LPWAN networks

Introduction
LPWAN stands for Low Power Wide Area Networks. In this category we find communication means that are particularly well fitted for the IoT needs. Indeed, the protocols described here are characterized by a low power consumption, which is crucial for the IoT applications, and yet offer a rather long range, making it possible to build more dynamic networks with less infrastructure. They mainly use the sub-GHz band to achieve high noise robustness, their drawback being that they offer low data rates.

Common characteristics
As said in their name, LPWAN networks offer long ranges between 5 and 10 km. This is related to their high noise robustness (due to different modulation mechanisms) and their main frequency. Indeed, the LPWAN networks are located in the Sub-GHz ISM band, offering them a longer range to the expense of a smaller bandwidth. This leads to poor data rates of several kbps. The wireless communication technologies described here are all designed to be used with very low power capacity, and are well fitted for low consumption constraints. This graph represents a qualitative positioning of different wireless communication means. In the bottom-right part, we can see the LPWAN category, characterized by long range but low datarate. We will describe the most common technologies: LoRa, Sigfox and Weightless.

Most used technologies
We give here a highlight of the strengths of each technology, while more detailed information can be read on their dedicated page.

LoRa
LoRa (Long Range) is a technology that can be parametrized to change its range and data rate, influencing its power consumption. It is usually provided with its integrated MAC layer called LoRaWAN, offering IoT-oriented devices management. It is relatively easy to set up thanks to the public network coverage provided by the TTN.

Sigfox
Sigfox is an entirely proprietary technology that provides network operator services. It is very easy to set up but you need to pay fees to gain access to the sigfox network, and you cannot control the infrastructures used in your communication.

Weightless
Weightless is a fully open and very versatile standard. It suffers from a shorter range of approximatively 2km but has many options that allow it to fit in different environments. It offers different choices for all the main parameters, including the modulation scheme and the frequency.