LoRa vs NB-IoT: comparison of communication technologies

What are LoRa and NB-IoT?

LoRa is a wireless communication technology that operates in unlicensed frequency spectrums, usually in the ISM bands — industrial, scientific, and medical. These frequency bands are designed for long-distance, low-power communication, making them optimal for IoT devices deployed in faraway locations. LoRa is often implemented using the LoRaWAN protocol, which manages communication between end devices and a network server.

NB-IoT is based on cellular technology developed by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project). It operates in licensed spectrum bands and is designed to provide IoT devices with reliable and secure connectivity. NB-IoT connectivity is appropriate for networks requiring high data reliability and coverage in urban environments.

Both are referred to as a low-power wide area networks (LPWAN) technology.

Spectrum and frequency bands

One of the most important differences between LoRa and NB-IoT is the spectrum in which they operate. LoRa operates in unlicensed bands, which can vary by region. For example, 868 MHz in Europe or 915 MHz in North America. Use of the unlicensed spectrum makes LoRa more cost-effective, but it is also susceptible to interference from other devices.

On the other hand, NB-IoT operates in licensed bands, providing a more stable and reliable network. Utilizing licensed spectrum also means better control over the network, which reduces the risk of interference. However, it comes with higher costs related to spectrum licensing.

Coverage and range

LoRa-based networks have a relatively high range. They can provide coverage up to 15–20 kilometers in rural areas (direct line of sight) and 2–5 kilometers in urban environments. This makes LoRa networks ideal for projects in the agricultural monitoring industry, smart resource accounting, and smart cities.

NB-IoT networks provide a smaller coverage radius of up to 10 kilometers in rural areas, but will provide higher signal penetration. This is useful in urban environments where devices are often located in basements, buildings, or other places with poor signal reception.

Power consumption and battery life

One of the most important factors to consider when deploying these technologies for IoT networks is LoRa vs NB IoT battery life. This is especially important for devices that will run for years without maintenance. 

LoRa devices are known for their extremely low power consumption, and some devices can operate for up to 10 years without replacing or recharging the battery. This lifespan and the resulting economical network, is possible due to the customizable data rate and power, depending on the distance from the gateway.

NB-IoT devices are also considered energy efficient, but they commonly have a shorter battery life compared to LoRa devices. This is because NB-IoT networks require devices to maintain a constant connection to the cellular network. This requirement causes higher power consumption, especially in environments with a weak signal.

Data rate and latency

LoRaWAN is optimized for low data rates — from 0.3 to 50 kbps. This makes it more appropriate for systems that require periodic data transmission, such as environmental monitoring or remote resource accounting.

NB-IoT offers higher data rates, from 20 to 250 kbps, and lower latency in comparison to LoRa. As a result, NB-IoT is more appropriate for use in networks that require frequent data transmission or real-time communication. For example, smart city projects or industrial automation projects.

Cost of deployment

LoRa vs NB IoT cost is another important factor that operators will need to consider. LoRa holds a distinct advantage regarding infrastructure costs: the devices operate in the unlicensed spectrum and do not require expensive licenses for operating frequencies. Moreover, the outlay for LoRa gateways is typically lower in comparison to cellular base stations, so it’s a cost-effective solution for large-scale IoT network deployment.

On the other hand, NB-IoT deployment has higher costs related to spectrum licensing and infrastructure deployment due to its being a cellular technology. However, for organizations already operating a cellular network, the additional expense of deploying NB-IoT networks can be justified by the improved coverage, security, and reliability.

Security

Security is one of the primary concerns when deploying IoT networks. LoRaWAN-based networks use AES-128 encryption to keep data secure during transmission, but because LoRa devices operate in unlicensed bands, they may be more susceptible to certain types of attacks over licensed spectrum technologies.

NB-IoT networks use security measures common to cellular networks: strong encryption, SIM-based authentication, and secure access to licensed spectrum. This makes NB-IoT a safer option for networks that require strict security measures.

Technology utilization

The choice between NB-IoT vs LoRa often depends on the specific use case and project requirements. LoRa is well adapted for networks that require long distance communication, low data rates, and low power consumption. Examples include remote resource accounting, smart agriculture, and environmental monitoring.

With its better coverage, higher data rates, and secure connectivity, NB IoT use cases include applications in urban environments such as smart parking, logistics control, and industrial automation. The technology’s ability to penetrate deep into buildings makes it particularly effective for use indoors.

For enterprises and developers, understanding all of these differences is essential when choosing the best communication technology. No matter whether the priority is maximizing battery life, minimizing cost, or providing reliable coverage, both LoRa radio technology and NB-IoT offer beneficial solutions tailored to different IoT network use cases. Each one has its own strengths, and the best choice will depend on the specific requirements of the project.