LPWANs

LPWANs, or Low-Power Wide-Area Networks, are a class of wireless networks designed for long-range communication at low bitrates with minimal power consumption. They enable battery-powered devices to transmit small data packets over large geographic areas, from urban environments to remote regions, often for years without replacement or recharging.

Key characteristics include very long range, low data rates (generally a few hundred bits per second to a few tens of kilobits per second), and extended battery life achieved through infrequent transmissions and efficient radio protocols. LPWANs typically use star or star-of-stars topologies, where end devices communicate with gateways or base stations that connect to a centralized network server. Some deployments operate in licensed spectrum, while others use unlicensed bands, subject to regional regulations and duty-cycle constraints.

Common technologies in the LPWAN family include LoRaWAN, Sigfox, NB-IoT, and LTE-M. LoRaWAN relies on unlicensed sub-GHz frequencies with a star topology of gateways and devices, offering flexible data rates and long-range coverage. Sigfox provides ultra-narrowband, low-power transmissions with very small payloads and limited bidirectional communication. NB-IoT and LTE-M are cellular LPWAN technologies standardized by 3GPP, operating in licensed spectrum and delivering higher data rates, better quality of service, and broader support for mobility and roaming; NB-IoT targets very low bandwidth, while LTE-M supports moderate data rates and lower latency.

Common applications include remote monitoring, smart metering, asset tracking, agriculture, and environmental sensing. Advantages of LPWANs are low power, wide coverage, and scalable connectivity at low cost; limitations include limited data throughput, latency variability, and dependence on network availability and regulatory constraints.