Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1300216
p. 11 The following table compares basic characteristics and features of LoRaWAN, LTE CAT-M1, and NB-IoT. The following sections provide more in-depth information on each of these technologies. LoRaWAN LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide-Area Network) is a LPWAN, media access control (MAC) layer protocol built on top of LoRa or FSK modulation. LoRaWAN enables low-powered, battery-operated devices to wirelessly communicate over long-distances (2-3 km in urban settings and 6-10 km in rural settings). LoRaWAN can span these extremely long distances by decreasing its data rates to very low levels (0.3-22 kbps). LoRaWAN operates in the unlicensed ISM band; the actual frequency band varies by region. For example, in the U.S. it operates in the 902-928 MHz frequency band while in Europe, it operates in the 863-870 MHz frequency band. Of the various LPWAN protocols, LoRaWAN is unique in that it can be deployed on either a public network or its own private network. The fact that it can be deployed on its own private LoRaWAN network is advantageous for several reasons including: LoRaWAN LTE CAT-M1 NB-IoT Bandwidth (uplink) 125 kHz Up to 3 Mbps 2.4 GHz 500 kHz 1.4 MHz 180 kHz 2.4 GHz Data Rate 50 kbps 384 kbps 62.5 kbps Mobility Yes Yes No • Location – The area/environment in which you plan to deploy your network may not have a public LoRaWAN network in place. • Remote or inaccessible sensor locations – If you need to deploy sensors in extremely remote areas or in difficult to access areas (such as deep basements), a public network may not be accessible. • Large deployment area – If your plan is to deploy a very large number of LoRa sensors, having your own LoRaWAN network can decrease the overall cost. • Security – Healthcare environment especially are concerned about secure data communications. Avoiding a public LoRaWAN operator and using your own private network heightens the amount of security. With LoRaWAN, the applications are endless: cold chain monitoring, environmental monitoring, facility security monitoring, monitoring in remote areas, and asset location, just to name a few. LoRaWAN Summary: • Long range – Up to 10+ km • Low power – Can last years on a battery • Secure – 128-bit end-to-end encryption • Low bandwidth • Inexpensive • For situations where real-time data is not required (since you can only send periodic packets)