![Architectural view of Sigfox Networking system Fig.3 represents the architectural view of Sigfox networking framework which comprises of Client Applicative Board-end client, Sigfox Station (Sigfox Base station, Sigfox Modem), Sigfox cloud and Customer IT or application server. In addition, there is a safe point-to-point communicate interface between the Sigfox gateways and the Sigfox cloud and Sigfox network architecture is following star topology [11]. To conclude, the principal of LoRa, NBIoT and Sigfox technologies have been highlighted in this section. Moreover, the summary of the different features has been referred in Table-I in terms of Internet of Things (IoT) factors such as QoS, coveragerange, maximum payload-length & data rate, deployment and so on.](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mehzabien-Iqbal/publication/347782299/figure/fig3/AS:986696069959682@1612258083317/Architectural-view-of-Sigfox-Networking-system-Fig3-represents-the-architectural-view-of_Q320.jpg)
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2020 IEEE Region 10 Symposium (TENSYMP), 5-7 June 2020, Dhaka, Bangladesh
978-1-7281-7366-5/20/$31.00 ©2020 IEEE
An Application Based Comparative Study of LPWAN
Technologies for IoT Environment
Mehzabien Iqbal, Abu Yousha Md Abdullah, Farzana Shabnam*
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
*fshabnam@bracu.ac.bd
Abstract—The Internet of Things (IoT) is a prospect of communi-
cation that defines the framework of physical objects, embedded
with sensors, programs, and other innovations for transferring
data across the internet to other devices and networks. LPWAN
(Low Power Wide Area Network) has become a significant part
for the implementation of a large-scale IoT paradigm. Recently,
new protocols of LPWAN technologies have been introduced, such
as LoRa, NB-IoT and Sigfox. They are considered as the leading
protocols as they have wide range accessibility, low power con-
sumption and highly cost-efficient in communication proficiency.
Our major objective with this review paper is to furnish a descrip-
tive and comparative survey of these technologies to emphasize the
significance of LPWAN technology in the development and im-
provement of IoT based applications. Our focal point of study is to
specialize the technical deviation of LPWAN protocols in ter ms of
their features, which include pros and cons, architectural view of
networking system and their applications in usage. This study
shows the benefits of Sigfox and LoRa provides with long term
battery life, efficient power usage, and low expense over NB-IoT.
It also explains the advantages of NB-IoT in terms of latency and
service quality (QoS). The whole study was done with to reach a
conclusion where we ensure their best uses in different scenarios.
Keywords— IoT (Internet of things), LPWAN (Low Power Wide
Area Network), LoRa, Sigfox, NB-IoT
I. INTRODUCTION
The fundamental constituent of the IoT paradigm is connectiv-
ity itself. In the IoT sector, connections between devices can be
primarily classified in two ways: short-range communication
systems (such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, WiFi, etc.) and longer-
range communication known as LPWAN[1, 2].
Existing smart devices and automation systems consist of dis-
tributed energy resources, but lacking DSM (Demand Side
Management) centralized generation and transmission network
requirements. To achieve the goal of sustainable development
and conquer this obstacle, LPWAN reflects a new phase in the
advancement of IoT technology [1]. It includes large wireless
connections, with various advantages, which includes low
power demands, increased coverage areas (usually up to 15 km)
and zero maintenance requirements. Several LPWAN technol-
ogies have emerged in bandwidth of both licensed (NB-IoT)
and unlicensed frequencies (Sigfox and LoRa) [1].
Narrow Band-IoT is standardized by 3GPP and operates seam-
lessly in authorized frequencies on the current GSM and LTE
networks[1, 5]. LoRa is a physical-layer innovation, transmit-
ing signal within the SUB-GHz ISM band (868 MHz, 915 MHz,
and 433MHz) [3]. Sigfox utilizes DBPSK as Ultra Contract
Band (UNB). balanced with a bit rate of 100 bps [1, 4]. Though
there are no distinct differences between them, the performance
is evaluated in terms of the costings for module chips while
maintaining the same efficiency level.
The remaining portion of this article is structured as follows:
segment II describes the characteristics, features, and architec-
tural view of networking framework and utilizing factors of NB-
IoT, LoRa and Sigfox protocols. Segment three, four and five
review the application outlines and experimental arrangements
of NB-IoT, LoRa and Sigfox respectively. Finally, conclusion
and remarks are covered in segment VI.
II. LPWAN TECHNOLOGY
A. NB-IoT
One of the forefront technologies of LPWAN, NB-IoT, was pre-
sented by 3GPP with the purpose of observing and acquiring
data targeting applications of limited data rates. NB-IoT does
not work within the authorized LTE construct, but can instead
work within bandwidth of 200 kHz, in the spectrum that utilizes
GSM or using resources provided by LTE base stations[5, 6].
NB-IoT network consists of terminal device, base station, core
network, cloud platform and business centre[5]. It provides
many attractive features such as low power consumption and
QoS. NB-IoT module batteries can last up to 10 years providing
low data rate and frequency services, supporting around 52,000+
connections per cell.
