EC-GSM vs Sigfox vs LoRa : A Comprehensive Comparison
Introduction : IoT connectivity technologies like EC-GSM, Sigfox, and LoRa are revolutionizing the way devices communicate over low power wide area networks (LPWANs). Each technology has unique features, frequency ranges, and applications, catering to specific industry needs. This guide explores the differences between EC-GSM, Sigfox, and LoRa, highlighting their strengths, limitations and ideal use cases to help you choose the right technology for your IoT solutions.
LoRa and Sigfox fall under non-cellular IoT technologies. EC-GSM falls under cellular IoT category.
EC-GSM

Following are the features of EC-GSM technology:
• Frequency Same as GSM network, 850 to 900 MHz, 1800 to 1900 MHz
• Architecture: Uses same GSM architecture
• Deployment In Band GSM
• Access Type TDMA/FDMA
• Modulation Types GMSK, 8PSK
• Bandwidth 200 KHz per channel
• Peak Data Rate (Downlink/Uplink) 70 Kbps for GMSK, 240 Kbps for 8PSK
• Coverage 164 dB with 33 dBm Power Class,
154 dB with 23 dBm power class
• Duplexing HD, FDD
• Power saving mode PSM, ext. I-DRX
Refer EC-GSM IoT >> for more information.
SigFox

Following are the features of SigFox technology:
• Coverage: less than 17 Km
• Frequency spectrum: Unlicensed Band
• Signal Bandwidth: 0.1 KHz
• Data Rate:100 bps
• Battery life of NB-IoT device: 10 years
Refer Sigfox tutorial >> and
SigFox technology basics >> for more information.
LoRa

Following are the features of LoRa technology:
• Coverage: less than 14 Km
• Frequency spectrum: Unlicensed Band
• Signal Bandwidth: 125 KHz
• Data Rate:10 Kbps
• Battery life of NB-IoT device: 10 years
Refer LoRa tutorial >> and
LoRa technology basics >> for more information.
Difference between EC-GSM, Sigfox and LoRa
Following table summarizes difference between EC-GSM, Sigfox and LoRa wireless technologies.
Specifications | EC-GSM | Sigfox | LoRa |
---|---|---|---|
Standard | 3GPP release 13 | Private, ETSI GS LTN 001, 002, 003 (Low Throughput Networks) | Open, LoRaWAN Specification V1.0 released by LoRa™ Alliance |
Spectrum | Licensed like GSM, 850 to 900 MHz, 1800 to 1900 MHz | Unlicensed, 868 MHz (Europe), 915 MHz (USA) | Unlicensed, US (902 to 928 MHz), EU (863 to 870 MHz) , China (779 to 787 MHz) |
Channel Bandwidth | 200 KHz | 100 KHz | 7.8 to 500 KHz |
System Bandwidth | 1.4 MHz | 100 KHz | 125 KHz |
Peak Data Rate | DL: 74 Kbps UL: 74 Kbps |
DL: 600 bps UL: 100 bps |
180 bps to 37.5 Kbps |
Max. number of message per day | Unlimited | 140 (device), 50K (BTS) | 50K (BTS) |
Device peak Tx power | 26 dBm | 14 dBm | 14 dBm |
MCL (Maximum Coupling loss) | 164 dB | DL: 147 dB, UL: 156 dB | DL: 168 (SF12, BW7.8), 132 (SF6, BW125) UL: 156 dB |
Device power consumption | Low | Low | Low to Medium |
Conclusion
Choosing between EC-GSM, Sigfox, and LoRa depends on your IoT application's specific requirements, including range, power efficiency and cost. Understanding their differences ensures you select the most efficient solution for your connectivity needs.
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