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I have a friend who is working on a project where they need to deploy a large number of devices over the midwest. For simplicity let's say these are temperature gauges - they read the current temperature and transmit that information to a server. The server would just need to know what device is reporting what temperature (412X|10c).

These devices will be in forests, near highways, in cities and swamps. All other technology is prototyped and working (ability to read the temperature, the hardware for the device) the open question they have right now is 'what is the cheapest way we can send this information to the primary server'?

I think they'll need to go with a wireless carrier (verizon/sprint/at&t) and use something similar to mobile broadband. Is there really any other option?

samwise
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    24 bytes? Cheapest cell plan with coverage and SMS. Perhaps bulk deal (dunno what providers are willing to offer for nets like that). Or public WiFi ;-) –  Sep 14 '11 at 21:16

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You could do it with ham radio and something like APRS, assuming they don't care about encryption and don't have a pecuniary interest in the project.

You wouldn't need full mobile broadband, as your data would fit in a text message. You can get cellular shields for arduino that would probably fit your needs.

Karl Bielefeldt
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  • 600 miles on HAM... on motes? Granted I've used antennas/radios that *can* do that, but need to connect into some net for distance. –  Sep 14 '11 at 21:28
  • That's why I mentioned APRS. It has pretty widespread coverage and you only need to get to the closest repeater. Not much different than getting to the next cell tower, and you have the benefit of using larger directional antennas and more power legally if you need them. – Karl Bielefeldt Sep 14 '11 at 21:33