Sign in Subscribe

What are the different LPWA technologies available in the market?

Last updated on 
  1. NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT):
    • Overview: NB-IoT is a cellular communication technology standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifically for IoT applications.
    • Frequency Band: NB-IoT typically operates in the licensed spectrum, utilizing narrowband channels to enable efficient communication.
    • Range: It offers good coverage and can penetrate obstacles, making it suitable for applications in challenging environments.
  2. LTE-M (Long-Term Evolution for Machines):
    • Overview: LTE-M is another cellular technology developed by 3GPP for IoT applications. It provides a compromise between bandwidth and power consumption, making it suitable for a wide range of IoT use cases.
    • Frequency Band: LTE-M operates in the licensed spectrum and offers better data rates compared to NB-IoT, making it suitable for applications with moderate data requirements.
  3. LoRa (Long Range):
    • Overview: LoRa is a wireless communication technology that uses chirp spread spectrum modulation to achieve long-range communication with low power consumption.
    • Frequency Band: LoRa operates in the unlicensed spectrum, allowing for easy deployment without the need for specific frequency licenses.
    • Range: LoRa is known for its impressive range, making it suitable for applications requiring communication over several kilometers.
  4. Sigfox:
    • Overview: Sigfox is a proprietary LPWA technology that operates in the unlicensed spectrum. It is designed for low-cost, low-power, and low-data-rate applications.
    • Frequency Band: Sigfox operates in the sub-GHz bands and uses a star network architecture with a central base station.
  5. Ingenu (Random Phase Multiple Access - RPMA):
    • Overview: Ingenu's RPMA is a proprietary LPWA technology known for its robustness and reliability. It uses a random phase multiple access scheme for communication.
    • Frequency Band: Ingenu typically operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band.
  6. Weightless:
    • Overview: Weightless is a family of LPWA communication standards designed for IoT applications. It includes Weightless-N, Weightless-P, and Weightless-W, each tailored for specific use cases.
    • Frequency Band: Depending on the variant, Weightless can operate in various frequency bands, including sub-GHz and 2.4 GHz.