LPWAN (Low Power, Wide Area Networks) are predominantly made up of LoRa and NB-IoT connections, according to recent research from Omdia. LPWAN technologies including LoRaWAN, Sigfox 0G and NB-IoT provide long-range communications with minimal power consumption. Unlike traditional cellular networks, LPWAN technologies are designed to connect devices that require low-bandwith communication, to extend battery life.
The primary advantage of LPWAN lies in its ability to connect a vast number of devices over large geographical areas. This capability is particularly beneficial for applications such as smart metering, environmental monitoring and asset tracking, where devices are often deployed in remote locations and are required to operate for years without maintenance. The low power consumption and extended range reduce the need for frequent battery replacements, making LPWAN a cost-effective solution for large-scale IoT deployments.
Omdia’s research into LPWAN showed that the market being controlled by LoRa and NB-IoT is expected to continue; making up 87% connections in 2023. It attributed the growth of this market to its popularity in China where LoRaWAN led as a technology. NB-IoT, meanwhile, can be attributed to the growing deployment of satellite connectivity which uses NB-IoT. “NB-IoT use cases remain largely confined to stationary applications with the most popular being smart meters and utilities (water/gas/electricity) and connected spaces (smart cities),” said Shobhit Srivastava, Senior Principal Analyst at Omdia.
Figures shared by IoT Analytics showed 1.3 billion LPWAN IoT connections by the end of 2023, with 58% made up by NB-IoT – but added that this was “skewed” by China’s nationwide adoption of this technology. It shared key LPWAN trends that included convergence and collaboration which see market players collaborating rather than competing and addressing LPWAN limitations such as its design around point-to-point connectivity and not large-scale connectivity.
The regulatory landscape
As with any technology, the adoption of LPWAN comes with its own set of regulatory challenges. Navigating the regulatory landscape is crucial for ensuring compliance and maximising the benefits of deployments using LPWAN. The regulatory environment for LPWAN, however, varies significantly across different regions.
In Europe, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has been developing standards for LPWAN technologies. ETSI’s efforts have focused on ensuring interoperability and promoting the use of unlicensed spectrum bands, such as the 868 MHz band for LoRaWAN and Sigfox. These unlicensed bands provide a cost-effective solution for IoT deployments but come with restrictions on transmission power and duty cycle to prevent interference.
In contrast, the United States follows a different approach, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulating the use of unlicensed bands like the 915 MHz ISM band. The FCC’s regulations aim to balance the need for innovation with the necessity of preventing radio frequency interference. Compliance with these regulations is essential for ensuring the reliable operation of LPWAN networks.
Globally, there is a trend towards harmonising standards to facilitate international deployments and reduce regulatory complexity. Organisations such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) are working towards developing global standards for LPWAN technologies, particularly NB-IoT and LTE-M, which operate on licensed spectrum. These efforts aim to provide a consistent regulatory framework, ensuring seamless connectivity and interoperability across borders.
Integrating LPWAN with existing infrastructure
Integrating LPWAN with existing IoT infrastructure requires careful planning and consideration of various technical and operational factors. The modular nature of these technologies makes integration easier, but it is essential to ensure compatibility with existing systems.
One of the primary considerations in integrating LPWAN is the selection of the appropriate technology based on the specific requirements of the application. Factors such as data transmission frequency, range, and power consumption must be evaluated to determine the most suitable LPWAN technology. For instance, applications requiring frequent data updates may benefit from NB-IoT, while those prioritising battery life may find LoRaWAN or Sigfox 0G technology works better.
Another important consideration is the integration of LPWAN with existing network infrastructure. This involves ensuring that the LPWAN gateway can communicate effectively with the central IoT platform. Using standardised communication protocols and APIs can simplify this process, enabling data flow between devices and the central system. Edge computing can also be used to process data locally, reducing latency and bandwidth requirements.
Security is a major concern in IoT deployments, and integrating LPWAN adds another layer to the security architecture. Ensuring end-to-end encryption, implementing robust authentication mechanisms, and regularly updating firmware are essential practices to safeguard data integrity and prevent unauthorised access.
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