Physical and Data Link Layers

Deployed on both the connected object and the core of the network, SCHC ensures the compatibility of LPWAN networks (at level 2 "data link") with IP protocols.

Among these LPWAN networks, Acklio addresses LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, LTE-M, and Sigfox more particularly.

1️⃣ Physical Layer

Long Range — A physical layer

LoRa is a proprietary low-power wide-area network modulation technique developed by Semtech from the LoRa Alliance. LoRa enables long-range transmissions with low-power consumption. The technology covers the physical layer, while other technologies and protocols cover the upper layers.

LoRa devices have geolocation capabilities used for trilaterating positions of devices via timestamps from gateways.

2️⃣ Data Link Layer

LoRaWAN

Long Range Wide Area Network — A networking layer

Since LoRa defines the lower physical layer, the upper networking layer is defined by LoRaWAN (among other possible protocols).

LoRaWAN is a cloud-based medium access control (MAC) layer protocol but acts mainly as a network layer for managing communication between LPWAN gateways and end-node devices as a routing protocol.

LoRaWAN defines the communication protocol and system architecture for the network, while the LoRa physical layer enables the long-range communication link.

LoRaWAN is also responsible for managing the communication frequencies, data rate, and power for all devices.

NB-IoT

Narrow Band Internet of Things — A radio standard

NB-IoT is a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) radio technology standard developed by 3GPP for cellular devices and services.

NB-IoT focuses specifically on indoor coverage, low-cost, long battery life, and high connection density. IoT applications which require more frequent communications will be better served by NB-IoT.

LTE-M

Previously LTE-MTC, Long Term Evolution Machine Type Communication — A radio standard

LTE-M is a type of low-power wide-area (LPWAN) radio technology standard developed by 3GPP to enable a wide range of cellular devices and services, specifically for machine-to-machine and IoT applications.

The advantage of LTE-M over NB-IoT is its comparatively higher data rate, mobility, and voice over the network, but it requires more bandwidth.

Sigfox

A radio network for low-power objects

Sigfox is a French global network operator that builds wireless networks to connect low-power objects such as electricity meters and smartwatches. This type of objects emits small amounts of data continuously.

The Sigfox 0G network interconnects low-bandwidth, battery powered devices with low bit rates over long ranges, using radio frequencies to communicate small messages over a very long distance, very quickly.

Wi-Sun

Wireless Smart Utility Network — A large-scale outdoor, radio network

The organization Wi-SUN Alliance drives the adoption of Interoperable Smart Utility Networks, as described by IEEE 802.15.4g, and supports the development of Wireless Communications Networks for Utilities, Smart Cities and IoT.

FAN (Field Area Networks) provide a communication infrastructure for very large-scale outdoor networks.

Unlike LoRaWAN and NB-IoT star networks, Wi-SUn is organized into a wireless mesh. If a connection fails, the mesh will automatically look for a redirect via a different path. Wi-SUN therefore has convincing advantages over other concepts when it comes to networking smart electricity meters or traffic management systems.

Wi-SUN devices can run on network or battery power and communicate with the Internet Protocol IPv6.