understanding-long-range-wireless-iot-technologies

In the previous tutorial, we discussed various short-range wireless Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Zigbee Mesh, Z-Wave, Thread, NFC, RFID, and IR. These short-range technologies are useful for setting up Personal Area Networks (PANs), Home Area Networks (HANs), and Local Area Networks (LANs).

These networks often provide high-bandwidth, high-speed connectivity, allowing smart devices to communicate large volumes of data or real-time information with other devices, routers, or hubs.

Beyond short-range technologies, several long-range wireless options are also used in the physical setup of IoT networks and systems. These long-range technologies typically offer lower bandwidth and slower speeds but enable communication across much greater distances. Such networks are used to establish wide area networks or even global IoT systems.

In this article, we’ll explore various long-range wireless IoT technologies, discussing their advantages, limitations, and applications.

Long-range IoT technologies

The prominent long-range wireless IoT technologies are as follows:

WiMAX
LoRaWAN
Sigfox
LTE-M
NB-IoT
Cellular networks
Satellite networks

Let us discuss each of them in more detail

WiMAX

WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. It’s a wireless communication technology designed for long-range broadband connectivity. The technology is suitable for various applications, including IoT deployments in rural or underserved areas.

WiMAX networks can cover distances of 50 to 90 kilometers, encompassing large regions where traditional broadband infrastructure may be unavailable. At such extended ranges, WiMAX can deliver data transmission speeds up to 70 Mbps, supporting bandwidth-intensive applications like video streaming, VoIP, and IoT communication.

It operates in sub-11 GHz frequencies across licensed and unlicensed spectrums and includes Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms to ensure reliable, time-sensitive data transmission, critical for applications, such as smart grids and smart metering. WiMAX supports fixed and mobile deployments, making it one of the most versatile wireless technologies for IoT.

WiMAX provides broadband connectivity over wide areas and can support large-scale, distributed IoT networks. However, compared to LPWAN technologies, such as LoRaWAN or Sigfox, WiMAX consumes significantly more power, making it unsuitable for low-power IoT sensors and other battery-operated devices. It’s also more complex and costly to set up than IoT-specific solutions.

Modern cellular technologies like LTE, NB-IoT, and 5G now offer comparable coverage with greater power efficiency, supported by evolving cellular infrastructure.

Despite these drawbacks and competition from LPWAN and cellular systems, WiMAX remains useful in several high-bandwidth and high-reliability applications. It continues to be employed for rural broadband connectivity, enterprise solutions in sectors such as mining, oil and gas, and construction, as well as for public safety networks, smart grids, and telemedicine.

WiMAX is also used as a backhaul technology for Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile broadband services, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure.

LPWAN

LPWAN refers to a specialized class of wireless technologies designed to set up wide area networks optimized for IoT. These technologies provide long-range connectivity spanning a few to several kilometers while operating at low bit rates and consuming minimal energy. They’re ideal for battery-operated sensors that need to function for years without replacement. LPWAN technologies are especially useful for distributed networks deployed in remote or rural areas.

LPWANs address the unique requirements of IoT devices that transmit small amounts of data infrequently over vast areas while operating on limited power. They bridge the gap between short-range wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and traditional cellular networks. LPWANs offer cost-effective connectivity, long battery life, scalability for massive device deployments, and secure, reliable communication.

The most prominent LPWAN technologies include:

LoRaWAN
Sigfox
LTE-M
NB-IoT

LoRaWAN

LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a network protocol built on LoRa modulation. It uses Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) technology for robust, long-distance wireless communication. It’s a widely adopted IoT technology designed for low-power, long-range, and low-data-rate applications.

Operating mainly in unlicensed frequency bands (sub-GHz, such as 868 MHz in Europe and 915 MHz in North America), LoRaWAN enables battery-powered IoT devices to communicate over distances of up to 15 to 20 km in rural areas and two to five kilometers in urban environments. The current world record for a LoRaWAN transmission is about 1,300 km.

LoRa is highly suitable for battery-powered industrial IoT devices. These devices can run for years on small batteries by using efficient communication protocols, sleep modes, and adaptive data rates. An Adaptive Data Rate (ADR) algorithm optimizes energy consumption and network capacity by adjusting the data rate and RF output power for each end device.

LoRaWAN supports data rates typically ranging from 0.3 to 11 kbps, with a GFSK rate of 50 kbps available in Europe. Maximum payload size varies by region; for instance, in EU863-870, it ranges from 51 bytes at the lowest data rates to 222 bytes at higher ones.

A single LoRaWAN network can connect thousands of devices using a star topology, where devices communicate directly with multiple gateways. Devices are grouped into three classes (A, B, and C) to balance battery use and latency based on communication needs.

Because LoRa operates in unlicensed frequency bands and requires minimal infrastructure, deployment costs are extremely low. LoRaWAN networks are increasingly integrated with 5G systems, complementing high-bandwidth applications with long-range, low-power monitoring. The protocol includes built-in AES-128 encryption for secure, end-to-end data transmission.

