Configurability

Set sampling interval and logic from cloud

The Asset Tracker can be configured remotely through nRF Cloud’s device shadow mechanism. This allows dynamic adjustment of device behavior without requiring firmware updates.

Configuration through nRF Cloud UI

Warning For new devices, the “View Config” section in the nRF Cloud UI will not be visible. It will become visible once the shadow is patched using the REST call documented below.

  1. Log in to nRF Cloud
  2. Navigate to “Devices” and select your device
  3. Click on “View Config” in the top bar
  4. Select “Edit Configuration”
  5. Enter the desired configuration: 
    {
  "update_interval": 60
}
  6. Click “Commit” to apply the changes

The device will receive the new configuration through its shadow and adjust its update interval accordingly.

Configuration through REST API

Update interval using nrfcloud rest api nRF Cloud REST API

curl -X PATCH   "https://api.nrfcloud.com/v1/devices/$DEVICE_ID/state"   -H "Authorization: Bearer $API_KEY"   -H "Content-Type: application/json"   -d '{ "desired": { "config": { "update_interval": <your_value> } } }'

Configuration Flow

  1. Initial Setup
    • Device starts with default interval from CONFIG_APP_MODULE_TRIGGER_TIMEOUT_SECONDS
    • Upon cloud connection, device automatically requests shadow configuration
  2. Runtime Configuration
    • Cloud module receives and processes shadow updates
    • Device maintains last known configuration during offline periods
  3. Impact on Device Behavior The update_interval configuration controls the frequency of:
    • Location updates
    • Sensor sampling (environmental, battery, network quality)
    • FOTA update checks
    • Shadow update polling

Set location method priorities

The Asset Tracker supports multiple location methods that can be prioritized based on your needs. Configuration is done through board-specific configuration files.

Available Location Methods

Configuration Examples

  1. Thingy91x Configuration (wifi available): 
    CONFIG_LOCATION_REQUEST_DEFAULT_METHOD_FIRST_WIFI=y
CONFIG_LOCATION_REQUEST_DEFAULT_METHOD_SECOND_GNSS=y
CONFIG_LOCATION_REQUEST_DEFAULT_METHOD_THIRD_CELLULAR=y
CONFIG_LOCATION_REQUEST_DEFAULT_WIFI_TIMEOUT=10000
  2. nRF9151 DK Configuration (wifi unavailable): 
    CONFIG_LOCATION_REQUEST_DEFAULT_METHOD_FIRST_GNSS=y
CONFIG_LOCATION_REQUEST_DEFAULT_METHOD_SECOND_CELLULAR=y

Network configuration

NB-IoT vs LTE-M

The Asset Tracker supports both LTE Cat NB1 (NB-IoT) and LTE Cat M1 (LTE-M) cellular connectivity:

Network Mode Selection

The following network modes are available (LTE_NETWORK_MODE):

Network Mode Preference

When multiple network modes are enabled (LTE-M and NB-IoT), you can set preferences (LTE_MODE_PREFERENCE):

Example configuration in prj.conf:

# Enable both LTE-M and NB-IoT with GPS
CONFIG_LTE_NETWORK_MODE_LTE_M_NBIOT_GPS=y

# Prefer LTE-M while prioritizing home network
CONFIG_LTE_MODE_PREFERENCE_LTE_M_PLMN_PRIO=y

PSM (Power Saving Mode)

PSM allows the device to enter deep sleep while maintaining network registration. Configuration is done through Kconfig options:

PSM Parameters

  1. Periodic TAU (Tracking Area Update)
    • Controls how often the device updates its location with the network
    • Configuration options: 
      # Configure TAU in seconds
CONFIG_LTE_PSM_REQ_RPTAU_SECONDS=1800  # 30 minutes
  2. Active Time (RAT)
    • Defines how long the device stays active after a wake-up
    • Configuration options: 
      # Configure RAT in seconds
CONFIG_LTE_PSM_REQ_RAT_SECONDS=60  # 1 minute

Key aspects:

APN (Access Point Name)

The Access Point Name (APN) is a network identifier used by the device to connect to the cellular network’s packet data network. Configuration options:

Common scenarios for APN configuration:

Note: In most cases, the default APN provided by the carrier should work without additional configuration.