4 Most Promising LPWAN Connectivity: A Comprehensive Comparison of LoRaWAN, Amazon Sidewalk, Helium, and Cat-M,
In this blog post, we’re sheding the spotlight on four of the most promising and rapidly-emerging LPWAN technologies that are shaping the future of IoT: LoRaWAN, Amazon Sidewalk, Helium, and Cat-M. By delving into their features, real-world applications, and a head-to-head comparison, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of these LPWAN options. Our goal here is to help you ascertain the best LPWAN solution for your IoT needs.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing our world, enhancing decision-making processes, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness by integrating smart devices to collect, analyze, and act upon data. Central to this digital transformation is IoT connectivity, a critical factor that dictates the seamless transmission of data across various layers of IoT infrastructure.
Navigating the intricate world of IoT connectivity can be daunting. With a plethora of options ranging from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to advanced cellular technologies like NB-IoT and Cat-M1, not to mention solutions such as LoRaWAN and RPMA, selecting the ideal connectivity for your IoT project requires a deep dive into the capabilities and advantages each offers.
Source: ide.eu
Enter LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network), a term that encapsulates a diverse spectrum of connectivity options. LPWAN is not merely a single standard but an umbrella term for a variety of implementations—some proprietary (eg. Sigfox), others open-source—united by their common traits of low power usage and extensive coverage areas. LPWAN stands out for its exceptional attributes, providing cost-effective, low-power solutions that are instrumental for a myriad of IoT applications.
In this blog post, we’re shedding the spotlight on four of the most promising and rapidly emerging LPWAN technologies that are shaping the future of IoT: LoRaWAN, Amazon Sidewalk, Helium, and Cat-M. Here’s what we’ll cover:
Table of Contents
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear picture of the LPWAN landscape, equipped with the knowledge to select the most suitable LPWAN connectivity for your IoT applications. Now, let’s explore these powerful LPWAN technologies that are connecting our world in unprecedented ways.
What is LPWAN?
LPWAN, or Low-Power Wide-Area Network, is a collection of various types of wireless telecommunication designed for sending small data packets (typically 10 to 10k bytes) over long distances (usually several kilometers), all the while maintaining low power consumption. It’s a game-changer for industries like agriculture, smart city development, efficient workplace management, precise asset tracking, and sensitive environmental monitoring. In these fields, devices often need to transmit minimal data across expansive distances without the need for frequent battery replacements.
Source: emnify.com
Unlike smartphones and other consumer devices that demand high-speed, high-bandwidth connectivity, IoT devices thrive on lean data exchanges. They don’t need the constant, high-speed data streams that we, as consumers, have come to expect. Instead, these devices perform optimally with intermittent transfers of small data packets, a method that drastically cuts down on power usage.
LPWAN technologies have a few key characteristics that account for their rising popularity, as highlighted in The Market Insights report, which states, “The LPWAN market size exceeded USD 5 billion in 2022, and it’s projected to expand with a robust 50% CAGR from 2023 to 2032.” This growth is fueled by the escalating demand for IoT and embedded devices, prompting telecom operators to invest in the commercialization of these networks.
The core attributes that make LPWAN connectivity appealing are:
●Low Power Usage: LPWANs are engineered to ensure devices have low power consumption and an extended battery life.
●Wide Area Coverage: These networks can transmit data over considerable distances, often surpassing traditional wireless networks with a range of tens of kilometers.
●Cost-Efficiency: The streamlined protocols and reduced hardware complexity inherent in LPWANs help lower device costs. The far-reaching coverage, coupled with a straightforward star network topology, minimizes the need for pricey infrastructure.
