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graph TD
Start[Choose LPWAN Technology]
Start --> Q1{Need private network?}
Q1 -->|Yes| LoRa[LoRaWAN<br/>Full control, no subscription]
Q1 -->|No| Q2{Global deployment?}
Q2 -->|Yes, 50+ countries| Sigfox[Sigfox<br/>Global coverage, low cost]
Q2 -->|No, single country| Q3{Need QoS guarantees?}
Q3 -->|Yes, SLA required| NB[NB-IoT<br/>Carrier SLA, reliable]
Q3 -->|No| Q4{Message frequency?}
Q4 -->|>140 msg/day| LoRa2[LoRaWAN or NB-IoT<br/>No message limits]
Q4 -->|<140 msg/day| Q5{Bidirectional?}
Q5 -->|Frequent downlinks| NB2[NB-IoT<br/>Unlimited downlinks]
Q5 -->|Rare downlinks| Sigfox2[Sigfox<br/>Cheapest option]
style Start fill:#2C3E50,stroke:#16A085,stroke-width:3px,color:#fff
style LoRa fill:#16A085,stroke:#2C3E50,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff
style LoRa2 fill:#16A085,stroke:#2C3E50,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff
style Sigfox fill:#E67E22,stroke:#2C3E50,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff
style Sigfox2 fill:#E67E22,stroke:#2C3E50,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff
style NB fill:#9B59B6,stroke:#2C3E50,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff
style NB2 fill:#9B59B6,stroke:#2C3E50,stroke-width:2px,color:#fff
1097 LoRaWAN vs Other LPWAN Technologies
1097.1 Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
- Distinguish between LoRa (physical layer) and LoRaWAN (network protocol)
- Compare LoRaWAN with NB-IoT and Sigfox
- Select the appropriate LPWAN technology for different use cases
- Understand the trade-offs between spectrum, coverage, and cost
- Evaluate vendor lock-in and network ownership considerations
1097.2 What is LoRaWAN?
LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is an open protocol and MAC layer specification built on top of LoRa modulation. It defines the network architecture, communication protocol, and security mechanisms.
ImportantLoRa vs LoRaWAN
| Aspect | LoRa | LoRaWAN |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Physical layer modulation | MAC layer protocol |
| Function | Radio modulation technique | Network protocol |
| Ownership | Proprietary (Semtech) | Open standard (LoRa Alliance) |
| Defines | How data is transmitted | Network architecture, security, device management |
| Usage | Can be used independently | Uses LoRa as physical layer |
Analogy: LoRa is like Wi-Fi’s radio technology, while LoRaWAN is like the complete Wi-Fi protocol stack (802.11).
1097.3 Tradeoff: LoRaWAN vs NB-IoT
Decision context: When selecting LPWAN technology for a wide-area IoT deployment, LoRaWAN and NB-IoT are the two leading options with fundamentally different architectures.
| Factor | LoRaWAN | NB-IoT |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Unlicensed ISM bands (free) | Licensed cellular bands (carrier fees) |
| Network Ownership | Private or public (your choice) | Carrier-operated only |
| Data Rate | 0.3-50 kbps | Up to 250 kbps |
| Latency | Seconds to minutes (Class A) | Milliseconds to seconds |
| Coverage | Deploy your own gateways | Depends on carrier infrastructure |
| QoS Guarantees | Best-effort (no SLA) | Carrier SLA available |
| Bidirectional | Limited (Class A/B/C trade-offs) | Full duplex, always-on |
| Roaming | Complex (network-specific) | Carrier roaming agreements |
| Battery Life | 10+ years (optimized for sleep) | 5-10 years (PSM/eDRX modes) |
| Payload Size | 51-222 bytes | Up to 1600 bytes |
Choose LoRaWAN when: - You need a private network (data sovereignty, no carrier dependency) - Deploying in rural/remote areas without cellular coverage - Cost is critical (no per-device subscription fees) - You can deploy and manage your own gateways - Ultra-low power with infrequent uplinks is the priority
Choose NB-IoT when: - You need guaranteed QoS with carrier SLA - Bidirectional communication with low latency is required - Deploying in urban areas with existing cellular coverage - Larger payloads or higher data rates are needed - Global roaming with carrier agreements is important - You prefer managed connectivity without infrastructure ownership
Default recommendation: Use LoRaWAN for private deployments, rural coverage, and cost-sensitive applications. Choose NB-IoT when you need carrier-grade reliability, SLA guarantees, or seamless global roaming in urban environments.
