There are now an estimated 18.8 billion connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices worldwide. Projections indicate growth will continue, with the total number of IoT devices expected to reach around 40 billion by 2030.
Given the concept is growing so rapidly, who knows how many connected devices there will eventually be?
These devices have traditionally run on the same networks and protocols that connect devices like computers or phones to the internet: cellular wireless technologies.
However, distributed IoT devices such as embedded sensors have completely different network requirements than computers or phones. When using the internet, we access large volumes of data at irregular intervals — but remote sensors send small packets of data at regular intervals. Often, these devices will also need to connect in areas away from the traditional infrastructure and a convenient power supply.
So, how do we address the unique network needs of these types of IoT devices?
How do 5G and LPWAN compare for different IoT examples?
Some connected IoT devices enable a transmission rate of up to 3.9 Gbps in the downlink and 1.5 Gbps in the uplink. In these cases, 5G cellular is ideal.
Designed for high-speed, high-capacity and low-latency communication, 5G is suitable for advanced IoT applications that require real-time responsiveness and large data transfers. It supports dense networks of devices, which is critical in urban areas or industrial environments. Typical use cases include smart cities (traffic management and public safety), industrial IoT (automation and robotics) and autonomous vehicles (vehicle-to-everything communication).
However, the majority of sensors or devices connected to the Internet of Things require less than 100 bpm.
Unlike computers or smartphones, many IoT devices, such as embedded sensors, transmit small amounts of data at regular intervals. These devices often operate in remote locations without convenient access to power supplies or traditional communication infrastructure.
LPWAN (Low-Power Wide-Area Network) technologies, such as LoRa or Sigfox, are optimised for long-range communication, low data rates and minimal power consumption. This makes them suitable for IoT sensors and devices that send small data packets at regular intervals, including from remote or battery-powered locations.
Applications include smart home electronics like connected thermostats, asset tracking and smart meters for monitoring utilities.
What is the difference between Sigfox and LoRa?
Sigfox and LoRa-based standards use an unlicensed sub-GHz band (868 MHz in Europe), which has less interference than other protocols. At those frequencies, signals can penetrate obstacles and travel long distances whilst using relatively little power — perfect for IoT devices, which are often constrained by battery life.
Each standard uses a different technique to minimise transmission power whilst maximising range. Sigfox uses the well-known BPSK modulation technique and ultra-narrowband technology to maximise signal penetration. It is suitable for ranges of 3 to 10 kilometres in built-up urban areas or 30 to 50 kilometres in rural locations.
LoRa is very similar to the Sigfox technology but uses spread-spectrum technology to transmit at a variety of frequencies and data rates — allowing the gateway to adapt to changing conditions and optimise the way it exchanges data with each device.
A key benefit of these LPWAN-based technologies is the cost (particularly when you have multiple devices).
Much like with mobile cellular providers, you have to have a licence. However, both technologies have low licensing costs compared to traditional cellular networks, making them cost-effective for large-scale Internet of Things deployments. Unlike with mobile providers, a SIM card is not required.
Which network do IoT sensors use more?
Although LPWAN technologies meet the specific needs of low-power, long-range devices, 5G offers high-speed, high-capacity connectivity.
5G networks can support massive deployments of Internet of Things devices, enabling seamless communication for applications like autonomous vehicles and industrial automation.
However, many IoT sensors and devices — including smart home electronics — still rely on LPWAN for their cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency in low-data, long-distance scenarios. A combination of both technologies ensures robust connectivity across diverse Internet of Things applications.
In fact, these technologies complement each other in many scenarios: 5G supports applications that need high performance, whilst LPWAN handles devices requiring energy efficiency and broad coverage.
LPWAN-enabled facilities at EC Electronics
At EC Electronics, we have vast experience and technical knowledge of working with IoT devices and platforms.
Our facilities in the UK and Romania are LPWAN-enabled, with built-in antennas that allow us to test products on Sigfox or LoRa networks.
Whether you are developing smart electronics for industrial automation or smart home electronics, we have the expertise to bring your ideas to life — integrating these technologies into your products seamlessly through our electronic manufacturing services.
With decades of experience in electronics manufacturing and a deep understanding of the Internet of Things, EC Electronics is your go-to electronics manufacturer for long-range wireless IoT solutions. Whether you need help integrating Sigfox, LoRa or 5G capabilities, we can support you.
Contact us today at +44 (0)1256 461894 or sales@ecelectronics.com to learn how we can help you take full advantage of the latest in IoT devices and smart electronics.
