LoRaWAN® vs NB-IoT: Choosing the Right Path for Your IoT Deployment

IoT is changing at a rapid pace, and choosing the right connectivity is often the difference between a successful deployment and a costly headache. At Alliot Technologies, we frequently help our customers navigate the "Big Two" of Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN): LoRaWAN® and NB-IoT.

While both technologies offer long-range communication and exceptional battery life, they operate in very different ways. In this blog, we'll break down the key differences, explore the best use cases for each, and look at some of the industry-leading devices we supply to help you make the right choice.

LoRaWAN®: The Power of Independence

LoRaWAN® (Long Range Wide Area Network) operates on unlicensed radio frequencies (868 MHz in the UK and Europe). This means you can build and manage your own private network without relying on a mobile network operator.

• Best For: Private deployments, rural areas, and "set-and-forget" sensors.
• Key Advantage: Total control over infrastructure, simple to scale and zero ongoing monthly subscription fees to telcos if you run your own gateways.
• Verticals: Smart Agriculture, Industrial Monitoring, and Smart Buildings.

Key Components Required for LoRaWAN Projects:

• LoRaWAN® Gateway: The bridge between your devices and network. LoRaWAN gateways transmit recorded data from your sensors to your visualisation platform via a LoRaWAN Network. Popular gateways include the Milesight UG65 and the Kerlink iFemtocell Evolution.
• LoRa Network Server: The central control layer of your LoRaWAN Network. LoRa Network servers such as LORIOT play a key role in connecting your projects. Looking for an out-of-the-box solution? Netmore offer a wide range of ready-to-use Network Servers to which you can connect your solutions to.
• Sensors: There are thousands of sensors available to deliver the data you require. Whether you're looking to monitor air quality, temperature and humidity or demonstrate compliance, the possibilities are endless. Some popular sensors include the Elsys ERS Sound Sensor and the Netvox R711 Temperature & Humidity Sensor.
• Dashboard: Here's where it all comes together. We offer a range of dashboards to enable you to visualise the data coming in. Here you can review historical data, automate actions and set alerts within certain thresholds, enabling you to use your recorded data to create proactive results, benefit from cost savings and improve overall efficiencies. Popular dashboards available from Alliot include Daizy, Checksight and IoThink.

Popular LoRaWAN® Devices from Alliot:

• Milesight UG65 Indoor Gateway: A robust, high-performance gateway that acts as the "brain" of your LoRaWAN® network, capable of connecting up to 2,000 nodes.
• Elsys ERS Sound Sensor: A favourite for smart offices and schools, this sensor monitors sound levels, temperature, and humidity, helping facilities managers maintain optimal indoor environments.
• Netvox R711 Temperature & Humidity Sensor: A reliable, compact sensor used extensively in cold chain monitoring and building management.

NB-IoT: The Cellular Workhorse

NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) is a cellular technology that runs on the same licensed spectrum as 4G and 5G. Unlike 4G and 5G networks, however, NB-IoT enables devices to send data where standard mobile network coverage is inaccessible. It is managed by mobile operators (such as our partners at Vodafone), meaning you don't need to install your own gateways; you simply use the existing mobile masts.

• Best For: Deployments across large areas or multiple sites, urban environments with deep indoor requirements, and moving assets.
• Key Advantage: The network and connectivity are maintained by the network provider, giving you one less thing to think about — this gives high levels of security backed by cellular standards.
• Verticals: Smart Utilities (Water/Gas Metering), Smart Cities, and Asset Tracking.

Key Components Required for NB-IoT Projects:

• NB-IoT SIM Card: Your key to connectivity. We supply a range of NB-IoT connectivity options across a range of flexible subscription plans. Connectivity within the UK is mainly supplied by Vodafone.
• Symbius: This is our own unique middleware, specially designed for NB-IoT projects. With Symbius, we make the decoding of your NB-IoT data simple, ensuring it is ready to be visualised on your chosen platform.
• Sensors: While NB-IoT sensors have been a little slower to market, there are more and more manufacturers beginning to develop these products. Popular devices include the Efento range, the Digital Matter Oyster3 and the Adeunis Comfort Serenity Sensor.
• Dashboard: The key to any successful IoT project; the dashboard. Daizy.io offer a range of dashboard options to enable you to make the most use of your NB-IoT data.

Popular NB-IoT Devices from Alliot:

• Digital Matter Oyster3 NB-IoT: A rugged, "deploy-once" GPS tracker with up to 10 years of battery life. It's the go-to choice for tracking heavy plant machinery or non-powered assets across the country.
• Adeunis Comfort Serenity (NB-IoT): Specifically designed for indoor air quality and comfort monitoring in large-scale social housing or public building projects where cellular coverage is preferred over maintaining private gateways.

Head-to-Head: Which one is for you?

The Alliot Verdict

So, which should you choose?

Both LoRaWAN® and NB-IoT offer a great range of advantages to IoT projects. The key considerations to take into account are:

• Would you like control over your network?
• What are the ongoing, recurring costs?
• What is the network coverage like in the area you'd like to roll out your solutions?

Still not sure?

At Alliot Technologies, we don't just sell hardware; we provide expertise. Whether you need a proof-of-concept kit or a large-scale rollout, our team is on hand to help you select the right technology for your project. Speak with a member of our team today to discuss your IoT Technology options.

Explore our full range of LoRaWAN and NB-IoT devices at Alliot.co.uk