LPWANs for IoT Connectivity: A Comprehensive Guide

The explosion of IoT devices has driven demand for wireless networks that can cost-effectively and efficiently connect vast fleets of devices across challenging geographies. LPWANs (Low-Power Wide-Area Networks) are purpose-built wireless technologies designed for low-bandwidth, long-range IoT communication with exceptionally low power consumption. 

LPWANs have become foundational to modern IoT deployments, enabling connected devices to transmit small packets of data over miles of terrain while operating for years on a single battery. From remote agriculture fields and utility grids to dense urban smart city networks, LPWANs provide the scalable, energy-efficient infrastructure needed to support the billions of low-power IoT devices reshaping industries today. 

In this article, we’ll explore the key features, technologies, and real-world applications that make LPWANs a critical driver of IoT innovation. We’ll also explore how a partnership with Zipit Wireless helps OEMs ensure that they select the right network technologies to support their IoT use cases. 

What is an LPWAN?

An LPWAN (Low-Power Wide-Area Network) is a wireless communication network designed to enable low-power devices to reliably and seamlessly transmit small amounts of data over long distances. This type of wide-area wireless network was created for long-range communication at low bitrates and is optimized for power efficiency and minimal data transmission. 

LPWANs also enable connectivity in remote or infrastructure-poor environments. LPWANs are engineered for long-range communication, making it possible to reach devices located in rural and isolated locations that are positioned far from urban cell towers or Wi-Fi access points. Some LPWAN technologies use existing cellular infrastructure, so there’s no need to deploy new towers or access points. Others operate on private gateways with wide coverage, which you can install in a central location to cover large areas. This provides reliable connectivity solutions to areas with limited broadband availability, without fiber infrastructure, and where installing networks would be cost-prohibitive. 

The history of LPWAN technologies

Sigfox, introduced in 2009, was the first commercially available LPWAN solution, though efforts to develop low-power, long-range communication technologies date back to the 1980s. These early precursors, like AlarmNet, demonstrated the concept of sending machine data over large distances. In 2012, Semtech acquired Sigfox, furthering its commitment to advancing low-power RF solutions tailored for IoT. Meanwhile, cellular network operators began launching their own LPWAN standards, including LTE-M and Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), to meet the rising demand for scalable, efficient IoT connectivity.

What are the key characteristics of LPWANs?

LPWANs make it possible to deploy thousands of low-cost, low-maintenance IoT devices in wide-area, hard-to-reach, or infrastructure-light environments. They are known for being efficient and easily scalable network technology solutions. 

1. Minimal power consumption

LPWAN protocols are specifically designed to minimize energy usage, allowing devices to operate on batteries for 5 to 10+ years. This is achieved through features like deep sleep modes, asynchronous communication, and lightweight data transmission protocols, essential components of many IoT device architectures. 

Multi-year battery life without regular maintenance or hardwired power connections is crucial for the operational efficiency of difficult-to-access deployments. The lower power consumption of LPWANs is ideal for battery-operated IoT devices deployed in the field, like water meters or agricultural monitors. They’re also solutions tailored for sensors buried underground, IoT devices positioned on mountaintops, forests, or construction sites, or any location where sending regular maintenance is either impractical or cost-prohibitive. 

2. Long-range communication

Licensed LPWANs like NB-IoT and LTE-M benefit from carrier-grade cellular infrastructure and enhanced indoor penetration. LoRaWAN, an unlicensed LPWAN, achieves long-range communication through sub-GHz frequencies with excellent propagation. Long-range capabilities eliminate the need for dense access point deployments and extend coverage in remote, rural, or infrastructure-light environments.

LPWANs will have differing range capabilities, depending on the technology used and their environment. Unobstructed sight lines between the transmitter and receiver significantly improve range, allowing LPWANs to extend coverage across impressive distances in rural areas with little interference, ranging from 10-50km, depending on the configuration. Urban landscapes present more obstacles and noise, and can shorten their ranges to a few kilometers. 

3. Low data rates

LPWANs are optimized for small, infrequent data transmissions. This is typically in the range of a few bytes to a few kilobytes per message. They are designed for IoT use cases that only need to send data every couple of minutes or hours. LPWANs are not ideal network solutions for real-time or bandwidth-heavy applications like video streaming or large file transfers. 

LPWANs excel when used to communicate sensor readings, update GPS coordinates, monitor device health, and deliver periodic status updates. Low data rates reduce network congestion and facilitate longer device uptime, supporting large-scale deployments. 

