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

gsm network architecture

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

sigfox network architecture

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

LoRa network architecture

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.


LoRa vs Sigfox vs other technologies

What is difference between

RF and Wireless Terminologies