Fig. 1. Architectural view of NB-IoT Networking system
Figure-1 describes the architecture of NB-IoT in networking
system. The NB-IoT and LTE network architecture is separated
into control panel and client panel. Control panel comprises of
protocols that control the bearers and establish relation between
the UE and the network. NB-IoT rearranges the sub-stance of
the EPC (Enhanced Packet Core) for IoT applications. A modern
base station (eNode) gives an interface of network administra-
tions. In the control panel, UL information can be exchange
from the eNB to the MME. From there, it can be exchanged with
the PGW or SCEF through the SGW, which have been conceiv-
able for packets of non-IP data. From these hubs, they send to
the IoT or application server [6].
B. LoRa Technology
LoRa Technology is the DNA of IoT, interfacing sensors to the
cloud and empowering real-time communication of infor-
mation and analytic which will be utilized to upgrade efficiency
and productivity[7]. Several legacy wireless systems use FSK
modulation as the physical layer because it is an efficient mod-
ulation for achieving low power, though it significantly in-
crease the communication range [7, 8]. Semtechs, LoRa Inno-
vation has concentrated over 600 better-known employments
cases for shrewd cities, smart homes and buildings, smart farm-
ing, smart supply chain, smart marketing and coordination [7].
Fig. 2. Architectural view of LoRa Networking system
Figure-2 represents the LoRa network architecture that consists
of numerous elements: LoRaWAN Devices, LoRa Gateway
Bridge, LoRa Server, LoRa Geo Server, LoRa App Server.
LoRa-WAN Devices are the IoT gadgets (sensor measuring air
quality, temperature, humidity, location and so on) which send
information to the LoRa network through the LoRa gate-
ways[7]. LoRa Gateway Bridge is responsible for the commu-
nication along with the gateway. It transforms the packet-for-
warder UDP convention into messages over MQTT. LoRa
Server is mindful for organizing the state of the arrange or net-
work [8].
C. Sigfox
Sigfox is rolling out the first global IoT network that can listen
to billions of objects broadcasting data, without any establish-
ments or maintenance network connections[1].Sigfox has also
addressed a program based communications system, where all
the network and computing complexity is overseen within the
cloud, instead of on the devices. Altogether, it radically dimin-
ishes energy consumption and costs of associated devices to a
low commotion level. Sigfox employs UNB advances and
spreads out within the unlicensed sub-GHz ISM groups (e.g.
868MHz in Europe, 915MHz in North America, and 433MHz
in Asia) [9]. Using BPSK modulation in an ultra-narrow band
of 100Hz at a maximum data rate of 100 bps, the end-devices
are connected to the base stations [10]
Fig. 3. Architectural view of Sigfox Networking system
Fig.3 represents the architectural view of Sigfox networking
framework which comprises of Client Applicative Board-end
client, Sigfox Station (Sigfox Base station, Sigfox Modem),
Sigfox cloud and Customer IT or application server. In addi-
tion, there is a safe point-to-point communicate interface be-
tween the Sigfox gateways and the Sigfox cloud and Sigfox net-
work architecture is following star topology [11].
To conclude, the principal of LoRa, NBIoT and Sigfox technol-
ogies have been highlighted in this section. Moreover, the sum-
mary of the different features has been referred in Table-I in
terms of Internet of Things (IoT) factors such as QoS, coverage-
range, maximum payload-length & data rate, deployment and so
on.
III. NB-IOT APPLICATION SUMMARY
A. Cloud Based Smart Parking System
A smart parking management system has been developed using
Nb-IoT architecture to address static traffic issues and tackle
limitations of road parking spaces in cities by J. Shi et. al. [12].
The architecture consists of a geomagnetic detector that is
periodically activated by a micro-controller unit and any
changes to parking detected send using the NB-IoT module to
the base station, relaying the information to a cloud server [12].
People can operate applications on their phones to use this
information in order to acquire knowledge in available parking
spots. Current solutions are short-range communication
technologies based on RFID. NB-IoT solution is enhancing
because of its installing ease, less complexities, greater battery
capacities, ability to cover larger area and supporting a massive
number of connections [12].
IV. LORA APPLICATION SUMMARY
Indoor Remote Health and Wellbeing Monitoring
The indoor performance of Lora, LPWAN technology by the
means of real-life measurements have been evaluated. The
measurements were executed for a sensing element node oper-
ative near human body that was sporadically reportage the de-
tected information to a base station [11].
For the largest spreading factor, the measure results have dis-
closed that for all the tested locations over 96 of the packets sent
by the device node were with success received by the only base
station. The LoRa technology provides sufficiently sensible cov-
erage even with lower spreading factors once operative in trou-
blesome locations from the radio wave propagation purpose of
read. For the power consumption, the results clearly illustrate
that the distinction in on-the-air times and also the consumed
energy for various configurations, and emphasize the im-
portance of deliberated choice of the radios operation mode and
also the use of the adaptive rate feature for optimizing the data
rate and transmit power for the sensor node [13].
