1066  LPWAN Visual Reference Gallery

1066.1 Introduction

This visual reference gallery provides quick access to key LPWAN diagrams and illustrations for learning and reference purposes.

NoteLearning Objectives

• Access visual references for LPWAN concepts
• Review technology comparisons through diagrams
• Use visual aids for studying and presentation

1066.2 Visual Reference Gallery

NoteLPWAN Technology Diagrams

These visual references provide alternative perspectives on LPWAN concepts covered in this chapter.

LPWAN Technology Overview

Figure 1066.1: LPWAN technology positioning showing how these networks fill the gap between short-range wireless and traditional cellular for battery-powered IoT applications.

LPWAN Technology Comparison

Figure 1066.2: LPWAN technology comparison highlighting the trade-offs between LoRaWAN, Sigfox, and NB-IoT for different IoT deployment scenarios.

LPWAN Decision Flowchart

Figure 1066.3: LPWAN technology selection flowchart helping engineers navigate the decision process based on coverage, data rate, deployment control, and cost requirements.

1066.3 Summary

This chapter introduced Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN) and their role in IoT:

• LPWAN Characteristics: Technologies designed for long-range (2-40+ km), low-power (5-10 year battery life), and low-data-rate (hundreds of bps to few kbps) IoT applications
• Technology Positioning: LPWAN fills the gap between short-range technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) and traditional cellular networks
• Key LPWAN Protocols: LoRaWAN (private networks), Sigfox (operator service), and cellular LPWAN (NB-IoT/LTE-M) each offer different trade-offs
• Device Scale: Support for tens of thousands of devices per base station, enabling massive IoT deployments
• Deployment Models: Private networks (LoRaWAN) vs operator-managed services (Sigfox, NB-IoT) present different cost and control trade-offs
• Application Suitability: Best for battery-powered sensors with infrequent updates in agriculture, logistics, smart cities, and environmental monitoring
• Technology Selection: Choice depends on coverage requirements, deployment control needs, data rate demands, and mobility patterns

1066.4 What’s Next

Now that you understand LPWAN fundamentals, explore the specific technologies:

• Next Chapter: LoRaWAN - Learn about the most popular open-standard LPWAN technology with global community support
• Then: Sigfox - Discover the simplest LPWAN operator service
• Then: NB-IoT & LTE-M - Understand cellular IoT alternatives
• Then: Weightless - Explore open-standard alternatives
• Then: Cellular IoT - Compare with traditional 2G/3G/4G solutions

1066.5 Summary

This visual reference gallery provides diagrams and illustrations covering:

• LPWAN technology comparison diagrams
• Network architecture visualizations
• Decision flowcharts and selection matrices
• Trade-off visualizations

Use these visual resources for studying, presentations, and quick reference when working with LPWAN technologies.

1066.6 What’s Next

Return to the main LPWAN chapters for deeper learning:

• LPWAN Introduction and Fundamentals - Core LPWAN concepts
• LPWAN Technology Comparison - Detailed technology comparison
• LoRaWAN Overview - LoRaWAN deep dive