Terminology » IoT » SigFox vs. GSM/CDMA: Technology Comparison

SigFox vs. GSM/CDMA: Technology Comparison

sigfox gsm cdma iot wireless communication

This article explores the key differences between SigFox and GSM (2G)/CDMA (3G) technologies. Let’s dive into a side-by-side comparison of their specifications and applications.

SigFox vs. GSM/CDMA: Key Specifications

The following table highlights the core differences between SigFox and GSM/CDMA based on various technical parameters:

SpecificationsSigFoxGSM(2G)/CDMA(3G)
Operating Frequency433 MHz, 868 MHz (Europe), 915 MHz (USA)850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz (GSM) Band-I to Band-VI (UMTS)
Bandwidth200 KHz200 KHz
Data Rate10 to 1000 bps35 kbps for GSM (GPRS)
Coverage Distance10 to 12 Km (City), 40 to 60 Km (Country)3 Km (City), 30 Km (Countryside)
Frame Size (Payload)12 bytes140 bytes (for SMS)
Latencyms to secondsseconds
Typical UsageLess than 200 bytes/day (min.)About 5 Kbytes/day (max.) 1 SMS/day (140 bytes/day)
ApplicationsTelemetry, alarm, sensing, control, trackingMobile health, alarm status reporting
Unique ApplicationsLow power sensor related applications, direct D2D communication
Link BudgetUp to 170 dBAbout 145 dB

Delving Deeper into the Differences

As you can see, SigFox and GSM cater to fundamentally different use cases. SigFox is designed for low-bandwidth, long-range communication, perfectly suited for applications like:

  • Telemetry: Remotely collecting data from sensors.
  • Alarm Systems: Sending alerts in case of emergencies.
  • Sensing: Monitoring environmental conditions or infrastructure.
  • Control: Remotely operating devices.
  • Tracking: Locating assets or objects.

GSM, on the other hand, provides higher bandwidth and is geared towards applications like:

  • Mobile Health: Remote patient monitoring and data transmission.
  • Alarm Status Reporting: Communicating alarm events.
  • SMS Messaging: Sending and receiving short text messages.

The key takeaway is that SigFox prioritizes power efficiency and wide-area coverage, making it ideal for battery-powered devices deployed over large areas. GSM prioritizes data throughput and is well-suited for applications requiring real-time communication and higher data volumes.