1097.4 LPWAN Technology Comparison: LoRaWAN vs Sigfox vs NB-IoT
Different LPWAN technologies excel in different scenarios. This comparison helps you select the best fit for your IoT deployment:
| Feature | LoRaWAN | Sigfox | NB-IoT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modulation | Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) | Ultra-Narrow Band (UNB) | LTE-based (QPSK) |
| Frequency | ISM bands (unlicensed): 868 MHz (EU), 915 MHz (US) | ISM bands (unlicensed): 868/902 MHz | Licensed cellular spectrum (LTE bands) |
| Range | 2-15 km (urban), 40 km (rural) | 10-50 km (urban), 50+ km (rural) | 1-10 km (coverage depends on carrier) |
| Data Rate | 0.3-50 kbps (adaptive) | 100 bps uplink, 600 bps downlink | 250 kbps (peak, shared with LTE) |
| Payload Size | 51-222 bytes (SF-dependent) | 12 bytes uplink, 8 bytes downlink | Up to 1600 bytes |
| Messages/Day | Unlimited (1% duty cycle in EU) | 140 uplink, 4 downlink | Unlimited (carrier-dependent) |
| Bidirectional | Yes (all classes support downlink) | Limited (4 downlinks/day) | Yes (full duplex) |
| Battery Life | 5-10 years | 10-20 years (very low message rate) | 5-10 years (PSM/eDRX modes) |
| Network Ownership | Public (TTN) or Private | Public only (Sigfox operates) | Public (carrier-operated: Verizon, AT&T, Vodafone) |
| Infrastructure Cost | Low ($300-600/gateway) | None (subscription-based) | None (uses existing cellular) |
| Subscription Cost | Free (TTN) or $1-5/device/year (private) | $1-10/device/year | $5-15/device/year (carrier contract) |
| Deployment | DIY possible (private network) | Operator-only (no private networks) | Operator-only (requires SIM) |
| Localization | No (requires GPS or triangulation) | Yes (RSSI-based, ~1-10 km accuracy) | Yes (cell tower triangulation) |
| Standardization | Open (LoRa Alliance) | Proprietary (Sigfox SA) | Open (3GPP standard) |
| Interference Immunity | Excellent (CSS spreading) | Good (UNB filtering) | Excellent (LTE QoS) |
| Indoor Penetration | Good (sub-GHz, high sensitivity) | Excellent (very low bandwidth) | Good (LTE infrastructure) |
| Mobility Support | Limited (ADR assumes stationary) | Good (no ADR needed) | Excellent (handoff like cellular) |
| QoS Guarantees | No (best effort, unconfirmed) | No (fire-and-forget) | Yes (carrier SLA, confirmed delivery) |
1097.5 Decision Matrix: Which Technology to Choose?
TipScenario 1: Smart Agriculture (Soil Sensors)
Requirements: - 200 sensors across 500-acre farm - 1 reading per hour (temperature, moisture) - 10-year battery life - Low deployment cost - No cellular coverage in rural area
Recommended: LoRaWAN - Private network (1-2 gateways = $600) - Unlimited messages (no subscription fees) - Adaptive data rate optimizes battery - DIY installation and maintenance - Sigfox: No coverage in rural area, 140 msg/day limit - NB-IoT: No cellular coverage available
TipScenario 2: Global Asset Tracking (Shipping Containers)
Requirements: - 10,000 containers tracked globally - 1 GPS update per day - Must work in 50+ countries - Minimal infrastructure management - Mobile (containers constantly moving)
Recommended: Sigfox - Global coverage (70+ countries) - No infrastructure to manage - Low data rate acceptable (1 msg/day) - Excellent mobility support - LoRaWAN: No global coverage, ADR issues with mobility - NB-IoT: Roaming expensive, carrier contracts complex
TipScenario 3: Smart Metering (Water/Gas)
Requirements: - 100,000 meters across city - 1 reading per day + firmware updates - Utility must guarantee 99.9% uptime - Budget for subscriptions exists - Needs bidirectional (meter commands)
Recommended: NB-IoT - Carrier SLA (99.9% uptime guarantee) - Large payloads (firmware updates) - Unlimited downlinks (remote commands) - Existing cellular infrastructure - LoRaWAN: No uptime guarantees, FUOTA very slow - Sigfox: 4 downlinks/day insufficient for commands
TipScenario 4: Smart Building (HVAC, Lighting)
Requirements: - 500 sensors per building - 1 reading per 5 minutes - Private network (data security) - Immediate response to commands (<5 sec) - Unlimited budget for infrastructure
Recommended: LoRaWAN (Private Network) - No data leaves building (security) - No subscription fees (long-term cost) - Class B/C for fast downlinks - High message frequency (no carrier limits) - Sigfox: Cannot deploy private network - NB-IoT: Data routed through carrier
1097.6 Quick Selection Flowchart
Key Insight: No single LPWAN technology dominates all use cases. Choose based on: - LoRaWAN -> Private networks, unlimited messages, DIY control - Sigfox -> Global reach, ultra-low power, minimal maintenance - NB-IoT -> QoS guarantees, existing cellular, high data rates
1097.7 Videos
NoteLoRaWAN Frequency Bands
NoteVideo: Applications of LoRaWAN
NoteVideo: LoRaWAN Real-World Deployment
See LoRaWAN technology deployed in real-world scenarios—from smart agriculture monitoring to urban IoT applications. This video demonstrates the practical aspects of LoRaWAN network setup, device configuration, and data visualization.
1097.8 Summary
This chapter compared LoRaWAN with other LPWAN technologies:
- LoRa vs LoRaWAN: LoRa is the physical layer; LoRaWAN is the complete network protocol
- LoRaWAN strengths: Private networks, unlimited messages, no subscription fees
- Sigfox strengths: Global coverage, ultra-simple, lowest power
- NB-IoT strengths: Carrier SLA, larger payloads, bidirectional communication
- Selection criteria: Private network needs, global coverage, QoS requirements, message frequency
1097.9 What’s Next
Continue to LoRaWAN Network Architecture for a deep dive into how LoRaWAN networks are structured, including gateways, network servers, and device classes.
Alternative paths: - ADR Optimization - Understand Adaptive Data Rate and duty cycle - Common Pitfalls - Avoid common LoRaWAN deployment mistakes