Protocol and mechanism for centralized asset tracking communications

摘要

A protocol and mechanism which provide for centralized asset tracking communications from a central station are based on a control/polling forward channel; i.e., a narrow band channel from the central station to tracking units affixed to the assets. A narrow band service channel is used by the asset tracking units to transmit to the central station to aid the central station in efficient scheduling of asset reporting, and a plurality of narrow band channels that are appropriately multiplexed are used for conveyance of data from the asset tracking units to the central station.