Low power wide area (LPWA) networks are a class of wireless networks that can be used for IoT applications where cellular might not be an option or where the IoT application has certain requirements that better fit LPWA networks. The use and connectivity of LPWA networks are set to rise!
Cellular IoT networks are a great option for myriad Internet of Things (IoT) use cases, but at times, non-cellular technologies are required or are more desirable.
LPWA wireless networks use low-power, long-range radio modems to communicate with IoT devices where existing cellular services are either not available or have poor coverage, such as:
LPWA networks are also useful for applications that require low-power batteries, such as smart home devices and wearables.
Additionally, these networks can be used when other forms of connectivity are too expensive or impractical. For example, they may be preferable if you want to transmit data over long distances without incurring high costs from traditional networks like 4G LTE or Wi-Fi hotspots (which have limited capacity).
Many LPWA networks use unlicensed frequencies so they don't require a license from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) like cellular operators do -- this means there's no need for expensive spectrum licenses or complex network infrastructure consisting of towers and cell sites across entire cities.
Different LPWANs have different ranges and data rates and are better suited to different types of smart devices. The range and data rates of each LPWAN vary. For example, LoRaWAN has a longer range than Sigfox but can only transmit at a maximum speed of 880 bits per second (bps).
LPWA networks can be used to connect low-energy devices (e.g., smart cameras), sensors, and meters to each other and the internet. Because of its long range, it can connect devices across wide areas, even when there are obstructions, such as large buildings or when devices are underground.
One of the main advantages of LPWA technology is its very low power consumption compared with other types of networks, such as cellular networks or Wi-Fi. This makes it ideal for use in IoT applications where battery life is an important factor for device design and operation.
These networks are used in many different industries including energy, healthcare and agriculture. Low power wide area networks have an advantage over traditional wireless networks due to their low power and long range.
The first LPWA was deployed in 2012 by Sigfox, and since then there has been a lot of development in this space.
Sigfox was the first LPWA deployed, and since then there has been a lot of development in this space. Sigfox was followed by LoRaWAN networks, which the LoRa Alliance operates. LoRA stands for Low Power and Long Range and operates in the unlicensed spectrum. Customer can deploy their own LoRaWAN network or leverage a public LoRaWAN network.
The next generation of LPWA is LTE-M, or Cat M1, and NB-IoT, which allows transmission speeds up to 500 kbit/s. These networks operate in the licensed spectrum and are offered by mobile carriers.
NB-IoT is a 4G standard that follows LTE Cat M1, which has been around since 2016. Both standards are designed for low power wide areas.
Cellular LPWA Networks
Cellular LPWA networks, such as NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) and LTE-M (LTE Cat-M1), leverage existing cellular infrastructure, meaning they utilize mobile network towers, base stations, and protocols developed for mobile networks. These networks provide extensive coverage, especially in urban areas, thanks to the global reach of cellular operators. They are built on cellular standards, allowing for integration with existing mobile infrastructure, which ensures high levels of security, scalability, and reliability. Since they are operator-controlled, they provide robust features like device management, billing, and support, which makes them ideal for business-critical applications such as fleet management, smart metering, and asset tracking. Cellular LPWA networks also enable global roaming, making them suitable for international deployments.
The main advantages of cellular LPWA networks include extensive coverage, both in urban and rural areas, and strong security due to operator-controlled infrastructure. However, they come with higher costs compared to non-cellular networks, as they require a subscription to a mobile operator’s services, including SIM cards and associated fees. These networks also tend to have slightly higher power consumption compared to non-cellular LPWA networks, though still much lower than traditional cellular networks. Additionally, because cellular networks rely on mobile operators, there may be limitations in certain remote regions where coverage is sparse or non-existent.
Non-Cellular LPWA Networks
Non-cellular LPWA networks, such as LoRaWAN, Sigfox, and Weightless, operate independently of cellular infrastructure, typically using unlicensed spectrum or private network deployments. These networks are designed for applications that require long-range, low-power communication without the need for mobile operator services. The use of unlicensed spectrum allows for more flexible and cost-effective deployment, especially in private networks. Coverage in non-cellular LPWA networks can be limited to specific regions depending on the infrastructure, but in areas where deployed, such as rural or remote locations, these networks can cover large geographic areas with minimal infrastructure, reducing the cost of connectivity. They are often used in smart agriculture, smart cities, and environmental monitoring where low-cost, long-range communication is key.
The primary advantage of non-cellular LPWA networks lies in their lower costs due to the use of unlicensed spectrum and the absence of mobile operator dependencies. They are also highly energy-efficient, making them ideal for battery-powered IoT devices that need to run for extended periods. However, non-cellular LPWA networks may suffer from limited coverage, especially in less populated or underserved areas, as the network infrastructure is not as extensive as cellular networks. Additionally, security can be a concern, as non-cellular networks generally lack the robust encryption and security features of operator-controlled cellular networks. These networks also have limited global reach and may require multiple, region-specific deployments to achieve broader coverage.
These networks are used for IoT applications such as smart city infrastructure, industrial automation and asset tracking. They can connect devices over long distances with short-range hops between base stations or access points (APs). LTE-M and NB-IoT are used for IoT applications requiring high throughput, such as large data transfers. Learn the difference between LTE-M and NB-IoT here.
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