Difference between LoRaWAN and NB-IoT

IoT requires a network that can transmit data over a long range with low power and at a low bit rate but cellular networks like 3G, 4G, and 5G were not optimized for this. So the cellular body 3gpp which is third generation partnership project came up with the NB standard in release 13 in 2006 with releases 14 and 15 they upgraded the standard NB−Iot and with release 16 in 2020. LoRaWAN technologies are the ones that give voice to non−living things.

What is LoRaWAN?

LoRaWAN stands for Low Range Wide Area Network. It is a communication protocol designed to operate using very low power to generate information over very long distances. This protocol is extensively used to operate over the physical layer of the OSI model.

Components of LoRaWAN

The network consists of many devices or sensors that gather small packets of data. These devices transmit the data to radio gateways using LoRa technology. The gateways then forward the data to a network server that manages the communication between all components of the network. The data is then sent to an application server where it can be processed and presented to the user in a user−friendly way, such as through a dashboard.

Example of LoRaWAN

Consider a farmer who wants to monitor the soil moisture of his land from a remote place. So he sets a sensor with a battery in the land and using this sensor it sends the ongoing status about the land moisture to the farmer along with LoRa technology. The process followed by this technology is that it first sends the data to the gateway component and then the gateway forwards the data to the network server using the LoRaWAN protocol.

The network server then sends the data to an application server where you can view and analyze the data. In this example, LoRa is used for the long−range transmission of data from the sensors to the gateway, while LoRaWAN is used for managing the communication between the gateway and the network server.

Benefits of LoRaWAN

Large range of sensors with multiple uses :  Using the LoRaWAN network, we can transmit data with the help of various sensors.

Long range up to 10 km : The longest distance that can be used to transmit data is up to 10 km.

Easy installation and maintenance : The set up and maintenance of the LoRaWAN network is very easy.

Simple and seamless integration : LoRaWAN can easily correlate with other devices.

Extended battery life : It can run over a long range with less consumption of power and time.

What is NB−IoT?

NB−IoT stands for Narrowband Internet of Things. It is a LoRaWAN based wireless communication standard that was developed by 3GPP. It transmits the data that uses low power and low bandwidth which in turn increases the battery life and decreases the complexity and cost.

Modes of Operation of NB−IoT

There are commonly three modes of operation used for allocating the frequency range,

• In−band operation : It uses the free frequency spectrum.

• Guard band operation :  It provides a guard between the channels to avoid interference.

• Stand alone operation : It occupies the channels which are already occupied by GSM.

Difference between LoRaWAN and NB−IoT

Basic Parameter	LoRaWAN	NB−IoT
Abbreviation	LoRaWAN stands for Low Range Wide Area Network.	NB−IoT is abbreviated as Narrowband Internet of Things.
System	It is supported by LoRa Alliance.	It supports 3GPP.
Deployed status	It is implemented in more than 177 countries.	It is implemented in more than 64 countries.
License	It is unlicensed by ISM.	It is Licensed by LTE spectrum.
Security	LoRaWAN is not licensed which leads to security issues.	NB&miuns;IoT is licensed which leads to increased security.
Spectrum	It is optimized over a long−range using Internet of Things sensors that is free.	As it is licensed, they are very expensive.
Network type	LoRaWAN is flexible so it can choose among the public, private, and hybrid networks.	NB−IoT is fixed for the 4G technology that is LTE (Long Term Evolution).
Data Rate	The Data rate ranges between 293bps and 50kbps.	The data rate is somewhat near 20kbps.
Implementation Cost	The deployment cost is very low and it can be installed by anyone.	The deployment cost is very high and it can be installed by mobile network operators.
Mobility	It provides a mobility function.	It is limited to idle mode.

Conclusion

Both the LoRaWAN and NB−IoT are frequency spectrums with unlicensed and licensed spectrums respectively. Due to the unlicensed spectrum, the cost of LoRaWAN technology is very low and can be installed very easily by any person. So it also leads to interference between the channels but when NB−IoT is used, the security of the channel is increased.