LPWAN is a catch-all term that includes a variety of technologies, each with unique implementations and protocols. Here’s a rundown of some prevalent LPWAN connectivity options:
●LoRaWAN
●Helium
●Amazon Sidewalk
●Sigfox
●Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT)
●LTE CAT-M1
●MIoTy
●Random phase multiple access (RPMA)
●Weightless
Each of these LPWAN technologies has distinct features and optimal use cases. As a leading IoT hardware solution provider at Seeed Studio, we offer an extensive array of networking products that support robust wireless connectivity options, including LoRaWAN, Amazon Sidewalk, Helium, and Cat-M. In the subsequent sections, we will delve into the specifics—definitions, advantages, limitations, and applications—of these four LPWAN technologies. Moreover, we will highlight Seeed Studio’s variety of networking products—from modules and development kits to fully assembled devices—within each connectivity type. Our goal is to empower developers with the tools and knowledge to select the most fitting LPWAN solutions, streamlining the creation of IoT applications with greater efficiency.
LoRaWAN: The Open Standard for Global IoT
LoRaWAN, short for Long Range Wide Area Network, is a protocol designed for the specific needs of low-power, long-range IoT applications and is governed by the LoRa Alliance. It utilizes LoRa modulation technology to enable communication across its network architecture, which is composed of four primary components. Operating on a star-of-stars topology, LoRaWAN allows end devices to connect with gateways, which then route information to a network server. This server acts as the control center, managing connections, authenticating devices, and orchestrating data transfer to the application servers. The distributed nature of LoRaWAN’s architecture supports a scalable network, capable of servicing countless devices across expansive regions with relatively few infrastructure demands.
LoRaWAN Network Architecture:
●End Nodes: These are the edge devices or sensors capturing data.
●Gateway: This component gathers data from multiple end nodes.
●Network Server: It aggregates data from the gateways to send to the application server.
●Application Server: This server processes and possibly visualizes the aggregated data.
Source: The Things Network
*For an in-depth exploration of LoRa and LoRaWAN, including differences and detailed network architecture, refer to our previous comprehensive post here.
LoRaWAN Pros & Cons
LoRaWAN, a key player in LPWAN technology, brings both benefits and limitations to the table. Its ability to communicate over multiple kilometers is invaluable in remote areas lacking conventional connectivity. The technology’s low power consumption allows for years of battery life, ideal for hard-to-reach deployment sites. LoRaWAN’s resilient and adaptable setup has led to its adoption in sectors such as agriculture, smart urban development, asset tracking, and environmental observation. Furthermore, the use of unlicensed frequencies helps to reduce operational expenses. However, the limited bandwidth narrows data transfer speeds, potentially making it unsuitable for high-throughput needs. Additionally, operating on an unlicensed spectrum raises the possibility of interference, which can affect network stability.
Applications of LoRaWAN
LoRaWAN’s typical applications span a multitude of scenarios, particularly those involving infrequent data transmission over wide areas. The technology’s cost-effective and expansive reach positions it as a prime solution for various IoT initiatives.
- In smart agriculture, it enables remote soil moisture and climate condition monitoring.
- For utility companies, smart meters track usage data with minimal human intervention.
- Cities leverage LoRaWAN for managing street lights, waste collection, and parking.
- In asset tracking, it facilitates the oversight of goods across vast distances, essential for supply chain management and wildlife conservation.
LoRaWAN Products Recommendation
To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your LoRaWAN network, choosing high-quality hardware is crucial. Seeed Studio offers a comprehensive selection of production-ready modules, user-friendly development boards and kits, as well as robust industrial devices tailored for LoRaWAN ecosystems. Here are some top picks to help you build out your LoRaWAN End Nodes and Gateways:
LoRaWAN Gateways
LoRaWAN Sensor Nodes
Wio-E5 LoRa Modules to Design Your LoRaWAN Sensor Nodes (it also comes with a low power consumption version Wio-E5-LE)
Grove-Wio-E5 Module to Extend the LoRaWAN connectivity to your Arduino or Rapsberry Pi
Wio-WM1110 LoRa Tracker Module, a production-ready module powered by Semtech LR1110
Wio Tracker 1110 Dev Board, an Arduino compatible open source development board to build tracking PoCs
SenseCAP T1000 Tracker, a card-size LoRaWAN sensor node that collects data of location, temperature, light, motion
Wio-WM1110 Dev Kit, an advanced open-source dev platform with rich IOs
SenseCAP LoRaWAN Starter Kit, an all-in-one tool set of LoRaWAN gateway and Arduino-compatible sensor node kit
SenseCAP S210X LoRaWAN Series Sensor Devices, ready to deploy industrial sensors for collecting environmental and climate parameters.
