In today's world where IT has advanced, networks are indispensable to our lives. However, depending on the network standard, compatibility with IoT and other technologies may be poor, requiring consideration of optimal networks to leverage the latest technology. This article explains the characteristics of LPWA, which is compatible with IoT, its differences from other networks, and use cases.
What is LPWA
LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) is a network standard that enables low-power, long-distance wireless communication. LPWA has been deployed nationwide in France and implementation has begun in the United States, attracting global attention.
Characteristics of LPWA
LPWA communication speeds range from several kbps to several hundred kbps, slower than mobile phone systems. However, its strength lies in power efficiency, allowing operation for several years to decades on standard batteries. It also enables communication over wide areas spanning several to tens of kilometers.
By using 5G ultra-high-speed networks and LPWA with its strengths in low power • and long distance appropriately, various wireless communication needs can be met.
Differences Between LPWA and Other Network Standards
To deepen understanding of LPWA, we summarize the differences from other network standards.
Comparison of Major LPWA Standards
Major LPWA standards currently in operation include non-cellular LoRa WAN and Sigfox, and cellular LTE Cat.M1 and NB-IoT. Basic specifications are summarized in the table below.
LPWA and IoT
Through IoT, not only computers and servers but all kinds of devices such as TVs, digital cameras, and smart speakers have become connected to the internet. So why is low-speed LPWA attracting attention as a standard suitable for IoT in an era when high-speed communication is celebrated?
Previously used Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have short communication distances and cannot be used when away from access points. While 5G has fast communication speeds, it is costly and unsuitable for connecting large numbers of IoT devices. In this regard, LPWA offers longer communication distances and lower costs.
Although LPWA communication speeds are slow, when used with IoT devices, purposes such as collecting operational information and sensor measurements often do not require high communication speeds.
LPWA Use Cases
From the explanation so far, you should understand that LPWA is highly compatible with IoT. Below, we introduce cases where LPWA was utilized to solve challenges with IoT.
Use Case 1: Forestsea Co., Ltd.
Forestsea Co., Ltd., with cooperation from Kumakogen Town in Ehime Prefecture, installed water level sensors in sewer manholes that can acquire and transmit water level data.
Measured water level data is uploaded to a cloud system through repeaters in the LPWA communication network the company built throughout the town. Since water level data can be acquired using existing manholes as-is, manual water level surveys are no longer necessary, successfully improving inspection efficiency.
Reference:Successfully Uploaded Water Level Information in Manholes to Cloud via LPWA Wireless (PR TIMES)
Use Case 2: Napoli no Kama
Napoli no Kama, which provides delivery pizza, experienced frequent incidents of discarding pizza dough due to forgetting to close refrigerators when orders overlapped. Losses from disposal amounted to approximately 20 million yen annually.
A monitoring app utilizing SIGFOX network was introduced as an improvement measure. Each refrigerator's temperature is transmitted to the cloud every 15 minutes and can be monitored via a dedicated app.
SIGFOX is deployed in 31 countries, mainly in Europe and the US, as an IoT network representing LPWA. By using low-cost LPWA, Napoli no Kama was able to reduce costs despite having many stores and an increased number of installed devices.
Reference:IoT Network " SIGFOX " Service Launch (@Press)
Summary
LPWA is a general term for wireless communication technologies that enable low power consumption and long-distance transmission. It is low-cost and suitable for sensors and data measurement. Therefore, it is attracting attention as a network standard suitable for IoT, and LPWA plays an important role in IoT device implementation, including cost reduction.
Beyond the cases introduced today, there are wide-ranging possibilities for LPWA utilization. IoT businesses using LPWA will continue to develop in the future.