Low Power Wide Area Network Technologies: Open Problems, Challenges, and Potential Applications

Abstract

Nowadays, the number of internet of things (IoT) connected devices continues to increase exponentially. However, the core underlying wireless network technologies that enable IoT devices to achieve such growth and wide applications face numerous challenging deployment requirements such as operating range, power consumption, and cost. Low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technologies enable long-distance, low-power, and low data transmission at a low cost. These new wireless technologies shape the IoT ecosystem due to their wide applications. This study aims to review the various features and analyze the performances of the leading LPWANs, namely LoRa, SigFox, NB-IoT, and Weightless. Initially, precise descriptions of their underlying technologies and various applications were provided. Then, several challenges facing the LPWANs and potential solutions were outlined. Finally, the study analyzed their performance against several specifications, including frequency range, Bandwidth, Modulation, and so on. The outcome shows that these technologies are more efficient than the short and medium-range IoT technologies, particularly regarding power, range, and cost. The study’s findings are hoped to provide a guide and eliminate LPWAN technology selection issues.