Choose the Right IoT Technology
Compare LoRaWAN with other connectivity technologies to find the best solution for your specific use case and requirements.
LoRaWAN vs WiFi
Compare range, battery life, data rates, and costs between LoRaWAN and WiFi for IoT deployments.
LoRaWAN Advantages
- ✓ 15km range vs 100m
- ✓ 10+ year battery
- ✓ Thousands of devices
Alternative Advantages
- ✓ 9.6 Gbps data rate
- ✓ Millisecond latency
- ✓ Indoor penetration
Best choice: WiFi for high-bandwidth indoor; LoRaWAN for wide-area, low-power
LoRaWAN vs Cellular
Compare infrastructure costs, power consumption, and coverage between LoRaWAN and cellular IoT (LTE-M, NB-IoT).
LoRaWAN Advantages
- ✓ No monthly fees
- ✓ Private network control
- ✓ Lower device cost
Alternative Advantages
Best choice: Cellular for mobility; LoRaWAN for fixed installations
LoRaWAN vs Zigbee
Compare mesh networking, range, and application suitability between LoRaWAN and Zigbee protocols.
LoRaWAN Advantages
- ✓ 15km range
- ✓ Star topology simplicity
- ✓ Better building penetration
Alternative Advantages
Best choice: Zigbee for home automation; LoRaWAN for large-scale deployments
Wired vs Wireless
Compare installation costs, maintenance, and flexibility between wired sensors and wireless LoRaWAN solutions.
LoRaWAN Advantages
- ✓ 90% lower installation cost
- ✓ Easy relocation
- ✓ No trenching required
Alternative Advantages
Best choice: Wired for fixed, power-hungry; Wireless for flexibility
Quick Technology Summary
| Feature | LoRaWAN | WiFi | Cellular | Zigbee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 15km | 100m | Varies | 100m |
| Battery Life | 10+ years | Days | 1-5 years | 2-5 years |
| Monthly Fees | None | None | $1-10/device | None |
| Data Rate | 0.3-50 kbps | 9.6 Gbps | 1-10 Mbps | 250 kbps |
| Best For | Sensors, meters | Video, office | Mobile assets | Home automation |
Sources: LoRa Alliance technical overview; IEEE 802.11 (Wi‑Fi) specifications; 3GPP NB‑IoT/LTE‑M documentation; Zigbee Alliance cluster specifications. Range and battery figures are typical lab or field values — confirm for your site survey and SKU.