How LPWAN Opens New Possibilities for IoT Deployment
There are many different components that go into a successful Internet of Things (IoT) deployment, but at its core, IoT depends on wireless technology. All of the information collected by dozens or even hundreds of sensors across a facility must travel safely and accurately over some type of radio spectrum and onto the cloud where that data can then be analyzed. This means that selecting the appropriate wireless technology is one of the most fundamental decisions to make when building out an IoT system.
In today’s market there are three main types of wireless networks that can power an IoT solution:
- Local Area Network (LAN)
- Cellular Network
- Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN)
This diagram depicts the relative strengths and weaknesses for each of these wireless networks.
While LANs and Cellular Networks can be viable solutions in cases where there is a small geographic footprint and/or a limited number of sensors, IotaComm is focused on LPWAN wireless solutions which we believe provide the optimal solution for today’s increasingly complex and far-reaching IoT infrastructures.
- LPWAN’s offer a balanced and efficient mix of:
- Low-Cost Connectivity
- Reliable Coverage and Deep Building Penetration
- Low Power Consumption
- Wide-area Connectivity or Long Range
- High Network Capacity and Scalability
- Low Bandwidth/ Low Data Rate
In addition to using a LPWAN network, the emerging LoRaWAN ecosystem allows providers to quickly and easily provide new sensors. These LoRaWAN protocols have been developed to take advantage of a low power, highly scalable LPWAN network topology. LoRaWAN adoption means that IoT solutions can have guaranteed quality, interoperability, flexibility, and global scalability.
At the deployment level, LoRaWAN adoption also serves as the foundation for fully integrated gateways with the broader eco-system of LoRa™ network servers and sensors that include battery backup, an integrated 3G/4G modem and in-service updates. It also allows for battery-powered sensors lasting up to 10 years with user configurable parameters and thresholds, as well as smart room sensors that require simple deployment and offer a sleek and unobstructed design on wall, ceiling or table mount configurations.
It’s important to note that LPWAN networks can be deployed on both the unlicensed and licensed spectrum. The ability to provision licensed spectrum means that your IoT connections can have higher levels of resilience against existing and future radio interference. As IoT sensors explode into the hundreds of millions, we believe the option to reserve licensed spectrum will become increasingly important for smart building and smart city solutions.
This diagram helps to visualize how the IotaComm solution offers a combination of distance, power efficiency and licensed spectrum – allowing our customers to design, deploy and manage complex, yet cost-effective IoT installations.
After years of research and refinement, the Internet of Things is making rapid progress, and new solutions are becoming increasingly feasible and cost effective. If you’re interested in learning more about deploying LPWAN & LoRaWAN technologies, please book a demo. We’d be glad to discuss your specific needs and challenges.