Note: A full LoRaWAN Network system will require four key components: End nodes, gateway, network server and application server. To explore our full range of LoRaWAN products of end nodes and gateway, and find the best fit for your project, please visit their corresponding links!
●LoRa modules to build your own LoRaWAN end nodes (regular environmental sensors, trackers and more) and gateways.
●LoRa Dev boards and Dev Kits to build end nodes and gateway PoCs
●LoRa Sensor Nodes (Devices)
●LoRa Gateways
●LoRa Accessories of Antennas to enhance your gateway signal
Amazon Sidewalk: Bridging the Gaps in Urban Connectivity
Amazon Sidewalk represents a leap forward in low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) technology, an initiative by Amazon to bolster wireless connectivity across urban areas. It enlists the participation of consumer devices like Amazon Echo and Ring as Sidewalk Bridges / Gateways. These bridges / gateways contribute a tiny slice of their internet bandwidth to form a mesh network using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the 900 MHz band, and other frequencies. This network can carry encrypted data from Sidewalk-enabled devices such as smart locks and sensors to a Sidewalk Bridge, potentially up to half a mile away. Once the data reaches a bridge, it’s sent to the cloud through an internet connection, enhancing IoT device functionality across a more extensive range than conventional home Wi-Fi networks.
Amazon Sidewalk Architecture:
●IoT Endpoint Devices, Sidewalk-enabled devices that collect and send data.
●Sidewalk Gateways, Devices like Echo and Ring that serve as connection points.
●Cloud Services, Amazon’s cloud infrastructure that processes and manages the data flow.
Source: Amazon Sidewalk
Sidewalk Pros & Cons
Amazon Sidewalk’s innovative LPWAN connectivity offers several benefits but also poses potential drawbacks:
Pros:
●Extends connectivity beyond typical Wi-Fi ranges without extra infrastructure costs.
●Strong encryption protocols ensure secure data transmission.
●The shared network can offer more consistent coverage for smart devices.
●Sidewalk is designed to support a vast number of devices within its network.
Cons:
●Utilizes a portion of personal internet bandwidth, which might be a concern for some users.
●Dependent on community adoption for network efficacy.
●Data security and privacy concerns, despite Amazon’s encryption efforts.
●Currently limited to the US, with a focus on areas with high population density (accessible to over 90% of the US population, and you can check the Sidewalk Coverage map here).
Sidewalk Applications
Amazon Sidewalk’s applications are diverse, primarily enhancing connectivity for smart home and community safety devices:
●Home Security: Cameras and smart locks remain connected even at property boundaries.
●Tracking Devices: Helps locate items or pets that are outside the Wi-Fi range.
●Smart Home Devices: Outdoor lights, sensors, and other devices operate flawlessly, irrespective of their distance from the main router.
●Community Safety: Wildfire detectors and similar safety devices stay connected over large areas for prompt alerts.
●Communal IoT: Potential for community-wide applications like environmental monitoring and public infrastructure management.
Sidewalk Compatible Products Recommendation
We at Seeed Studio support the Amazon Sidewalk ecosystem with a specially curated selection of Sidewalk-compatible products. Our range includes MCUs, development boards, and complete devices designed to accelerate your project development on this innovative network.
LPWAN Asset Tracker Dev Kit for Amazon Sidewalk
XIAO nRF52840
SenseCAP T1000-S (to be released)
Helium: Decentralized LPWAN Network
*Beginning in late 2023, the Helium Network incorporated both LoRaWAN and high-speed 5G connectivity. In the context of this post, ‘Helium Network’ refers specifically to the Helium LoRaWAN Network.
