Internet of Things Explained:
Discover the innovative LoRaWAN technology

Why is LPWAN a future technology for intelligent solutions?

Only a small number of IoT devices can be connected to cellular networks. WiFi and BTLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) are suitable for some applications, but WiFi cannot be connected to agricultural moisture sensors. For applications that cannot be measured with the prevailing RF technologies, LPWAN is the technology of the future for IoT applications due to its long range and low power characteristics. LPWAN technologies guarantee easy deployment, thousands of connections per gateway and long battery life.

What are the target applications for LPWAN?

IoT applications for LPWAN technology require a long battery life to enable "fit and forget" or disposable terminals, a low-cost sensor and long-range connectivity. The applications for which LPWANs are applicable are endless. At DIGIMONDO we focus mainly on the applications that drive current network implementations in Smart City, Carrier, Industry 4.0 and intelligent residential buildings.

What are the main LPWAN technologies?

The most common LPWAN technologies are LoRaWAN ™, Sigfox and NB-IoT.

What is the LoRa technology?

As a semi-tech innovation, LoRa technology offers a very compelling mix of long range, low power consumption and secure data transmission. Public and private networks using this technology can provide coverage that is greater than existing cellular networks. It can be easily integrated into the existing infrastructure and provides a solution for battery-powered IoT applications. Semtech incorporates the LoRa technology into its chipsets. These chipsets are then integrated into the products of our large network of IoT partners, and mobile network operators worldwide integrate them into LPWANs. LoRa uses license-free gigahertz radio frequency bands such as 169 MHz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz (Europe) and 915 MHz (North America).

The advantages of this technology are:

  • High range (up to 15 km)
  • Low battery consumption (up to 8 years)
  • Adaptive technology (range and data rate are adaptive)
  • Indoor network coverage
  • Robust signal
  • Date rate is up to 50 kbps

What is LPWAN best suited for?

LPWAN is the best technology for IoT and M2M requirements. The features of LPWAN are unique compared to other existing RF technologies.

What are the special features of LPWAN?

Long Range: The distance between the end node and the gateway can be up to 10 kilometers, making it an ideal solution for long distance communication.

Data transfer rate: Uploading and downloading of data packets at 300 bps to 50 kbps.

Low power consumption: The battery life of the device is up to 10 years, sometimes more.

How secure is LoRa?

Any communication technology that deals with many connected nodes requires robust end-to-end security. LoRa achieves this by implementing security on two different levels:

  • for the network
  • for the application

Network security ensures the authenticity of the node on the network and application security ensures that the operator does not have access to the end user's application data. LoRa uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) security keys. To achieve the required security levels for LoRa networks, several levels of encryption have been used:

  • unique network key (EUI64) and network level security
  • Unique application key (EUI64) ensures End2End security at application level
  • device-specific key (EUI128)

What are the system requirements for accessing firefly?

A working internet connection.
Firefly is compatible with browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox and Safari.
JavaScript, cookies and web sockets should be enabled to run firefly.

How can you contact us?

To learn more about DIGIMONDO and our work you can either contact us by our contact page, via email to info@digimondo.com or by phone: +49 40 360 99 720.

What is the LoRa Alliance?

The LoRa Alliance is a non-profit, open association initiated by industry leaders to standardize low-power wide area networks worldwide. 

Is my country within the scope of DIGIMONDO's services?

DIGIMONDO offers E2E services throughout Germany, USA and Europe. Contact our sales team or phone to find out more: +49 40 - 360 99 720 for international request and +1 858 539 9018 for requests from the USA.

 

 

Which RF technologies can be connected to the IoT platform niotix?

Our niotix cloud can read and process data from any RF technology source. Whether LPWAN or classic M2M technology - all are compatible with niotix.

What is NB-IoT?

NB-IoT or LTE Cat NB1 is a low power wide area radio technology specifically designed for the Internet of Things. It is designed for M2M communication and connects a large number of devices. Due to its low power consumption, it is best suited for an application with many sensors over a large area.

It connects to a large number of low power low cost devices with deep penetration. It operates in a licensed spectrum as NB-IoT is based on 3GPP standards. It connects devices efficiently and processes small amounts of rare 2-way data safely and reliably.

  • Based on the worldwide LTE standard
  • High range
  • Low battery consumption (up to 8 years)

Which radio access network does SIGFOX use?

The SIGFOX network uses Ultra-Narrow-Band technology. UNB helps to maintain low transmission power levels while maintaining a robust data link. SIGFOX uses an unlicensed ISM radio band. Frequencies may vary according to national regulations. In Europe the frequency range is 868 MHz and in the USA 915 MHz.

What are the applications of SIGFOX?

SIGFOX can be provided for M2M communication via various predefined use cases and user-defined use cases from DIGIMONDO. The main application areas can be Smart City, efficient home solutions and Industry 4.0 but also many other use cases