressing hope for improved developer experience in the future.
The Hacker News post "The Miserable State of Modems and Mobile Network Operators" generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters sharing their own experiences and perspectives on the challenges of working with cellular modems and mobile network operators (MNOs).
Several comments echoed the author's frustrations with the opaque and complex nature of cellular technology. One commenter lamented the difficulty in finding clear documentation and the lack of standardization across different modems and networks. This sentiment was reinforced by another who described the process of integrating cellular connectivity as a "nightmare," citing inconsistent APIs and the need for extensive trial and error.
The issue of vendor lock-in was also raised, with commenters expressing concerns about being tied to specific modem manufacturers and MNOs. This was particularly problematic for those working on IoT projects, where flexibility and interoperability are crucial.
A few comments offered alternative perspectives. One commenter suggested that the complexity of cellular technology is inherent due to the stringent requirements of reliability and security in a wireless environment. Another pointed out the significant improvements in cellular technology over the past few years, particularly with the advent of newer standards like LTE-M and NB-IoT, suggesting the author's experience might be specific to older technologies or particular vendors.
There was some discussion around the challenges of managing SIM cards and data plans for large deployments of IoT devices. Commenters mentioned difficulties with provisioning SIM cards, managing data usage, and dealing with varying roaming agreements across different countries.
Some practical suggestions were also offered. One commenter recommended using virtual SIMs (eSIMs) to simplify the process of managing connectivity for IoT devices. Another suggested working with specialized connectivity providers that offer a more streamlined and developer-friendly experience.
Finally, a few comments touched upon the broader issue of the telecommunications industry's structure and its impact on innovation. One commenter argued that the lack of competition among MNOs has stifled innovation and led to higher prices and poorer service for consumers.
While the comments largely agreed with the author's premise about the difficulties of working with modems and MNOs, they also provided a nuanced view, acknowledging the complexities of cellular technology and offering some practical solutions and alternative perspectives. The discussion highlighted the need for greater transparency, standardization, and developer-friendliness in the cellular connectivity space, especially as the demand for IoT devices continues to grow.