The Oyster Sigfox device can receive configuration changes via the Sigfox Downlink mechanism. Usually the device only sends uplinks, but the downlink is a way to get data from the server down to the device.

In the Sigfox system, the device must request a downlink. The number of downlinks available is limited by the Sigfox plan. Downlinks are relatively expensive compared to uplinks.

So, how often does the Oyster Sigfox device request a downlink?

On the Silver, Gold and Platinum plans, one downlink request per 24 hours is sent. The is an additional random chance of 1 downlink every 64 uplink messages, to reduce the change of synchronised uplinks. This prevents systematic packet loss - where all devices could request a downlink at the same time.

On the One plan, once per week. The one plan does not allow downlinks, so this single request is there incase the plan has changed on the server side. The downlink request is not charged for if it is not replied to, and it will not be replied to on the One plan - Sigfox will not allow it.

How do I generate more downlink requests for testing?

The only way to do this with the current Oyster Sigfox firmware is to manually cycle the power. On power up, the device will send a downlink request.