Helium, often referred to as The People’s Network, represents a paradigm shift in wireless networks. Fully compatible with LoRaWAN, Helium is a decentralized network that connects Internet of Things (IoT) devices to the Internet using the innovative LongFi technology. This technology merges the capabilities of LoRaWAN with the Helium blockchain, fostering a network that is not only extensive but also more accessible. With a strong foundation laid in 2013, Helium has been at the forefront of transforming the telecommunications landscape by relying on community-powered gateways. These gateways are critical in providing coverage and validating the network’s integrity through a unique proof-of-coverage model.
Source: helium
It differentiates from traditional LoRaWAN by incentivizing users to expand the network through mining HNT. This model has proven advantageous for creating extensive, user-operated networks. Helium’s applications are vast, including asset tracking and supply chain management, which Seeed Studio products are well-suited for.
Helium vs Traditional LoRaWAN
While Helium builds upon the LoRaWAN protocol, it introduces several distinctions compared to traditional LoRaWAN networks:
●Incentive Model: Helium provides a financial incentive for users to run hotspots / gateways to expand network coverage, which is not a feature of standard LoRaWAN networks.
●Decentralized Operation: Traditional LoRaWAN networks are typically operated by companies or organizations, whereas Helium’s infrastructure is created by individuals.
●Blockchain Integration: The use of blockchain for secure transactions and the distribution of rewards is unique to Helium.
●Scalability: Helium’s model allows for rapid growth and scalability since anyone can join the network by purchasing a Hotspot, whereas traditional LoRaWAN deployments often require significant planning and capital investment.
●Network Density: As more people participate by setting up Hotspots, Helium can potentially achieve a higher network density compared to standard LoRaWAN networks, which often have coverage gaps.
Helium Pros & Cons
The Helium Network presents an innovative model with several advantages and inherent challenges that influence its applications. On the upside, its decentralized structure democratizes network participation, allowing anyone to set up a Hotspot and expand the network, which incentivizes rapid network growth and potentially denser coverage. The use of blockchain ensures transparency and security, fostering trust in the network’s operations. Additionally, the low-power, long-range capabilities of the network make it ideal for a multitude of IoT applications, from tracking devices to environmental sensors, that require widespread and cost-effective connectivity. However, the reliance on individual participants for network infrastructure could lead to inconsistent coverage, and unstable network, depending on the distribution of Hotspots. The network’s novel approach also brings regulatory and technological uncertainties, as it must navigate evolving blockchain and telecommunications landscapes.
Typical Applications of Helium
The Helium Network’s unique properties facilitate a wide array of applications, primarily in the Internet of Things (IoT) sphere. Its low-power, long-range connectivity is ideal for smart devices that require intermittent data transmission over broad geographic areas.
- In urban environments, it’s used for smart city projects, such as monitoring traffic flow, air quality, and public infrastructure.
- In agriculture, farmers deploy sensors to track crop health and livestock, leveraging Helium’s extensive coverage even in rural areas.
- Asset tracking is another significant application, with logistics companies utilizing the network to monitor goods in transit across large distances. The network also serves personal uses, such as pet tracking and home automation, connecting devices like smart locks and environmental sensors.
- Moreover, in emergency response situations, the Helium Network can provide critical communication for devices when traditional networks fail.
The decentralized nature of the network ensures that these applications are backed by a robust, community-driven model, reducing reliance on single points of failure and offering a cost-effective solution for scalable IoT deployment.
Helium Compatible Products
To enable the community to embrace Helium’s unique ecosystem to build the decentralized network, we offer a full collection of compatible products of gateways, sensor nodes, and accessories.
SenseCAP M2 Light Hotspot for Helium, which transmits the data to LNS via Helium network
Cat-M: Low-Power Cellular Connectivity for IoT
Category M1 (Cat-M) is a low-power wide-area (LPWA) technology developed under the LTE standard for Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. It represents a middle ground by offering better data rates than traditional LPWAN technologies while ensuring greater efficiency than standard LTE.
