If you’ve been following the latest developments in the world of wireless technology, then you’ve probably heard of LoRa. LoRa is a new long-range wireless communication technology that’s quickly gaining steam due to its low power consumption. Many popular wireless technologies are in use today, like WiFi and cellular. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, which can make it a better fit for certain applications than others. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common wireless technologies and explore how they stack up against each other. We’ll also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each technology so that you can decide which is the best fit for your needs. And we’ll take a closer look at LoRa and how it stacks up against other popular wireless technologies like WiFi and cellular.
What is LoRa technology?
LoRa (Long Range) is a wireless communications protocol used for battery-operated Things in the Internet of Things. It enables secure bi-directional communication between Things and gateways to create mesh networks extending over many kilometers. Devices using LoRa typically have very low power, requiring less than 10mA of current, which allows them to run on small coin cell batteries or harvest energy for years.
Gateways using LoRA can collect data from sensors and remotely control actuators. Data collected by gateways can be routed to the cloud for storage or processing, or it can be used to control other devices in the network.
What are popular wireless technologies like WiFi and cellular?
WiFi and cellular are popular wireless technologies that allow devices to connect to the internet without the use of cables. WiFi is typically used in home and office networks, while cellular is used for mobile data services. Both technologies use radio waves to transmit data, but WiFi has a shorter range than cellular. As a result, WiFi is typically used for short-range connections, while cellular is better suited for long-range coverage. In addition, WiFi is typically more affordable than cellular, making it the preferred choice for many homes and small business users. However, cellular networks have been expanding their coverage in recent years, making them a viable option for many users.
LoRa vs WiFi
WiFi and LoRa are two wireless technologies that have a lot in common. Both technologies use radio waves to transmit data and both have the potential to revolutionize the way we use wireless devices. WiFi is already widely used in homes and businesses, but its range is limited to around 100 meters. LoRa, on the other hand, has a much longer range, making it ideal for IoT applications. In addition, both WiFi and LoRa can transmit data at high speeds and can be used for a variety of applications including video streaming and VoIP. However, there are also some key differences between the two technologies. WiFi is based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, while LoRa is based on the LoRaWAN protocol. In addition, WiFi uses Frequency-Division Multiple Access (FDMA), while LoRa uses Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS). As a result, WiFi is typically more expensive to implement than LoRa. Nevertheless, WiFi and LoRa are powerful wireless technologies with a lot of potential.
WiFi and LoRa are both wireless technologies that have been designed for low power consumption. WiFi radios typically consume more power when transmitting data than LoRa radios. However, LoRa radios have the advantage of being able to operate at a much lower power level when transmitting data. This is because LoRa radios use a different modulation scheme than WiFi radios. As a result, LoRa radios are more efficient when transmitting data and require less power to do so. This makes LoRa an ideal choice for applications where power consumption is a critical concern.
LoRa vs Cellular Technologies
Cellular technologies and LoRa are two wireless technologies that have a lot in common. Both technologies use the same radio frequencies and offer similar speeds and coverage areas. However, there are some key differences between the two technologies. Cellular networks are designed to connect people and devices over long distances, while LoRa networks are designed for short-range communications. Cellular networks also tend to be more expensive to build and maintain than LoRa networks. Nevertheless, both technologies have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is ultimately up to the user to decide which technology is best for their needs.
Cellular technologies, like LTE-M and NB-IoT, are based on the same infrastructure that supports traditional cellular voice and data services. Cellular technologies are licensed, which means that service providers must pay for the use of licensed spectrum. In contrast, LoRa technology uses an unlicensed spectrum, which is free for anyone to use. LoRa technology is designed for low-power operation, enabling devices to run for years on a single battery. Cellular technologies are also low power, but not as low power as LoRa technology. As a result, LoRa technology is typically used for applications that require long battery life or deep coverage, such as asset tracking or smart city applications. Cellular technologies are more expensive to deploy than LoRa technology because of the need for licensed spectrum and support from a cellular network operator. However, Cellular technologies offer higher data rates and more predictable latency, making them well-suited for applications that require real-time responses, such as surveillance cameras or industrial automation.
Why does LoRa win the power consumption race with WIFI and Cellular Technologies?
Cellular technologies like 3G, LTE, and NB-IoT were designed for human beings to communicate with each other. These technologies weren’t designed with the power consumption challenges of the Internet of Things (IoT) in mind. That’s where LoRa tech comes in. LoRa was specifically designed for low power consumption, making it the clear winner in the power consumption race with WIFI and Cellular Technologies.
Here’s why:
LoRa radios can run on a battery for years, whereas Cellular and WIFI radios need to be plugged into an outlet to function. This is due to LoRa’s duty cycle, which is the time that the radio is transmitting data divided by the total time that the radio is turned on. The duty cycle for LoRa is 1%, whereas the duty cycle for Cellular and WIFI is 100%. This means that LoRa radios only transmit data 1% of the time, which conserves a lot of power.
Another reason why LoRa tech wins the power consumption race is becthatRa radios can go into “sleep mode” when they’re not transmitting data. In sleep mode, the radio draws very little power – typically around 20 microamps. Cellular and WIFI radios, on the other hand, consume a lot of power even when they’re not in use. For example, a Cellular radio in “idle mode” – when it’s not being used to make a call or send data – still consumes around 300 milliamps. That’s 15 times more than a LoRa radio in sleep mode!
To sum up, LoRa tech wins the power consumption race because it was specifically designed for low power consumption and because it has a lower duty cycle than Cellular and WIFI technologies. If you’re looking for a technology that will help you conserve power, LoRa is a clear choice.
While cellular and WiFi technologies are still the most commonly used for IoT applications, LoRa is quickly gaining ground because of its lower power consumption. A study by The LoRa Alliance showed that LoRa has 50% lower energy consumption than WiFi and 20% lower than cellular technology. This makes it an attractive option for smart city projects where reducing power consumption is critical. So if you’re looking to deploy an IoT for smart city project, it might be worth considering using LoRa technology instead of WiFi or cellular.
Author: Eli(Elnaz) Sadafi, IoT design engineer @ Arshon technology.
