Q: What are the challenges of LPWAN technologies (LoRaWAN Sigfox NB-IoT) and how to choose?
Answer
LPWAN comparison: LoRaWAN: unlicensed sub-GHz ISM band 0.3-50 kbps range 2-10 km urban 10+ km rural. Best for: agricultural sensor networks DIY projects. License-free but interference risk. End devices join via OTAA (over-the-air activation). Sigfox: ultra-narrowband (UNB) licensed-band equivalent 100 bps range 10-40 km rural. Best for: simple status monitoring (no downlink required). Subscription-based ecosystem. NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT): cellular LPWAN 250 kbps range similar to LTE coverage. Best for: urban deployment requiring reliable deep indoor coverage. Subscription-based. LTE-M: cellular LTE-based 1 Mbps better for voice/data. Choice criteria: (1) Indoor coverage needs (NB-IoT best). (2) Data rate (LoRa best for sensors LTE-M best for data). (3) Cost per device (Sigfox/LoRa lowest). (4) Regulatory restrictions in your country. (5) Need for downlink commands (NB-IoT/LTE-M required).
Filed under: FAQ