To communicate, connected objects do not use 3G, 4G or 5G networks but specifically dedicated very low-speed infrastructures. These are the networks (Low Power Wide Area Networks) which can therefore be translated as “long-range extended networks”. Based on the 800-900 MHz frequency band, they effectively offer a significant range while consuming less energy.
There are cellular LPWANs, 5G compatible, such as LTE-M and NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT), and non-cellular networks, with LoRa and Sigfox. Offering higher speeds and lower latency, the former meet real-time constraints but at the expense of energy consumption. As for 5G NR-Light, which is currently being standardized, it will not be marketable before 2024.
Converging Sigfox and LoRa
Conversely, LoRa and Sigfox make it possible to circulate small data packets while preserving the battery life of connected objects, beyond ten years. An ideal compromise for temperature or humidity sensors or weather stations. Although they left after Sigfox, the proponents of LoRa (Long Range) technology seem to have won the race for IoT networks. In full expansion, the LoRa Alliance brings together more than 180 operators around the world.
For its part, Sigfox has had a difficult time. Placed in receivership, the former French flagship of the Internet of Things was taken over, in April 2022, by the Singaporean operator Unabiz. A year later, the new owner of Sigfox 0G technology entered into a partnership with Actility, co-inventor of LoRa technology, to converge the two networks.
As for LoRa, Bouygues Telecom has thrown in the towel. The operator has announced that it will shut down, at the end of 2024, the LoRaWAN network that it markets under the Objenious brand. Conversely, Orange Business announced, during the last Sido exhibition, that it will continue to support the development and deployment of new projects by extending its LoRaWAN network not until 2027 as might have been suggested. an interview with a manager, but beyond this deadline.
Director of IoT & Interactive Solutions at Orange Business, Etienne Robert confirms the historic operator’s interest in LoRa. “ It is the most relevant technology in both static and mobile environments while guaranteeing low energy consumption. It uses the resources of connected sensors as little as possible, which extends the life of their battery “.
Orange’s public LoRaWAN network covers more than 30,000 municipalities and 95% of the French population. This infrastructure can be supplemented by a private network for critical applications but also by nano-gateways which act as mini antennas to ensure indoor coverage, such as in car parks or hangars.
Orange Business has established partnerships to respond to different use cases such as remote reading (Birdz, a subsidiary of Veolia) or waste management (BH Technologies). The ESN has also partnered with Weenat which markets weather stations for farmers or Invoxia which distributes trackers to trace all types of vehicles.
Sarthe and Noisy-le-Grand are banking on LoRaWAN
However, it is in the field of the smart city that the field of application seems most promising. A department served 100% by fiber, Sarthe intends to invest 2.5 million euros for the deployment of a LoRaWAN network. At the helm is Axione, a joint venture between Vauban Infrastructure Partners and Bouygues Énergies & Services.
Four major use cases have been identified. In the field of waste management, connected sensors, integrated into containers, regularly measure the filling rate and transmit the information in order to optimize trash collection routes.
When it comes to water management, sensors measure water flow and monitor the height of water in reservoirs and groundwater. Placed on the meters, they provide remote reading to users. More generally, the LoRaWAN network should make it possible to better manage water consumption in the region and avoid waste.
Other sensors make it possible to remotely control the public lighting system or report possible breakdowns. In order to optimize its energy consumption, a municipality can vary the light intensity according to the desired schedule.
Last use case: building management. The low-speed network will make it possible to monitor electricity consumption, room attendance, security, lighting, hygrometry, temperature or CO2 levels in public or private buildings.
Sarthe is not the only community to be interested in the contributions of this technology. According to The Net JournalNoisy-le-Grand, in Seine-Saint-Denis, intends to deploy its own LoRaWAN network as part of its smart city strategy.