Will Lora replace 4G LTE in IoT
LoRa (Long
Range) and 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) are both used in the Internet of Things
(IoT) space, but they cater to different requirements and use cases. Whether
LoRa will replace 4G LTE in IoT depends on the specific needs of the IoT
application. Here are some key considerations:
Range and Power Consumption:
LoRa: LoRa is known for its long-range
capabilities and low power consumption. It is suitable for applications where
devices are spread out over a wide area and need to communicate over long
distances with minimal power usage.
4G LTE: LTE is designed for higher data rates and is well-suited for applications that require faster communication speeds. However, LTE may consume more power compared to LoRa.
Data Rate:
LoRa:
Offers relatively low data rates suitable for applications with sporadic and
small data transmission requirements, such as sensor readings and status
updates.
4G LTE: Provides higher data rates, making it suitable for applications with more frequent and data-intensive communication needs.
Infrastructure
and Cost:
LoRa:
Typically has a lower infrastructure cost, making it a cost-effective choice
for large-scale deployments where devices are spread out over a wide area.
4G LTE: Requires more extensive infrastructure and may involve higher costs, but it offers faster and more reliable connectivity.
Application Requirements:
LoRa:
Commonly used in scenarios like agriculture, smart cities, and industrial IoT
where long-range communication and low power consumption are critical.
4G LTE: Preferred for applications requiring higher bandwidth, mobility support, and faster data transfer, such as connected vehicles or video surveillance.
Conclusions
In many cases, these
technologies can complement each other within an IoT ecosystem. Hybrid
solutions that leverage both LoRa for low-power, long-range communication and
4G LTE for higher bandwidth and mobility are not uncommon.
Ultimately, the choice between LoRa and 4G LTE in IoT depends on the specific needs and priorities of the application, including factors such as range, data rate, power consumption, and cost.
The
following is a list of top 10 countries/territories by 4G LTE coverage as
measured by OpenSignal.com in February/March 2019:
The LoRa Alliance is an open, non-profit association whose stated mission is to support and promote the global adoption of the LoRaWAN standard for massively scaled IoT deployments, as well as deployments in remote or hard-to-reach locations.