Source: f5.com
Operating within the existing LTE infrastructure, Cat-M utilizes a reduced bandwidth of 1.4 MHz, in contrast to the 20 MHz typical of higher-speed LTE connections. This narrower bandwidth reduces module complexity which, in turn, cuts power consumption and costs. Cat-M’s key features include Voice over LTE (VoLTE), full-duplex communication, and handover for mobile applications, which is not universally supported across LPWA technologies. Additionally, it boasts enhanced coverage up to 15 dB better than standard LTE, enabling connectivity in difficult environments. Its suitability for IoT applications is evident in scenarios where small amounts of data need to be reliably transmitted over extended periods on a single battery, such as wearable medical devices, smart utility meters, and industrial sensors.
Cat-M Pros & Cons
Cat-M technology presents a balance of benefits and limitations suitable for specific IoT applications. Here are its pros and cons:
Pros:
●Extended coverage enabling connectivity in remote and indoor environments
●Lower power requirements for longer battery life, extending operation time to several years
●Support for VoLTE and mobility with handover, offering versatility for a range of IoT devices
Cons:
●Lower data transmission rates compared to traditional LTE
●Dependence on the availability and coverage of LTE networks, potentially limiting use in some remote areas
Cat-M Applications
Cat-M is well-suited for a variety of applications where devices transmit occasional updates or small data packets over long periods without human intervention. They include:
●Smart Meters: Periodic transmission of utility usage data
●Agricultural Sensors: Monitoring of soil moisture and environmental conditions in remote fields
●Wearable Health Devices: Tracking patient vitals and providing alerts to healthcare providers
●Smart City Infrastructure: Controlling street lighting, monitoring parking spaces, and collecting environmental data
●Asset Tracking: Monitoring the location and status of goods in transit, benefiting from mobility support
Head-to-Head Comparison
When selecting the right IoT network solution, we always think about the network range, data rates, battery life, costs, scalability, and security. To help you get a clearer comparison, I’ve created a comparison table of the LPWAN networks of LoRaWAN, Amazon Sidewalk, Helium, and Cat-M in terms of range, data rates, battery life, costs, scalability, and security. I hope this comparison table will be the guide that you turn to to decide the connectivity for your future LPWAN projects.
LoRaWAN | Amazon Sidewalk | Helium | Cat-M | |
Range | Up to 15 km in rural areas, 2-5 km in urban settings
| Up to 800 meters with the ability to extend through a mesh network
| Similar to LoRaWAN, potentially greater with dense network deployment | Typically less than LoRaWAN, around 1-10 km
|
Data Rates | Between 0.3 kbps to 50 kbps
| Designed for small packets; exact data rates not publicly detailed
| Similar to LoRaWAN, approximately 0.3 kbps to 50 kbps
| Higher than the other LPWANs; 300 kbps to 1 Mbps
|
Battery Life | Optimized for long battery life, typically over 10 years | Designed for years of battery life but dependent on device usage | Comparable to LoRaWAN; designed for long battery life | Less than LoRaWAN/Helium, but better than traditional cellular (LTE) |
Costs |
Low infrastructure cost due to open standard; device costs vary | Low-cost due to shared community bandwidth; no direct fee for users |
Low entry cost; incentivized expansion through cryptocurrency rewards | Moderate; requires cellular infrastructure, subscription fees may apply |
Scalability | High; can support millions of nodes
|
Low; depends on user adoption and density of Sidewalk Bridges, and it’s only available in the US Urban area |
High; user-operated nodes with decentralized growth
|
Medium; depends on existing cellular infrastructure, which doesn’t support expansion by individual or organization. |
Security | Strong with built-in end-to-end AES-128 encryption |
Three layers of encryption, and not reliant on device manufacturers for security updates |
Uses blockchain for secure transactions, but specific IoT security measures depend on application |
High-grade security due to cellular network standards (SIM-based authentication and encryption) |
The Future of LPWAN Technologies
As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies are set to play a pivotal role in its evolution. Here are some trends that I believe will likely shape the future of LPWAN:
●Greater Interoperability: Standardization efforts will likely lead to improved interoperability between different LPWAN technologies, making it easier for devices to communicate across various networks and platforms.
