Much like the Internet of Things (IoT), low power, wide area networks (LPWANs) have been around in some form or fashion for the past couple of decades. But with recent advancements, LPWANs have entered new markets with a host of applications making them one of the faster growing connectivity options out there for IoT.

LPWANs rely on radio frequencies to transmit small packets of information between devices more efficiently and at a lower cost than other forms of connectivity (satellite, cellular, Wi-Fi). As the number of connected devices continue to grow, companies are looking for versatile and efficient methods of deploying device networks, and LPWANs are delivering. (Read this blog from Leverege for a simple explanation of LPWANs VS other networks for IoT solutions).

As more companies are relying on these networks due to their flexibility and cost/energy efficiency, mobile network operators (MNOs), such as AT&T, have taken greater steps to provide similar forms of cellular connectivity, NB-IoT. NB-IoT is a LPWAN, but one that uses cellular frequencies and is specifically designed for IoT solutions unlike traditional cellular networks. We’re still waiting to see how NB-IoT and mobile IoT networks will compare to more established LPWANs, and how they will all stack up compared to 5G networks once coverage finally becomes widely available.

One of the best resources for what’s what in LPWANs would be the upcoming LWPAN Americas 2017 conference in San Jose next month. December 5th & 6th, we are going out West, and are proud to partner with Avren Events to share the latest and greatest in LWPAN. There’s still time to register here: http://bit.ly/2yxlb2x.

Be sure to check our VP Kurt Kelley’s panel discussion on Cellular V.S. Non-Cellular LPWANs to better understand which applications are most appropriate for which IoT solution, and what the benefits are. Our Advisor Sara Brown and her team from MultiTech Solutions will be there as well, representing and showcasing how MultiTech and the LoRa Alliance work together in order to provide dynamic and effective LPWAN solutions for customers. Stop by and pick their brains about all things IoT and LPWAN while you’re there. (Get the full agenda here: http://bit.ly/2jlXx6p).

Source Image: Computer Weekly