31.01.2025 922

How LPWAN Networks Work and Why LoRaWAN Stands Out

In today’s Internet of Things (IoT) landscape, more and more devices are connecting to networks to collect, transmit, and analyze data. Traditional wireless communication solutions often fall short in terms of efficiency for such applications. This challenge is addressed by LPWAN (Low-Power Wide-Area Network) technologies—networks designed for long-range communication with minimal power consumption. Among the various LPWAN protocols, LoRaWAN stands out due to its unique features.

In this article, we will look at how LPWAN works and LoRaWAN benefits for industry, making it a leading technology in this field.

How LPWAN Works

LPWAN is a family of technologies designed to transmit small amounts of data over long distances with minimal energy consumption. These networks are ideal for IoT devices that operate autonomously on battery power for years.

Key characteristics of LPWAN:

  • Low data transmission rates: Typically ranging from a few hundred bits to several kilobits per second.
  • Long range: A single base station can cover distances of tens of kilometers in open areas.
  • Energy efficiency: Devices in LPWAN networks use sleep modes and activate only when transmitting data.
  • Support for a large number of devices: A single base station can handle tens of thousands of connections.

LPWAN is widely used in smart cities, agriculture, industrial automation, logistics, and other fields where data needs to be collected from remote sensors and devices.

LPWAN Technologies

There are multiple LPWAN technologies, each with its own features. Some of the most well-known include:

  • Sigfox: A protocol with a fixed data transmission rate, operating in both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands.
  • NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT): A cellular-based technology that uses licensed frequencies.
  • LoRaWAN: A protocol based on LoRa technology, which operates in unlicensed frequency bands.

Each of these technologies is designed to enable data transmission in resource-constrained environments, but LoRaWAN stands out due to its unique combination of characteristics.

What Is LoRaWAN and How Does It Work?

LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a network protocol designed for managing LoRa-based communication networks. LoRa (Long Range) is a modulation technique developed by Semtech that allows data to be transmitted over long distances with minimal power consumption.

Key components of a LoRaWAN network:

  • Devices: Sensors and other IoT devices that collect and transmit data to base stations.
  • Base stations: Receive data from devices and forward it to a network server.
  • Network servers: Process data, manage connections, and route information.
  • Applications: End-user systems that use the collected data for analytics, monitoring, or control.

How LoRaWAN networks operate:

  • A device transmits data using LoRa technology to the nearest base station.
  • The base station forwards the data to a network server via the internet or another network.
  • The network server processes the data and delivers it to the target application.

Advantages of LoRaWAN Over Other LPWAN Technologies

Let’s take a closer look at why LoRaWAN is unique in LPWAN technologies and its resulting advantages:

  • Unlicensed frequency bands: LoRaWAN operates in free frequency bands (e.g., 868 MHz in Europe and 915 MHz in the U.S.), reducing network deployment costs.
  • Long range: Increased network coverage – LoRaWAN can transmit data up to 15 km in rural areas and up to 5 km in urban environments.
  • High device capacity: Use of LoRaWAN for low-power IoT devices – a single base station can support thousands of IoT devices simultaneously.
  • Flexible configuration: The LoRaWAN network can be adapted to specific needs by adjusting modulation and data transmission rates.
  • Low deployment costs: Due to the use of unlicensed frequencies and easy installation, LoRaWAN is often more cost-effective than other LPWAN technologies.
  • Security: LoRaWAN supports two-layer data encryption using AES-128.
  • Long battery life: Thanks to low power consumption, devices can operate on battery power for up to 10 years.

Use Cases for LoRaWAN

The benefits of LoRaWAN in LPWAN networks has led to its increased popularity in industry, including:

  • Smart cities: Managing street lighting, monitoring air quality, and tracking waste container fill levels.
  • Agriculture: Soil moisture monitoring, temperature control, and plant health tracking.
  • Logistics: Tracking cargo locations and monitoring temperature conditions in refrigerated transport.
  • Resource management: Monitoring water, gas, and electricity consumption with smart meters.

