LTE (News - Alert)-M (Long-Term Evolution for Machines) and LoRa (Long Range) are both LPWAN (Low-Power Wide-Area Network) technologies used to connect IoT devices and sensors to the Internet.
A quick burst of info, as a refresher:
LTE-M’s optimization for IoT offers low-power consumption and longer battery life, as well as higher data speeds and network capacity, lower costs and wider geographical coverage. (That last part about coverage makes it an especially ideal choice for IoT’s widespread applications, as hundreds of IoT operators who have deployed LTE-M and NB-IoT networks already know.)
LoRa is a smidge different; it’s a proprietary technology that uses license-free sub-gigahertz frequency band to enable low-power, long-range transmissions. (LoRa is even able to achieve these communications in challenging urban environments) With that in mind, LoRa is also well-suited for IoT needs, especially ones requiring lower data rates and longer battery life.
The long story short? Both reliably meet IoT devices’ connectivity needs.
Enter Monogoto and RAKwireless. The former is a cloud-based software solutions provider for connecting, managing, and securing cellular IoT. The latter is a gateways, sensors, kits and accessories provider for businesses looking to turn IoT ideas into reality.
And, as of the new year, Monogoto and RAKwireless have announced their partnership.
Through this joint venture, the two companies will be better equipped to help IoT innovators by adding Private LoRa connectivity to Public Cellular LTE-M and NB-IoT. To clarify, with this now-integrated solution, developers in IoT spaces can add LoRa to new or existing LTE-M and NB-IoT products. Gateways can also be seamlessly deployed, allowing nearby devices to connect with ease.
So, gateways from RAKwireless. Public cellular IoT connectivity from Monogoto’s global network.
“We’re very excited about this partnership,” said Ken Yu, CEO of RAKwireless. “It will allow us to provide stronger connectivity leveraging public cellular on top of our LoRaWAN modules and gateways, both globally and regionally.”