If you take a close look, you'll see that the United States is trailing when it comes to the Internet of Things (IoT). Throughout the world, low-power wide area networks (LPWA) are tying cities together using distributed technology.
Recently, a group of serious professionals gathered to learn about and discuss the importance of protocols used to formulate LPWAs. Titled "LoRaWAN Around the World," the panel was held at IoT Evolution Expo 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This discussion featured executives who have built IoT networks outside of the United States. Bryon BeMiller, Director of LoRaWAN at Semtech (a supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms) moderated.
"Today has never been a better day to be involved in IoT, because now we have the ability to solve our customers' problems," BeMiller said. “So far, networks running LoRaWAN protocol are in more than 160 countries, accepting and transferring information among nearly 200 million deployed devices worldwide.”
LoRaWAN networks are built with open-source technology, then layered with security software. "All LoRaWAN networks are public, and all LoRaWAN networks are private," said panelist Lawrence Latham, CEO of Everynet. His company operates the largest neutral-host LPWA networks in the world. (Latham is also a board member of the LoRaWAN Alliance, which promotes the global adoption of LoRaWAN technology.)
The LoRa Alliance describes LoRaWAN as, "a Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA) networking protocol designed to wirelessly connect battery operated ‘things’ to the internet in regional, national or global networks, and targets key IoT requirements such as bi-directional communication, end-to-end security, mobility and localization services."
Panelist Eric Schumer, CEO of IIoT services provider Senzary, told the group that time differences between the location of the network and the location of the tech staff can be an issue. He also cited four more reasons that LPWA networks are difficult to implement: logistics, regulations, frequencies and support.
"They all use different versions of frequencies," he said. He said regulations can differ for each country, too.
Even though LoRaWAN is an agreed-upon protocol for all the world, working outside the United States has added pressures. "Countries change their rules frequently," agreed panelist David Smith, Vice President of IoT Solutions GetWireless, a value-added distributor of cellular solutions that connect IoT. "For most of Africa, for instance, there are no published rules."
Latham explained how his company in particular operates LoRaWAN networks in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, Italy, Spain and Indonesia. "Our most mature market is Brazil," he said. “Brazil has a big problem with auto theft, and the LoRaWAN network is used for vehicle tracking. The network also is used by utility providers to help monitor equipment.”
In England, the LoRaWAN network is used for transmitting data between electrical smart meters and the IT stack, Latham continued. Monitoring meter usage using distributed networking is big business in Europe.
"IoT is all about interoperable sensors working together," Latham said. The implementation of new environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) regulations are driving many of the new applications, as well.”
Smith said U.S.-based companies such as Target and Chevron are front-runners in developing and employing IoT networks in this country. He said railways are especially interested in the technology. “10% of railcars used to never make it to their proper destinations. Now they use LoRa to talk to their vehicles.”
"Supply chain lapses have inhibited growth," Latham said in closing. “Since all the early business came from Europe, it's been difficult changing their ecosystems to target U.S. deployments. That said, adoption is in its early awareness stage. Just letting people know that these networks are here and ready to be used is a huge effort.”
Edited by
Alex Passett
