LPWAN technology is a class of wireless technology that allows long-range communications at low bit rate among interconnected devices. These technologies are designed to support machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices which, unlike consumer cellular devices, don’t require as much speed or bandwidth to operate successfully.
In these times of rapid technological acceleration, people, processes and technologies are integrating with each other via connectable devices and battery-powered sensors that enable remote monitoring and manipulation of M2M and IoT devices. However, industries including consumer, commercial, industrial and infrastructure are all wrestling to achieve the reliable and scalable connectivity required for successful implementation of these devices. This is where LPWAN technology comes into play. While traditional wired and wireless connectivity options fail to meet cost, power and coverage requirements needed for successful application of M2M and IoT devices, LPWAN technology ticks all the boxes.
The lean, simplified LPWAN protocols reduce complexity in hardware design which lowers device costs, and its long range and star topology decrease infrastructure costs. In addition, the use of license-free or pre-owned licensed brands reduces network costs. As it relates to power consumption, LPWAN transceivers are designed to run on small, inexpensive batteries for up to 20 years. When you factor in the low cost and low power consumption of LPWAN devices, with the fact that the operating range of LPWAN technology stretches from a few kilometers in urban areas to over 15 km in rural settings, it’s easily understood why this technology overcomes the limitations placed on previous wire and wireless connectivity options.
The applications of M2M and IoT devices are coming to fruition in real time, and it’s clear that with its low cost, low power and wide-area coverage LPWAN networks are situated to serve as the backbone of battery-operated sensor networks across the globe. Note, however, that not all LPWAN technologies are created the same. Tradeoffs pertaining to Quality-of-Service, scalability, battery life, mobility, security, public vs private networks and proprietary vs standard solutions should be taken into consideration when developing your M2M and IoT networks.
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