Why LoRaWAN Is the Future of LPWAN

LoRaWAN combines all the advantages of LPWAN technologies while offering flexibility, cost efficiency, and reliability. With an open ecosystem and support from major companies such as Semtech and The LoRa Alliance, LoRaWAN continues to evolve and find new applications in long-range communication.

As the demand for IoT solutions grows, LoRaWAN remains one of the most promising standards. Its scalability, affordability, and ease of deployment make it the top choice for businesses looking to leverage IoT to optimize processes and improve efficiency.

LPWAN networks play a crucial role in the development of the Internet of Things, providing reliable and cost-effective low-power data transmission. Among the many available technologies, When comparing LoRaWan vs other LPWAN protocols, it stands out due to its versatility, low cost, and broad range of applications. This technology not only addresses current IoT challenges but also paves the way for new innovations.

Was it helpful?

85

Other articles

13.10.2025 / Aleksey Kuznetsov Smart Heating Units: How LoRaWAN/NB-IoT Sensors and Meters Eliminate Overheating and Complaints

In many residential and office buildings, heating units operate using outdated systems where heat supply adjustment and data collection are done...

Read more
09.10.2025 / Aleksey Kuznetsov PPP and Concessions in Smart Metering: How to Deploy a District on LoRaWAN/NB-IoT Without Upfront Budget

Transitioning to smart metering is no longer a trend — it’s a necessity. Electricity, water, heat, and gas utilities all demand accurate control...

Read more
03.10.2025 / Darya Pozharska LoRaWAN and cybersecurity in plain terms: how data is encrypted and what to do to keep the network reliable

LoRaWAN technology is already widely used for remote metering and urban telemetry. However, once a large number of meters and sensors are involved,...

Read more
01.10.2025 / Darya Pozharska Emergency Protection: NB-IoT Valves and LoRaWAN Leak Sensors in Apartment Buildings

Modern apartment buildings are becoming increasingly complex in their engineering systems, while the risk of accidents due to water leaks or heat...

Read more
26.09.2025 / Darya Pozharska The Role of LoRaWAN in Decarbonization: how to calculate the carbon footprint and reduce it with IoT

Decarbonization of urban infrastructure begins with accurate data. Without regular, comparable, and verifiable readings, it is impossible either to...

Read more
22.09.2025 / Darya Pozharska Which Metrics to Collect from LoRaWAN Devices to Build an Effective Resource-Consumption Model

Accurate resource-consumption models underpin managed tariffs, capacity planning, and loss reduction. LoRaWAN data collection gives utilities and...

Read more
18.09.2025 / Darya Pozharska Roles and Areas of Responsibility in LoRaWAN Deployment: from Integrator to Network Owner

LoRaWAN projects rarely boil down to being as simple as “we installed a few sensors and everything worked.” In reality, they are almost always a...

Read more

Subscribe to our blog

Stay on top of the latest industry news

    By clicking Submit, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to our privacy policy.

    Your message has been sent successfully.

    Thank you, we have received your message. Our manager will contact you shortly.

    Jooby.Store: Shop Smart Metering Solutions

    Discover our remote metering devices, now available for retail purchase with delivery across Europe. Jooby.Store offers an extensive selection of intelligent radio modules and sensors for measuring gas, water, heat, and electricity consumption.
    Jooby.Store: Shop Smart Metering Solutions

    Ready to discuss a project?

    Our experts are always happy to help and promptly answer your questions. Please fill out the form to discuss your project and develop a tailored action plan.

      By clicking Submit, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to our privacy policy.

      Your message has been sent successfully.

      Thank you, we have received your message. Our manager will contact you shortly.

      Making a request

      By clicking Submit, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to our privacy policy.

      Your request has been sent

      Thank you, we have accepted your request. In the near future the responsible manager will contact you and clarify the details of the order.

      Ready to discuss a project?

      Our experts are always happy to help and promptly answer your questions. Please fill out the form to discuss your project and develop a tailored action plan.

        By clicking Submit, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to our privacy policy.

        Your message has been sent successfully.

        Thank you, we have received your message. Our manager will contact you shortly.