Related Products: 

  • LoRaWAN Gateways 
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  • GPS IoT Trackers/Devices 
  • GPS IoT – Cloud, Server, PC & Mobile  
  • GPS IoT Tracking Accessories 
  • GPS IoT Tracking Resources 

 

LoRaWAN vs. GPS IoT: A Comprehensive Comparison

As IoT technology continues to evolve, different communication systems play crucial roles in various applications. Among the most prominent are LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) and GPS IoT. While they share a role in connecting devices, they operate based on distinct principles and offer different benefits. This comparison explores how each technology works, their ideal applications, and the regulatory requirements they must meet.

 

Working Principles: Frequencies, Modulation Techniques, and Communication Protocols

LoRaWAN

Operates on unlicensed sub-GHz frequencies, typically 868 MHz in Europe and 915 MHz in North America, and employs Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation. This modulation technique allows for long-range communications while maintaining low power consumption, which is a critical factor for IoT applications where devices must remain operational for extended periods without frequent battery replacement. LoRaWAN follows a star-of-stars topology, wherein end devices communicate with gateways that relay data to network servers, enabling low-data-rate, long-range transmissions.

 

GPS IoT

In contrast, leverages Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites to determine the precise location of a device. This positioning data is then transmitted over various communication networks, often Cellular IoT or Wi-Fi. GPS works by receiving signals from multiple satellites and calculating the device’s location using trilateration. GPS IoT systems often use complementary communication protocols to transmit this location data, making GPS more suited for tracking and geolocation services.

 

Work Conditions and Environments Best Suited for Each Technology

LoRaWAN

Excels in environments where long-range, low-power communications are essential. It is ideal for large-scale deployments in remote or industrial environments. For instance, it has been used extensively in smart agriculture, where sensors monitor soil moisture, temperature, and crop health across vast fields. LoRaWAN is also used in utility metering, such as for water or gas meters in rural areas where cellular coverage may be inconsistent or unavailable.

 

GPS IoT

By contrast, is designed for applications requiring accurate real-time location tracking. It is best suited for outdoor environments with clear satellite visibility. This technology is commonly found in vehicle tracking systems, enabling logistics companies to monitor their fleet’s real-time locations. GPS IoT is also ideal for personal tracking devices or wearable technology, where user mobility and precise location data are critical.

 

Benefits or Strengths of Each Technology

LoRaWAN

Offers several strengths:

  • Low Power Consumption: LoRaWAN is optimized for low-power applications, allowing devices to function for years on a single battery. This is critical for use cases like remote monitoring and sensor networks.
  • Long Range: With the ability to communicate over distances of up to 15 kilometers in rural areas, LoRaWAN is well-suited for large geographical deployments like smart agriculture and environmental monitoring.

 

GPS IoT

Brings different advantages:

  • High Precision Location Tracking: GPS provides accurate geolocation data, often within a few meters. This makes it the go-to technology for applications such as fleet management and personal tracking.
  • Global Coverage: Since GPS relies on satellite networks, it offers nearly global coverage, making it an indispensable tool for navigation, asset tracking, and location-based services.

 

Benefits of Using LoRaWAN and GPS IoT Together

In certain IoT applications, combining LoRaWAN and GPS IoT can yield powerful results. For instance, in asset tracking, GPS can provide precise real-time location data, while LoRaWAN can be used to transmit that data over long distances with minimal power consumption. This hybrid approach is particularly useful in remote logistics, where assets like shipping containers or vehicles need to be tracked over vast areas with limited cellular coverage. The low-power nature of LoRaWAN ensures long-lasting device operation, while GPS provides the precise geolocation data.

 

Technology Standards

LoRaWAN

Operates according to standards set by the LoRa Alliance, which defines the protocols for device communication and network implementation. Compliance with these standards ensures that devices can communicate effectively across regions and frequencies. It also ensures interoperability among devices and networks that adopt LoRaWAN.

 

GPS IoT

Is governed by global standards related to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). GPS is just one of the GNSS systems, which also includes Galileo (Europe), GLONASS (Russia), and BeiDou (China). GPS IoT devices often incorporate additional communication protocols, such as 3G, 4G, or 5G, depending on how they transmit geolocation data.

 

International Government Standards and Regulations

LoRaWAN is subject to regional frequency regulations. In Europe, for example, LoRaWAN devices must comply with the rules set by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), which controls the use of the 868 MHz frequency band. In North America, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) governs the 915 MHz band used by LoRaWAN devices.

GPS IoT must comply with the regulations set by international bodies like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which governs global radio spectrum allocation. Additionally, GPS devices must adhere to GNSS standards, ensuring that they work across different satellite positioning systems.

 

U.S. Government Standards and Regulations

LoRaWAN in the U.S. operates under the regulations of the FCC, specifically under Part 15 rules governing the use of unlicensed frequency bands. Devices must comply with these regulations to ensure they do not interfere with other communications or cause harmful interference.

GPS IoT in the U.S. is also regulated by the FCC, primarily in terms of how it transmits data, especially when paired with cellular or Wi-Fi technologies. Additionally, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) plays a role in ensuring that GPS systems are protected from interference, particularly from other radio frequency technologies.

 

Canadian Government Standards and Regulations

LoRaWAN devices in Canada must comply with the regulations set by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), which oversees the use of unlicensed spectrum, including the 915 MHz band for LoRaWAN operations. ISED ensures that these devices meet the necessary technical standards to operate efficiently without causing interference.

GPS IoT in Canada follows similar regulatory standards as in the U.S., with ISED playing a key role in managing spectrum allocation and ensuring compliance with GNSS regulations. Canadian GPS IoT devices are subject to rigorous testing to ensure they meet national standards for performance and reliability.

 

GAO Case Studies

  • Agriculture Monitoring in Kansas, USA – A farming operation integrated LoRaWAN sensors across its fields to monitor soil conditions. GPS IoT was employed to track the movement of equipment and vehicles, ensuring optimized operations and improved yield efficiency.
  • Logistics in Los Angeles, USA – A logistics company utilized GPS IoT to track its fleet of delivery vehicles. LoRaWAN was used in warehouses for asset tracking, helping to streamline inventory management and reduce operational costs.
  • Wildlife Tracking in Colorado, USA – A wildlife conservation project used GPS IoT to track animals’ migration patterns over long distances. LoRaWAN sensors were deployed in remote areas to monitor environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
  • Public Transportation in New York City, USA – GPS IoT enabled real-time location tracking of buses, while LoRaWAN sensors monitored air quality and temperature inside the vehicles. This combination improved the efficiency of public transportation services and ensured passenger comfort.
  • Smart City Infrastructure in San Francisco, USA – LoRaWAN sensors were installed to monitor street lighting and air quality across the city. GPS IoT was used for precise location tracking of city vehicles, including waste management trucks, optimizing route efficiency.
  • Asset Tracking in Toronto, Canada – A construction company deployed LoRaWAN to monitor equipment status and GPS IoT to track the exact location of heavy machinery across various job sites. This combination helped reduce downtime and improved project management.

 

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