TABLE I. TABLE OF DIFFERENT FEATURES
Features
NB-IoT [1, 5, 9, 10]
LoRa [1, 7, 9, 10]
SigFox [1, 9, 10]
Technology
Narrow Band LPWA
Semtech- Long range wireless
network
Ultra Narrow Band (UNB)
Modulation
Downlink: QPSK+OFMDA
Uplink: BPSK/QPSK + SC-
FDMA
CSS(Chirp Spread Spectrum
modulation) radio modulation
DBPSK and GFSK
Bandwidth
200kHz
125KHz or more
100 Hz
Maximum Data Rate
Up to 250Kbps
50Kbps
100bps
Bidirectional
Half Duplex
Bi-directional in nature, half
duplex, full duplex(FDX)
Limited/Half duplex
Maximum messages
(per day)
Unlimited
Unlimited
140(UL), 4 (DL)
Maximum payload
(length)
1600 bytes
243 bytes
12bytes(UL), 8 bytes(DL)
Range
Up to 25 km
very long range, more than 10
km in rural areas and 5 km in
urban areas
30-50 km (Rural)
3-10km(Urban)
Interference Immunity
Low
Very high
Very high
Authentication
-Encryption
Not Defined
Mutual authentication, Integ-
rity protection and confidenti-
ality( AES1 cryptographic al-
gorithms)
Sigfox cloud use HTTPS encrypted
interfaces
Adaptive Data Rate
Not Defined
Allowed
Not Allowed
Standardization
3GPP Rel.13 (planned)
LoRa-Alliance
Sigfox company is collaborating
with ETSI on the standardization of
Sigfox based network
Protocol
Upper layer: LTE based
Core network: S1 interface based
MAC layer protocol
(LoRaWAN)
Lightweight protocol to handle small
messages
Architecture
Network: Cellular
a star-of-stars topology
Star network
Handover
Cannot be carried out in connected
mode; Cell reselection available in
idle mode.
End devices do not join the
single base station
End-devices do not join a single base
station
V. SIGFOX APPLICATION SUMMARY
Tracking Platform
Sigfox have tracking sensor nodes and the overall network has
architecture allocation and execution process in the cloud
scheme. Emulator configured Sigfox cloud system can automat-
ically forward some event using call back system. Call-back are
triggered when any new events occur. Each message is directly
forwarded by HTTP request. Each status message received from
a main controller board is displayed the message pages. Those
sensor information messages uploaded from main controller
board and Sigfox module are stored in real time and delivered to
users whenever needed [14]. LPWAN is mainly used for the
long area network, but this experiment is efficiently works for
the short range platform tracking system based on Sigfox net-
work system. The functions of the designed tracking platform
are verified and it is confirmed that Sigfox are applied to a real
application server [14].
Table-II over viewed the application summaries of NB-IoT, Sig-
fox and LoRa which consists of the parameters-Authors, tech-
nology and device, focus of study, scenario, summary keywords
and how the problem solved.
TABLE II. TABLE OF APPLICATION SUMMARIES
Authors Technology
& Devices Focus of
Study
Scenario Summary Keywords Problem Solved
1.Shi, J. et al
NB-IoT [12]
Cloud Based
Smart Parking
System
City Centre,
Zhejiang
Province,
China
Smart parking management
Applications in phones
Cover larger area
Massive number of connections
Prevent reciprocal inter-
ferences
Ease of instalment and
connection to Internet
2. Yeonjoon
Chung, Jae Young
Ahn, and Jae Du
uh
Sigfox [14]
Tracking plat-
form
Indoor experi-
ment in Korea
Short range sensor tracking
Direct communicate with Sigfox
cloud
Used for long and short
range tracking system
3. Juha Petäjäjärvi,
Konstantin Mi-
khaylov,
Rumana Yasmin,
Matti Hämäläinen
and
Jari Iinatti
Lora [13]
Indoor Re-
mote Health
and Wellbe-
ing Monitor-
ing
University of
Oulu, Fin-
land.
Sensing element node
Operative near human body
Largest spreading factor
Industrial sensor node equipped with
Semtech’s SX1272b
Sufficiently sensible cov-
erage communication
performance
VI. CONCLUSION
LPWAN technology plays an important role in the development
of smart city. In this article, we have summarized the technical
variations of recent rising LPWAN technologies- NB-IoT, Sig-
fox, Lora and discussed their architecture, advantages, applica-
tion in terms of suitability in IoT network and major issues that
serve as sustainable and economical solutions to connect smart,
autonomous, and heterogeneous devices. Our study shows that
Sigfox and LoRa technologies are profitable in terms of battery
life, capacity, and cost. On the other hand, NB-IoT outperforms
in terms of latency and quality of service. In addition, we also
tried to focus on the future scope of these technologies based
on their applications in different scenarios, such as-vehicle and
transportation management, tracking platform, indoor remote
health and well-being monitoring.
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