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The Myriota Network offers two communication service types. Both types downlink data from the Myriota Network using the UHF band, but differ in the frequency band used for uplink.
Refer to the Myriota Module Datasheet for more information on the technical functionality of the module variants, and refer to the Antenna Design Guide for details on the antenna requirements for each service type, both of which are available at Design & Integration Resources.
Here's a breakdown of the major differences between Myriota Service 1 and Service 2:
| Feature | Service 1 | Service 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Module Variant | M1-24 (Gen 2) | M2-24 (Gen 2) |
| Available Regions | Certain regions such as ANZ | Globally |
| Transmit Band | VHF (160.975–161.475 MHz) | UHF (399.9–400.05 MHz) |
| Receive Band | UHF (400.15–401 MHz) | UHF (400.15–401 MHz) |
| TX Consumption | 415mA @3.3V | 570mA @3.3V |
| Antenna Configuration | Dual antennas or dual-tuned single antenna | Single UHF antenna for TX/RX |
| Design Implications | Larger antenna size due to VHF TX | More compact design possible |
| Deployment Notes | VHF TX requires careful gain shaping | UHF TX/RX simplifies integration |
Why these frequencies?
The Myriota service types use the VHF and UHF frequency bands because they provide the best radio propagation conditions for direct-to-orbit IoT.
- VHF and UHF frequencies have lower free-space path loss than higher frequencies. A more reliable link is created because signals stay strong for longer distances,
- Low path loss allows low transmit power and long battery life, and the use of compact omnidirectional antennas,
- These frequencies are less vulnerable to signal quality reduction due to poor weather conditions, such as attenuation induced by clouds, rain or snow.