One of LoRaWAN’s greatest strengths is its open standard, maintained by the LoRa Alliance. Any organization can deploy and operate a public or private LoRaWAN network, offering flexibility and control while reducing reliance on third-party operators and potentially lowering long-term costs. LoRaWAN is widely used for applications, such as remote sensing, smart cities, smart metering, precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and asset tracking.

Sigfox

Sigfox operates using an ultra-narrowband (UNB) protocol within free ISM frequency bands, including 868 MHz in Europe, 902 MHz in North America, and 920 MHz in South America and Australia/New Zealand. It’s designed for ultra-low power, long-range communication of small data packets, making it ideal for large-scale IoT deployments where devices send occasional short messages.

The uplink payload (device to network) is limited to 12 bytes, while the downlink payload (network to device) is limited to eight bytes. Messages are compact, typically 12 to 24 bytes including metadata. Power consumption is extremely low, allowing devices to operate for five to ten years on small batteries.

Sigfox achieves communication ranges of three to ten kilometers in urban areas and up to 40 km in rural environments, with strong penetration through obstacles. Ituses a distinctive network architecture based on a device-to-cloud communication model, where sensors send data directly to the Sigfox cloud without an intermediate gateway. It’s a managed service, with Sigfox overseeing base stations, network maintenance, and data callbacks to deliver information to user applications.

The network currently spans 65 countries and operates on a subscription model, with pricing based on the number of messages sent and received.

Sigfox functions without connection establishment or signaling overhead, using a star topology where devices communicate directly with multiple base stations. It follows a “Network-as-a-Service” model, eliminating the need for users to manage gateways — unlike LoRaWAN, which supports private network deployments.

Sigfox offers a simple, plug-and-play IoT connectivity solution. A single Sigfox network can support millions of devices with minimal interference thanks to its ultra-narrowband operation and time/frequency diversity techniques. It also excels in battery life and coverage range, requiring minimal infrastructure and cost. However, it offers limited flexibility for private network setups, as its licensed service model centralizes control.

Key applications include logistics and supply chain tracking (such as DHL roll cage tracking), agricultural monitoring, fleet management, remote metering, industrial monitoring, and other low-data-rate sensor uses.

LTE-M

LTE-M (also known as LTE Cat-M1) is a cellular LPWAN technology that provides extended coverage and medium data rates with low power consumption. It operates using existing LTE (4G) infrastructure and is also compatible with 5G networks. Standardized by 3GPP, LTE-M bridges the gap between traditional LTE and IoT by optimizing for battery life, mobility, and cost while leveraging the existing cellular framework.

LTE-M offers higher bandwidth than NB-IoT, with download speeds up to 1 Mbps and latency typically between 10 and 20 milliseconds. This performance makes it suitable for real-time or mission-critical applications as well as larger and more frequent data transfers, including images, VoIP, and video.

The protocol includes Power Saving Mode (PSM) and extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), allowing typical sensors to achieve battery lives exceeding 10 years. LTE-M also offers improved building and underground penetration compared to standard LTE, often extending coverage by 15–20 dB, though at the cost of slightly higher power consumption.

A primary advantage of LTE-M is its strong mobility support, making it ideal for wearables, asset tracking, and logistics. It benefits from cellular-grade security, including encryption, authentication, and integrity protection. LTE-M supports higher data rates and lower latency than NB-IoT and allows device mobility and voice communication, whereas NB-IoT is optimized for stationary, ultra-low-power devices. While LTE-M consumes more power than NB-IoT, it remains far more efficient than standard LTE.

Typical applications include fleet tracking, security alarms, wearable devices, and public safety notification systems.

NB-IoT

NB-IoT is a licensed Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology that operates on existing cellular networks. It was developed by 3GPP to deliver IoT connectivity with long range, low power use, and support for large device densities. It’s designed for IoT applications that require infrequent, low-data communication and long battery life, particularly in challenging coverage areas, such as indoors or underground. NB-IoT evolved from 4G (LTE) and is being integrated into 5G networks.

NB-IoT uses a narrow 180 kHz bandwidth to maximize link budget and coverage, providing roughly 20 dB better range than GSM/GPRS. The protocol supports Power Saving Mode (PSM) and extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), allowing devices to last up to 10 years on battery power. It’s more energy-efficient than LTE-M but supports much lower data rates, with peak downlink speeds around 26 Kbps and uplink rates of 20 or 66 Kbps. Latency ranges between 1.6 and 10 seconds.

One of itsstrongest advantages is a superior indoor and underground penetration. It supports in-band, guard-band, and standalone deployment modes, fitting within existing LTE spectrum or using repurposed bands. However, its global deployment and roaming capabilities remain more limited compared to LTE-M.

