1114 Sigfox Fundamentals
1114.1 About This Module
This comprehensive guide to Sigfox, a proprietary LPWAN technology, is organized into four focused chapters covering everything from basic concepts to advanced technical details and practical applications.
This module is structured progressively:
- Introduction → Core concepts and best practices
- Technology → Technical deep dive
- Worked Examples → Practical calculations
- Assessment → Test your knowledge
1114.2 Module Contents
1114.2.1 1. Sigfox Introduction and Best Practices
What you’ll learn: - Sigfox’s ultra-narrow band (UNB) technology fundamentals - Operator-managed network model vs self-deployed alternatives - 12-byte payload constraints and efficient data encoding - Barcelona waste management case study (95% cost reduction) - Common deployment mistakes and how to avoid them
Key topics: - Getting started guide for beginners - Sigfox vs LoRaWAN comparison - Real-world scenarios and limitations - 7 costly mistakes to avoid - Payload encoding best practices
Perfect for: Understanding when Sigfox is the right choice, learning deployment best practices, and avoiding common pitfalls.
1114.2.2 2. Sigfox Technology Deep Dive
What you’ll learn: - Ultra-narrow band (UNB) modulation details - Three-tier network architecture - RSSI-based geolocation (Atlas) - Link budget calculations - Technology comparison frameworks
Key topics: - UNB vs CSS vs OFDM modulation - Sigfox radio parameters (DBPSK uplink, GFSK downlink) - Spatial diversity and redundant reception - Decision frameworks for LPWAN selection - Cost crossover analysis
Perfect for: Engineers needing technical specifications, understanding RF characteristics, and making informed technology selections.
1114.2.3 3. Sigfox Worked Examples
What you’ll learn: - Message budget planning for asset tracking - Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculations - Link budget analysis for rural deployments - Duty cycle and regulatory compliance
Practical scenarios: 1. Asset Tracking: 1,000 shipping containers, 30-day ocean transit, 92% cost savings vs cellular 2. Smart Parking: 5,000 sensors, Sigfox vs LoRaWAN TCO, crossover at 9,100 sensors 3. Agricultural Monitoring: 30 km range, link budget with 13 dB margin 4. EU868 Compliance: 1% duty cycle allowing 43 messages/hour
Perfect for: System designers, project planners, and anyone making deployment calculations.
1114.2.4 4. Sigfox Knowledge Assessment
What you’ll test: - Sigfox fundamentals and constraints - Technology characteristics and trade-offs - Real-world application scenarios - Cost and deployment decisions
Assessment format: - Quiz 1: Sigfox Fundamentals (25 questions) - Quiz 2: Sigfox Characteristics (12 questions) - Knowledge checks throughout chapters - Visual reference gallery
Perfect for: Testing your understanding, preparing for interviews, and validating your Sigfox expertise.
1114.3 Prerequisites
Before starting this module, you should be familiar with:
- LPWAN Fundamentals: Understanding low-power wide-area network characteristics
- Networking Basics: Wireless communication concepts and modulation schemes
- LoRaWAN Fundamentals: Alternative LPWAN for meaningful comparisons
1114.4 Quick Start Guide
New to Sigfox? Start here:
- Introduction - Getting Started: Beginner-friendly overview with simple analogies
- Introduction - Real-World Example: Barcelona case study with concrete numbers
- Technology - UNB Modulation: How Sigfox achieves long range
- Worked Examples: Practice with real calculations
Experienced? Jump to:
- Common Mistakes: Avoid costly deployment errors
- Technical Deep Dives: UNB modulation, network architecture, Atlas geolocation
- Assessment Quizzes: Test your knowledge
1114.5 Key Takeaways
After completing this module, you will understand:
- When to Use Sigfox:
- Small infrequent messages (<12 bytes, <140/day)
- Existing operator coverage
- Cost-sensitive deployments (<10,000 devices)
- No infrastructure management capability
- Sigfox Limitations:
- 12-byte uplink / 8-byte downlink payloads
- 140 uplink / 4 downlink messages per day
- Operator-dependent coverage (cannot deploy own base stations)
- 30-90 second typical latency
- Technology Comparison:
- Sigfox: Cheapest for <10K devices, operator-managed
- LoRaWAN: Best for >10K devices, user-deployable
- NB-IoT: Premium option for mobility and high data rates
- Best Practices:
- Always verify coverage before mass deployment
- Use integer encoding (not floats) for payloads
- Design for uplink-only operation
- Pilot test in actual deployment environment
1114.6 What’s Next
After completing this module:
- LoRaWAN Architecture: Compare with alternative LPWAN
- NB-IoT Fundamentals: Cellular LPWAN option
- Network Planning: General IoT network design
Estimated time: 52 minutes (15 + 12 + 10 + 15)
Suggested approach: 1. Read Introduction chapter (focus on scenarios and mistakes) 2. Skim Technology chapter (bookmark for reference) 3. Work through Examples (practice calculations) 4. Take Assessment quizzes (test retention)
For exams: Focus on message limits (140/4), payload sizes (12/8 bytes), cost crossover points, and technology comparisons.