4. Massive device support

LPWAN technologies are built to support large-scale, global IoT deployments, handling tens of thousands of devices per gateway or cell tower. NB-IoT and LTE-M, as part of the 3GPP standard, support massive machine-type communications (mMTC), a key pillar of many IoT deployments. LoRaWAN gateways can serve thousands of devices within their range with minimal interference.

This makes LPWANs a strong fit for applications that involve widespread, distributed sensors, like smart cities, industrial IoT, utility metering, and agricultural uses. LPWAN’s massive device support capabilities also facilitate rapid deployment expansion and global growth, as these networks are designed to provide connectivity to large volumes of devices.

5. Cost efficiency

LPWANs are extremely cost-effective in both deployment and operation. Due to minimal infrastructure requirements, fewer gateways, and long ranges, LPWANs can support massive deployments at lower prices than networks like 5G or LTE Cat 1 bis. 

LPWANs also support extended device lifespans and power efficiency. Coupled with the connected devices’ low data usage, these factors result in cheaper data plans or reduced carrier fees. This reduces the total cost of ownership for IoT projects and enables scalable business models, which is a particularly important consideration for OEMs deploying millions of low-cost devices.

Why IoT technologies use LPWANs: networks that power innovation

Many IoT device use cases do not require power-hungry, high-speed data plans. They need low-cost, long-lasting, far-reaching network connectivity. LPWANs are optimized for small data payloads, infrequent communication, and power conservation, making them strategic enablers of IoT innovation. 

LPWANs enable devices to operate on a single battery for years, allowing devices to exist in environments where frequent maintenance is cost-prohibitive or impossible. They also support reliable connectivity in infrastructure-poor environments like oil fields, farms, and forests, allowing a wide range of industries to leverage IoT technology for monitoring and productivity.

These networks are designed to scale deployments without friction and can connect thousands and even millions of low-cost devices without incurring exorbitant operational costs. Many IoT use cases involve simple but essential data. LPWANs handle these lightweight, delay-tolerant transmissions efficiently, without the need for high-throughput 4G or 5G.

The combination of these characteristics lets LPWANs power practical, real-world solutions and help IoT OEMs transform every sector, from healthcare and consumer goods to manufacturing and smart cities. 

Learn more: Cellular IoT as a Service: Your Guide to Recurring Revenue

What are the most common LPWANs?

NB-IoT, LTE-M, and LoRaWAN are the most commonly used LPWANs. LPWANs are divided into two main categories: licensed spectrum (cellular-based) and unlicensed spectrum (non-cellular). The licensed spectrum NB-IoT and LTE-M are the most widely adopted cellular LPWANs globally, operating on LTE bands and narrowband 4G. LoRaWAN uses an unlicensed proprietary spread spectrum modulation to facilitate long-range, low-power communication. Sigfox, an unlicensed networking protocol, was the first modern LPWAN to emerge in 2009, though bankruptcy filings, acquisitions, and restructurings have hindered broader implementation.

Each LPWAN operates with slight differences, presenting unique benefits and challenges. While they are all strong connectivity choices, the perfect LPWAN for your IoT enterprise will depend on your individual needs and specific use case. 

LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network)

LoRaWAN is an unlicensed LPWAN that uses a star-of-stars topology as its network configuration, connecting small groupings of devices to a central point. In this hierarchical system, data travels from a device within a local “star” to a centralized node, then to the central node of the larger star, before finally reaching its intended destination device. 

These end nodes are IoT devices, like sensors or other battery-powered devices, transmitting small amounts of data. Gateways receive and forward data from end nodes to the network server, managing device connectivity and forwarding messages to applications.

Spectrum: Unlicensed (ISM bands)

Range: Typically 2–15 km 

Data rate: 0.3-50 kps

Mobility: No

Pros of LoRaWAN:

• Flexible network ownership and highly customizable
• Strong community support and ecosystem
• Long-range, low-power, ideal for remote, battery-operated IoT devices 
• Asynchronous uplink communication
  

   

  Cons of LoRaWAN:

• Requires deployment/management of gateways
• Limited downlink capability
• Interoperability varies

NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT)

NB-IoT operates on narrow bandwidths within existing cellular networks due to its lightweight data transfer requirements. NB-IoT simplifies traditional LTE technology, enabling it to serve low-bandwidth IoT devices at long ranges with minimal power consumption. NB-IoT allows devices to transmit small packets of data to base stations at low frequencies. These base stations aggregate and forward the data to the carrier’s network servers and cloud platforms. The cloud processes the data for use in its intended application. 

