NB-IoT and LoRA connectivity analysis for M2M/IoT smart grids applications

The evolution of the new M2M/IoT paradigm suggests new applications in several fields. However, the unique characteristics of M2M communications pose different challenges in terms of connectivity and capacity with respect to the conventional telecommunications networks. In particular, the harmful locations where IoT devices could be deployed and the massive number of the devices to be connected require a different approach with respect the traditional wireless communication. In this paper, we analyzed two different technologies expressly devoted the M2M communication: the Long Term Evolution (LTE) based solution, NB-IoT (Narrow Band — Internet of Things), and the LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) based solution, LoRa (Low Range). The analysis has been provided taking into account different propagation scenarios and geographical information of the real MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) sites operating in the territory under test. The aim of this work is to check wireless access method of both cellular and proprietary technologies for the novel IoT Smart Grid applications requirements.