The strengths and weaknesses of specific IoT and M2M radio protocols
SIGFOX
Specifications
Sigfox is an operator. Sigfox uses the 868MHz band in Europe (902MHz in the USA). A SIGFOX object can send between 0 and 140 messages at 300bits/s per day and the payload for each message cannot exceed 12 bytes. The Sigfox protocol is bi-directional subject to conditions – a Sigfox object can receive 4 messages per day at defined distances.
The advantages:
- Sigfox: A multi-source operator
- Coverage
- Ecosystem
The weaknesses:
- Roaming
- The limits of bi-directional
LORA AND LORAWAN
Specifications
LoRa is a radio protocol (physical level) designed by Semtech (Cycleo). LoRa uses the 868MHz frequency band.
LoRaWAN is the MAC layer management and makes it possible to dynamically optimise the link between the LoRa object and the base station: frequency channel, emission power, speed, etc. LoRaWAN can be operated by a TelecomBT operator, Orange, etc. or used on a private network. The LoRa protocol is bi-directional subject to conditions.
The advantages:
- The power of the LoRa Alliance
- Multi operator or private network
- Bidirectional
The weaknesses:
- SEMTECH single source
- Indoor penetration
- Requires a LoRaWAN server
LTE (1,4MHZ), NB-LTE (200KHZ)…5G
Specifications
The LTE radio protocol is the answer from traditional GSM equipment manufacturers to the new LoRa and Sigfox players. The objective is to extend the LTE/4G standards to meet the needs of IoT of which the constraints are low consumption (battery powered) and speed.
The advantages:
- International standard
- Power of the alliance members: Intel, Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei…
- Existing infrastructure
- Mobility
- Bi-directional, latency, etc.
The weaknesses:
- No standard