NB-IoT can easily support a high density of IoT devices, all while boasting impressive indoor and underground penetration. This makes it ideal for challenging locations, like basements, healthcare facilities with thick walls, or agricultural landscapes with thousands of spread-out sensors and meters.

Spectrum: Licensed cellular (3GPP standard)

Range: ~10–15 km (high indoor penetration)

Data Rate: ~20–250 kbps

Mobility: Limited

Pros of NB-IoT:

• Standardized, carrier-grade reliability and robust security
• Ultra-low power consumption and power-saving modes 
• High device density with low device cost
• Powerful indoor penetration

Cons of NB-IoT:

• Limited mobility
• Uneven global rollout and varying roaming support in some regions
• Slower uplink speeds

LTE-M

Through LTE-M, devices communicate using licensed cellular spectrum, connecting directly to existing LTE cell towers. Data is transmitted at higher rates and lower latency than LoRaWAN and NB-IoT, though LTE-M does consume more power than its LPWAN competitors. Cellular operates handle message routing, network management, and security, forwarding the transmitted data to the cloud or IoT application. 

LTE-M builds on existing LTE infrastructure, encouraging rapid deployments, quick scalability, and seamless handovers between towers, allowing it to support mobility. The higher bandwidth capability also allows it to support voice, video, and photo data, expanding the scope of IoT use cases it can manage effectively.  

Spectrum: Licensed cellular (3GPP standard)

Range: ~5–10 km (supports mobility)

Data Rate: ~375 kbps–1 Mbps

Mobility: Yes

Pros of LTE-M:

• Better throughput than NB-IoT
• Supports voice (VoLTE), photo, and video data
• Facilitates mobility and handover
• Lower latency

Cons of LTE-M:

• Slightly higher power consumption and less battery life than NB-IoT
• Higher data transfer rates and consumption typically incur higher costs than other LPWANs

Learn more: NB-IoT vs. LTE-M: Which Cellular IoT Technology is Right for You?

LPWANs vs. High-Bandwidth Cellular Options (4G LTE, 5G)

The majority of IoT use cases are well-supported by LPWANs and do not require bandwidth-intensive networks for optimal performance. However, high-bandwidth cellular connectivity technologies, like 4G LTE and 5G, are finding increased popularity among IoT applications. Fast speeds and responsiveness are essential for some mission-critical, real-time IoT applications. 

IoT devices requiring ultra-low latency, high-throughput data can effectively leverage 4G LTE and 5G to maximize their performance. Connected and autonomous vehicles, video streaming and surveillance, industrial automation and robotics, augmented reality, and home healthcare devices all benefit from continuous, high-speed data transfers and real-time communication. 

How to choose the right network technology:

LPWANs are made for extended battery life, long-range connectivity, and cost-effective massive deployments. High-bandwidth networks tend to fit IoT solutions demanding real-time, high-speed, high-throughput communications, mobility, and ultra-low latency. These IoT solutions come at a higher cost because of their more complex needs.

LPWANs are ideal for:

• Battery-powered sensors that need long battery life. 
• Remote or infrastructure-poor areas that demand extensive coverage.
• Periodic data transmission with low data payloads.
• Applications with budget constraints that require cost-effective hardware and connectivity.

High-bandwidth networks are ideal for:

• Real-time or high-throughput data.
• High-speed mobility.
• Critical applications that need ultra-low latency.
• Devices with continuous power source access or frequent recharging.

Ultimately, individual network requirements are best determined on an individual use case basis, as every IoT deployment possesses unique nuances. Emerging technologies like LTE Cat 1 bis and Redcap will continue to transform the cellular landscape. Whether that’s an LPWAN like LTE-M or cutting-edge 5G, partnering with a connectivity provider like Zipit Wireless can help you ascertain what your IoT solution needs to flourish and sustainably grow. 

What are common IoT applications for LPWANs?

LPWANs are widely used across industries that need to connect large numbers of devices cost-effectively over extended periods and distances.

Smart agriculture & precision farming:

LPWAN’s wide-area coverage can cover sprawling farmlands and fields in rural locations that lack robust cellular infrastructure. Despite being located far from power sources, the years-long battery life keeps large-scale sensor deployments cost effective. 

