Europe is a large and advanced market for IoT communications. Western Europe is one of the most mature regions with 20 to 60 million connected devices in each of the largest countries. Central and Eastern Europe still has great growth opportunities when it comes to the adoption of IoT, and there are significantly fewer players developing international IoT solutions for the global market. The Russian market has started to rise in recent years but is now facing uncertainty due to war and sanctions. Mobile operators in Europe had deployed 311.3 million mobile IoT connections in or out of the region by the end of 2022.
Tag: LPWAN
LPWAN in the unlicensed band is not economically futureproof, the bankruptcy of Sigfox and the impending shutdowns of several LoRaWAN networks in several countries support this statement. The adoption and availability of NB-IOT and LTE-M will eventually overcome the need for LoRaWAN and then we will see LoRaWAN be discontinued or the way of using it will change.
The TRB255 gateway has a wide variety of hardware and software features: LTE Cat M1, NB-IOT Cat M1, SMS control, firewall, open VPN and IP-SEC. The TRB255 gateway is backward compatible with 2G networks. This gives the option to upgrade existing devices and it also ensures that when the 2G network is switched off, your installations and equipment are accessible with the support of the new IoT connectivity forms: LTE Cat M1 or NB-IOT Cat M1. The compact design of this gateway makes it perfect for applications that require a reliable internet connection with a guarantee of continuity and high uptime.
With NB-IOT it is possible to connect installations, equipment and sensors remotely via NB-IOT simcards. The network has been specially developed for IOT applications and is based on the reliable and secure 4G networks of the providers. NB-IOT uses a specific frequency that is strong enough to pass through thick walls and can even be used underground. As a result, it offers cover in the most challenging situations.
LPWAN stands for Low Power Wide Area Network. An LPWAN is a wireless network with low energy consumption, which allows communication with the network. The network has a large range (several kilometers) with a low bit rate. An LPWAN’s main purpose is to collect information. Although it is often possible to send information in both directions. There are different types of networks that meet these criteria and thus fall under the name LPWAN, such as LoRaWAN, NB-IOT, LTE M and Sigfox.
In the first half of 2020, the share of connected IoT devices with an unlicensed LPWA network (LoRa and Sigfox) had a lead of 53%. The licensed LPWA networks (LTE M and NB-IOT) contributed 47% of the global LPWAN connections. One year later, the licensed LPWAN market leads with a 54% share and is currently growing strongly. An important reason is that NB-IOT and LTE M grew very strongly in the first half of 2021. NB-IOT now dominates the global LPWAN market while LoRaWAN is slowly declining. With LoRaWAN, the choice is often made for a private LoRaWAN.
With NB-IOT it is possible to connect installations, equipment and sensors remotely via NB-IOT simcards. The NB-IOT network has been specially developed for IoT applications and is based on the reliable and secure 4G networks of the providers. NB-IOT is suitable for very low data volumes from 500KB to 5MB. The coverage of NB-IOT is better than that of a 2G network and has the great advantage of a deeper penetration rate in buildings. The signal cannot be blocked by thick walls, which means that applications deep in buildings are also possible. Even for underground applications. Via NB-IOT, data can be sent quickly in an energy-efficient way, so that the batteries of sensors have a long life (10+ years).
Why do we need LPWAN networks? Such as the networks LTE M and NB-IOT. To support the continued growth and development of the Internet of Things. The mobile operators, together with the 3GPP standard, have standardized these new technologies in record time. LPWAN networks support low power consumption, more stable connections, higher building penetration, lower costs and optimal security.
LTE M and NB-IOT networks will play an important role in connecting the new generation of IoT devices, but in which countries are which LPWAN networks available? You can easily find this through the implementation overview on the GSMA website.
Licensed LPWAN networks (LTE M and NB-IOT) have many advantages: proven technology based on 4G, better capacity and coverage than the unlicensed spectrum, harmonization of the spectrum between countries and regions, lifespan controlled by the mobile operators. The disadvantage is that it has not yet been rolled out in all countries.
Unlicensed LPWAN networks (LoRa and Sigfox), such as LoRa, can easily and quickly be set up as a private network. Disadvantages currently no harmonization regarding spectrum between countries and regions, large variety of spectrum bands, interferences cannot be managed and can only be used for non-critical IoT solutions.
It offers the following unique advantages: very low power consumption, excellent and stable range deep in buildings and underground, easy implementation due to existing mobile network architecture, secure and reliable network and very interestingly lower costs for cellular module components. We are happy to tell you more about the possibilities with NB-IoT.
The shutdown of LPWAN IoT connectivity in the licensed bands is expected to be gradual. Because there is simultaneous access, these networks will not run into complications with regard to simultaneous use for the time being. We expect that for technologies in the unlicensed spectrum. The 863-870 MHz band, specifically some frequencies around 868 MHz, appear to be the most popular for these technologies. Thingsdata advises on the pros & cons of both spectrums.