Wi-SUN vs LoRa vs NB-IoT : Understanding the Differences
In the rapidly evolving world of the Internet of Things (IoT), selecting the right connectivity technology is crucial. Wi-SUN, LoRa, and NB-IoT are three prominent contenders, each offering unique advantages for specific IoT applications. Wi-SUN supports robust mesh networks, LoRa provides long range, low-power communication, and NB-IoT excels in cellular-based connectivity for massive IoT deployments. This guide compares Wi-SUN vs LoRa vs NB-IoT and breaks down the key differences between these technologies, helping you make an informed choice for your IoT project.
What is Wi-SUN ?
Wi-SUN stands for Wireless Smart Ubiquitous Network. Wi-SUN is based on IEEE 802.15.4g/e and it is supported by Wi-SUN alliance members. Wi-SUN supports star, mesh and hybrid topologies. Wi-SUN is usually deployed as per mesh architecture in which each node relays the data to the network. Wi-SUN devices operate on AC power as well as battery power.
The figure-1 depicts Wi-SUN network architecture. As shown, it is a full mesh network consists of nodes i.e. routers.
Multiple nodes are connected with border router which connects them with WAN using cellular or fiber or ethernet links.
NOC (Network Operations Center) is installed to monitor the Wi-SUN network and its elements.
➨Refer Wi-SUN technology >> which describes Wi-SUN network architecture and its
benefits and Wi-SUN protocol stack >> for more information.
What is LoRaWAN ?
LoRaWAN stands for Low Power Wide Area Network. LoRaWAN uses LoRa devices which offers low power and wide area networking. It uses unlicensed ISM band. LoRaWAN standard and certification for interoperability is supported and managed by LoRa Alliance. Semtech is the company whioch develops LoRa devices to be used in LoRaWAN network.
The figure-2 depicts LoRaWAN network architecture. As shown, it follows star topology in which LoRaWAN end devices
communicate with LoRaWAN gateways. These gateways are connected together and are interfaced with core network servers
on which end user applications run. LoRaWAN gateways interface with network server using cellular or WiFi or ethernet backhaul connections.
Different cloud servers can be used for LoRaWAN IoT applications such as AWS IoT Core, ThingSpeak, Google Cloud Server etc.
LoRaWAN network uses MQTT or CoAP or HTTP protocols for connectivity between LoRaWAN gateway and application server.
➨Refer LoRa tutorial >>,
LoWaWAN MAC Layer inside >>,
LoRaWAN architecture >>,
LoRaWAN protocol stack >> and
LoRaWAN Physical layer >> for more information.
What is LTE NB-IoT ?
The LTE NB-IoT follows 3GPP specifications rel.13, rel.14 and rel.15. It is known as Low Power Wide Area Network technology. It improves indoor network coverage and supports higher number of devices in the network. The NB-IoT devices offer longer battery life and are cheaper in cost. It is used for low power and infrequent data transmission devices. NB-IoT system uses GSM spectrum or unused RBs (resource blocks) within guard-band of LTE carriers.
The figure depicts LTE NB-IoT architecture which is divided into two parts viz. access and core.
UEs are connected to eNBs (i.e. base stations) using Uu interface. The eNBs are connected together via X2 interface.
The eNBs are connected to Core network side using S1 interface.
➨Refer
LTE NB-IoT tutorial >> ,
NB-IoT architecture >> and
benefits of NB-IoT >> for more information.
Difference between Wi-SUN, LoRa and NB-IoT
Following table compares Wi-SUN vs LoRa vs NB-IoT and derives differences between them.
| Parameters | Wi-SUN | LoRa | NB-IoT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency | < 1 GHz and 2.45 GHz | 863 to 870 MHz, 902 to 928 MHz, 779 to 787 MHz ISM bands Refer LoRa frequency bands >> for more information. |
700MHz, 800MHz, 900MHz, 1700 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz Refer LTE NB-IoT frequency bands >> used in different countries. |
| Data rate | Up to 300 Kbps | 0.3 to 22 Kbps (LoRa modulation) and 100 Kbps (using GFSK) | Up to 60 Kbps in Cat NB1 and up to 158 Kbps in cat NB2 |
| Latency | 0.02 to 1 sec | 1 to 2 sec | 1.4 sec to 10 sec |
| Encryption for Data transmission | AES, HMAC, Certificates | AES, CMAC, Pre-shared secret | LTE data transmission encryption, AES |
| Coverage range | 4 km point to point using 1W output from non-directional antenna | 2-5 Km (urban areas), 15 Km ( suburban areas ) | 1 km (urban), 10 km (rural) |
| Power consumption | 2µA (while at rest), approx. 8mA (during listening), < 14mA at +10dBm (during transmission) | Best at very low data rates, Battery life is extended in PSM or eDRX modes, current consumption is about 2 to 3 µA in PSM mode. | Very low power comsumption and hence extends battery life to 10 years |
| Preferred application | Designed for frequent communication up to 10 seconds | Designed for infrequent communication up to 128 seconds | Designed for infrequent communication up to 600+ seconds |
Conclusion
Wi-SUN, LoRa, and NB-IoT represent different approaches to IoT connectivity, tailored to diverse use cases. Wi-SUN is ideal for smart city infrastructure, LoRa excels in rural and industrial IoT with its long-range capabilities and NB-IoT suits urban cellular IoT applications. Understanding their differences empowers businesses to deploy efficient, cost effective IoT networks that align with their goals.
Difference between Insteon and other technologies
IoT Wireless Technologies
Difference between MQTT and HTTP, REST, DDS, SMQTT and CoAP protocols
Advantages and Disadvantages of other Sensor Types
Advantages and Disadvantages of other wireless technologies
What is Difference between
Difference between SC-FDMA and OFDM
Difference between SISO and MIMO
Difference between TDD and FDD
FDMA vs TDMA vs CDMA
FDM vs TDM
CDMA vs GSM