Examples: 

• Soil monitoring, moisture sensors, pH and nutrient monitoring
• Livestrack tracking through IoT smart collars, monitoring location and health
• Remote weather stations collecting environmental data to optimize planting and harvesting cycles
• Irrigiation control systems

Utilities & metering:

Gas, water, and electricity meters all transmit consumption data periodically. LPWANs offer long-range coverage in residential and remote areas that are populated by battery-powered meters with long lifespans. These networks aare perfect for this routine but infrequent data collection. 

Examples:

• Leak detection sensors on remote water and gas pipelines
• Utility meter reading
• Grid monitoring of voltage, faults, and load balancing 

Smart cities:

LPWANs can skillfully support thousands of low-data devices per square mile. They can offer public or private network flexibility and readily process the periodic transmissions incoming from the numerous, interconnected IoT devices across smart cities. 

Examples: 

• Smart parking sensors to improve traffic management
• Air quality and noise monitoring
• Waste bin level detection and route optimization
• Streetlight controls that adjust based on motion, time, or ambient light
• Disaster warning systems

Logistics, supply chain, and asset tracking

LPWAN offers long-range tracking without the need for frequent location updates. Devices with LTE-M, NB-IoT, or multi-network connectivity enablement  can deploy globally and scale effortlessly on these low-cost, ultra-low power networks. 

Examples: 

• Pallet, container, tool, and cargo tracking while in transit
• Cold chain conditions monitoring, both in transport and storage 
• Inventory tracking and monitor the movement of goods throughout the supply chain
• Shipment condition monitoring

Industrial IoT and manufacturing

Indsutrial IoT is brimming with long-lasting battery-powered sensors in hard-to-reach locations.The interference-resilient transmissions of LPWANs make them perfect for large industrial spaces. The technology can easily retrofit into legacy systems, a common occurrence when working with massive manufacturing and industrial operations. 

Examples: 

• Predictive maintenance alerts to preempt usage failure and unplanned delays
• Inventory and materials tracking and productivity optimization
• Equipment condition monitoring
• Environmental monitoring, like air quality and emissions tracking within factories

Discover the right connectivity solution with Zipit Wireless

Ultimately, no one standard or network technology is the perfect fit for every IoT deployment. The use case will drive the appropriate technological adoption. Every deployment is completely unique and full of nuanced factors, like differing data requirements, coverage demands, internet protocols, and device mobility. However, LPWANs are excellent, reliable, proven solutions for millions of low-power, low-data IoT applications and currently support millions of internet-connected devices around the world. 

The key to discovering the correct solution for your deployment is to partner with an industry-proven global connectivity provider. Zipit Wireless are pioneers in the IoT ecosystem. From international cellular deployments to successful IoT monetization strategies to streamlined connectivity management and customer billing, our products transform the potential of IoT devices.

Customer-driven strategies

Zipit has spent over a decade listening to the real-world concerns of IoT OEMs and crafting  creative, practical, and sustainable solutions to address these gaps. We engage with IoT innovators from the development outset, helping them envision hardware that will support their longterm growth goals. We’ve witnessed firsthand what works in this highly competitive space and use this wealth of experience to help our clients navigate obstacles and successfully launch deployments. 

Multi-carrier relationships

We’ve established trusted relationships with over 10 major global carriers, ensuring our clients can access reliable global connectivity around the world. We save you the incredibly time-consuming and energy-draining process of negotiating carrier contracts, all while securing you a superior price. These networks also provide your IoT devices with critical security features to safeguard downstream customer data. 

Monetization and billing opportunities

We’re committed to streamlining our customer’s billing operations, even as they scale operations globally. From subscription models to payment automation, from usage-based pricing to dynamic billing software, we’ve created a platform and strategic playbook that offloads the onerous complexities of billing. This allows you to maximize your energy on IoT device development and business strategy. 

Future-focused solutions

The future will continue to develop new, cutting-edge network technologies for IoT devices. Fortunately, Zipit has its finger on the pulse of infrastructural changes, technological advancements, and global marketplaces changes. A partnership with Zipit is a future-proofed solution to ongoing reliable connectivity, far beyond reliance on any one network technology. 

If your curious how our services can help you deploy your IoT device on an LPWAN, or you’re eager to explore other connectivity options, contact us. Zipit Wireless can help you elevate your business, unlock recurring revenue, and build sustainable growth. 

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