NB-IoT devices don’t require a gateway, as they communicate directly with servers through existing mobile infrastructure, though additional components may be needed on cell towers. A network consists of NB-IoT devices, base stations, evolved packet core (EPC) elements, IoT platforms, and application servers. Each cell can support up to 50,000 devices, making it ideal for large-scale IoT deployments in smart cities, utilities, and industrial systems.

It also coexists with 2G, 3G, and LTE networks, allowing gradual integration by operators. However, NB-IoT is primarily designed for fixed devices and doesn’t support cell handover, which makes it unsuitable for mobile use cases.

NB-IoT reduces hardware complexity and cost by using single-antenna half-duplex communication and fewer channels. Its security is ensured through cellular-grade encryption, SIM-based authentication, and VPN tunneling. Its strong indoor and underground coverage, ultra-low power consumption, and operation in licensed spectrum deliver high reliability with minimal interference compared to unlicensed bands.

These traits make it ideal for dense IoT deployments where device longevity and dependable operation in difficult environments matter more than mobility or real-time data. Common applications include smart metering, soil sensors, smart lighting, facility management, environmental monitoring, and waste management.

Cellular networks

Traditional cellular networks, such as GSM (2G), 3G, 4G, and 5G have long supported Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication and continue to play a role in IoT connectivity. They operate by wirelessly transmitting data through extensive infrastructures of cell towers.

Cellular systems support high-bandwidth, real-time applications and offer broad coverage in urban and suburban regions. Because they use existing mobile infrastructure, these networks can be deployed quickly without the need to build new systems. They also feature reliable, continuously updated security protocols and can scale to handle a large number of connected devices.

However, compared to LPWANs, cellular networks consume far more power, making them unsuitable for battery-operated devices. High power draw can be a serious limitation for IoT nodes that transmit small data packets frequently. Connectivity costs can also add up over time due to recurring subscription fees, which can become significant in large-scale deployments. While cellular infrastructure is widespread, it can still experience localized outages or congestion that affect reliability.

Cellular networks are best suited for IoT applications requiring constant data flow, real-time control, or mobility. They’re often used in Industrial IoT (IIoT) systems that demand high bandwidth, as well as for remote sensors and machines needing wide-area coverage. The high-speed, low-latency performance of 5G supports advanced use cases like autonomous vehicles, connected manufacturing, and remote surgery.

As LPWANs take over most low-power, low-data applications, cellular networks have become specialized options for scenarios that need continuous connectivity, real-time response, or large data throughput rather than serving as the default wide-area IoT solution.

Satellite networks

Satellite IoT uses satellites orbiting Earth to connect and exchange data with IoT devices. This technology is essential for extending connectivity to the most remote parts of the planet, including oceans and polar regions, where terrestrial networks are unavailable or impractical.

Different satellite types serve different IoT purposes. LEO satellites are used for real-time applications, such as autonomous vehicle communication and disaster response. They’re also the foundation of global broadband services from constellations like Starlink and OneWeb. MEO satellites are suited for maritime and aviation tracking, where broader coverage is needed and moderate latency is acceptable, and they’re also used in global navigation systems like GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS. GEO satellites are applied in broadcasting and IoT systems where coverage area is more important than latency.

Several technologies extend the capabilities of satellite IoT, including NB-IoT over NTN and Direct-to-Satellite LoRa. NB-IoT over NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks), defined by 3GPP Release 17, expands IoT connectivity through satellite networks, targeting remote and underserved regions where terrestrial coverage is unavailable while improving integration with 5G systems. Direct-to-Satellite LoRa enables IoT devices to communicate straight with satellites, further extending the reach of IoT networks.

Satellite IoT acts as a “last mile” solution for true global coverage. It’s indispensable for applications that demand connectivity in isolated or mobile environments, such as maritime tracking, oil and gas monitoring, and large-scale agriculture in regions without infrastructure. However, it’s not a replacement for terrestrial networks.

Satellite IoT generally experiences higher latency than cellular systems. The initial setup cost is high, requiring satellite launches and ground station development. Ongoing operational expenses are also greater than terrestrial options.

The technology involves hardware complexity and demands precise positioning of large satellite dishes to maintain a clear line of sight. Devices require higher power output to send data across long distances to orbiting satellites. Cybersecurity risks, including distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, add another layer of vulnerability. For these reasons, satellite IoT works best as a complement to terrestrial systems, forming hybrid networks that deliver comprehensive global coverage.

Conclusion

Long-range wireless IoT technologies are essential for achieving broad coverage and supporting distributed systems. The main wireless options for large-scale IoT deployment include WiMAX, LPWANs, cellular networks, and satellite IoT. Among these, LPWANs (such as NB-IoT, LTE-M, LoRaWAN, and Sigfox) are the most widely used.

WiMAX and cellular systems remain relevant for specialized industrial and enterprise uses. Satellite IoT, while emerging as a vital technology for global connectivity, is practical only in hybrid models that complement terrestrial infrastructure. Its use in conventional IoT applications remains limited due to high power requirements, complex hardware, and significant cost.