●Growth in LPWAN-as-a-Service: The emergence of LPWAN-as-a-Service models will allow businesses to deploy IoT solutions without investing in the underlying network infrastructure, lowering the barrier to entry.
●Improved Security & Privacy: As LPWAN technologies become more widespread, there will be an escalated focus on enhancing security measures to protect sensitive data transmitted across these networks.
●Killer Application Smart City: LPWAN will continue to be a driving force behind smart city initiatives, powering everything from street lighting and traffic management to waste management and environmental monitoring.
●Enhanced Battery Life: With the development of more energy-efficient chipsets and protocols, the battery life of LPWAN-connected devices will extend significantly, reducing maintenance costs and enabling more sustainable IoT solutions.
●Integration with Machine Learning and Edge Computing: The convergence of edge computing with LPWAN technologies will increasingly enable local data processing at the network’s edge, which conserves bandwidth and minimizes latency by reducing the need for long-distance data transmission. Simultaneously, the integration of AI and machine learning will significantly enhance LPWAN’s capabilities, allowing for predictive analytics and smarter, real-time decision-making processes. These advancements will jointly elevate the efficiency and effectiveness of IoT applications, leading to more autonomous and responsive systems within the LPWAN infrastructure.
Conclusion
The emerging LPWAN technologies—LoRaWAN, Amazon Sidewalk, Helium, and Cat-M—are key enablers of the IoT landscape, each with distinctive features. In comparing these technologies, we’ve seen that trade-offs exist between range, data rates, battery life, and costs. More importantly, these technologies will respectively find their niches, with improvements in technology driving forward the potential for innovative IoT applications that are more efficient, intelligent, and integrated.
LPWAN Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of LPWAN?
LPWAN technologies are designed for long-range communication with minimal power consumption, making them ideal for IoT applications where devices need to operate on battery power for extended periods.
How does LoRaWAN® differ from traditional Wi-Fi or cellular networks?
LoRaWAN is optimized for lower power consumption and longer range at the expense of data rate, whereas Wi-Fi and cellular networks offer higher data rates but consume more power and typically cover shorter distances.
Can Amazon Sidewalk be used for industrial IoT applications?
Amazon Sidewalk is primarily designed for consumer and smart home devices. Its use in industrial IoT is limited due to its lower bandwidth and reliance on residential infrastructure.
What makes Helium unique in the LPWAN market?
Helium’s unique selling point is its decentralized network model, which uses blockchain technology to incentivize network growth and security.
Is Cat-M suitable for mobile IoT devices?
Yes, Cat-M supports mobility and is suitable for applications like vehicle tracking and wearables, offering a balance between power efficiency and data rate with added voice support.
How do I choose the right LPWAN technology for my project?
Consider the range, data rate, power consumption, and specific application requirements of your project. Also, factor in the existing infrastructure and the total cost of ownership. Consulting with industry experts like Seeed Studio can provide tailored advice for your IoT solutions. 🙂
If you have further questions or want to dive deeper into the world of LPWAN technologies, feel free to reach out to us at iot(at)seeed.cc or share your thoughts in the comments below.
Resources:
- A Gentle Introduction to LoRaWAN Gateways & Nodes
- What is the difference between LR and LoRaWAN?
- LoRa & LoRaWAN: Vertical Solutions for the Real World
- How Amazon Sidewalk works
- Everything you need to know about Amazon Sidewalk
- When to Use LTE Cat-M for IoT
- Securing LTE Networks—What, Why, and How
Attributions:
The LoRa® Mark is a trademark of Semtech Corporation or its subsidiaries.
LoRaWAN® is a mark used under license from the LoRa Alliance®.
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Thanks for the information, otherwise I didn’t quite understand what LPWAN was before.
Thanks!
Nice one!! I knew more about LPWAN today.✌️