Both are low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) technologies used for connecting Internet of Things (IoT) devices, but they have different technical architectures, protocols, and operating characteristics.
Difference between LoRaWAN & Sigfox
LoRaWAN = device to device, Sigfox = device to cloud
LoRaWAN signal is used between LoRaWAN devices only. E.g. LoRaWAN sensor sends data to LoRaWAN gateway.
Sigfox signal is used between Sigfox devices and Sigfox cloud. E.g. Sigfox sensor sends data to Sigfox cloud.
Characteristics of LoRaWAN
- Must have a gateway to get data from sensors
- Gateway acts as an intermediary to send data online
- LoRaWAN is an open standard and managed by LoRa Alliance
Characteristics of Sigfox
- Does not need a gateway as sensors sends data online directly
- Might need a signal booster in location where Sigfox signal is poor
- Sigfox is owned by UnaBiz
NB-IoT versus Sigfox
An alternate device-to-cloud technology is NB-IoT
Characteristics of NB-IoT / LTE-CATM1 / LTE-CAT1
- Does not need a gateway as sensors sends data online directly
- Signal coverage is dependent on the local Telco companies
- NB-IoT is an open standard developed by 3GPP
IoT Applications
Food Storage
Medical Storage
IT Equipment
Server room temperature & humidity monitoring