LPWAN: long-range communication when others fail
As globalization continues to grow, long-distance data transmission has become a necessary condition for the functioning of the economy. However, this process is accompanied by a number of difficulties, such as poor signal quality or loss, lack of a constant power source, and high costs. Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) technology aims to solve these problems through an innovative solution for communication with remote objects without the need for infrastructure.
1. Challenges of long-distance data transmission
Every day, our world becomes more connected and saturated with information. However, cheap and reliable long-distance data transmission remains a challenge for engineers and users of their technologies.
Firstly, the volume of transmitted data is growing exponentially, making it increasingly difficult to rely on the stability and security of traditional technologies. Secondly, physical barriers such as buildings or terrain create interference, weaken signals, and introduce distortion when interpreting transmitted information. If you have alternative communication channels, this problem can be solved. However, in some cases, such errors can become critical not only for business processes but also for the safety of people and the environment, such as in the oil and gas industry.
In such cases, there is a need for a reliable and simple technology that can transmit data over long distances and guarantee their accuracy. One of the key solutions for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in recent years has been Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN).
2. Drawbacks of traditional technologies
Before the emergence of LPWAN technology, various methods were used to transmit data over long distances, such as cellular networks (GSM), satellite communication, and Wi-Fi. However, each of these methods has its drawbacks.
Cellular networks, while providing high data transmission speeds, require high energy consumption. Additionally, when a large number of devices are connected, network congestion becomes a problem, which is unacceptable when exchanging data with critical infrastructure objects. Satellite communication allows for coverage over large areas, but signal delay and high cost also limit its widespread use. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, is a relatively inexpensive and convenient technology. However, its limited range requires devices to be in close proximity to access points, which does not solve the problem of long-distance data transmission, especially without the necessary engineering networks and other infrastructure.
3. Benefits of LPWAN
Slower Speed - More Energy
One unique characteristic of LPWAN is its low data transmission speed. However, this is not a disadvantage but rather an advantage. Slow data transmission allows for more energy to be used for each bit of information, increasing communication reliability by allowing the receiving part of the system to separate the necessary data from the background noise.
Longer Range
LPWAN technology allows for radio signal transmission distances of up to 45 km, which is significantly greater than telemetry technologies like BigZee and GPRS.
Fewer Obstacles
LPWAN technology is based on using radio signals with high penetration capability. Narrowband radio waves with high energy, in the 868MHz range, can overcome obstacles such as building walls or forest areas, providing reliable communication even in challenging conditions.
Low Power Consumption and Autonomy
LPWAN devices are designed with a focus on minimizing energy consumption by transmitting small data packets. This allows them to operate for extended periods on a single charge, which is particularly important for remote objects.
Device autonomy provides flexibility, convenience in management, and maintenance. This is especially crucial for exchanging data with expensive and potentially dangerous equipment - you can receive information about system performance, anticipate failures, and make necessary changes to technological processes quickly and remotely.
Independence and Scalability
LPWAN networks often use a "star" topology, where each device interacts directly with the base station. The principle is similar to the organization of mobile communication networks, providing a simple and stable connection with independent transmitters. This topology also allows engineers to quickly and conveniently organize the network and easily scale it if necessary, without unnecessary costs.
4. Applications of LPWAN
o Agriculture
LPWAN technology allows agricultural producers to monitor and control various parameters, from soil moisture control to livestock monitoring. Thanks to its low cost and long service life, LPWAN ensures precise data collection and analysis, helping farmers make important decisions to maintain global food security.
o Urban Infrastructure and Smart Cities
Here, LPWAN is used to monitor the operation of public infrastructure, from traffic lights and garbage containers to traffic management systems. Effective data collection about the condition of these objects allows city authorities to manage resources rationally and create a comfortable environment for residents.
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o Energy
LPWAN is actively being implemented in the energy sector, monitoring electricity consumption, detecting gas leaks, and monitoring the operation of solar panels and wind turbines.
o Healthcare
In medical technology, LPWAN is used to monitor the condition of patients at home and transmit test results through smart sensors. With their help, doctors can monitor patients with chronic illnesses in real-time, conduct more accurate diagnostic tests, and make decisions about prompt intervention.
o Industrial
Tracking equipment parameters, monitoring temperature, humidity, and vibration, as well as remote control and diagnostics, have become more accessible thanks to LPWAN. Modern industrial enterprises use this data to prevent failures and malfunctions, increase equipment productivity, and prolong its service life.
5. Why LPWAN is the Choice of the Oil and Gas Industry
Remote Equipment Monitoring
In the oil and gas industry, it is essential to constantly monitor the condition of equipment at remote sites such as wells and pipelines. LPWAN technology allows for efficient monitoring of equipment parameters, optimizing maintenance processes, and preventing accidents.
Low power consumption enables the organization of a monitoring system to operate autonomously for up to 10 years, reducing the presence of people at hard-to-reach or hazardous sites and optimizing business expenses on equipment maintenance.
Environmental Monitoring
The oil and gas industry can have a negative impact on the environment, leading to significant reputational and financial costs for businesses. LPWAN allows for the deployment of sensor networks to monitor air, water, and soil pollution levels, enabling quick responses to environmental issues and minimizing their impact.
Resource Management
Optimizing the use of resources is an important task in the oil and gas industry. By using LPWAN, data on energy, water, or raw material consumption can be collected, allowing for more efficient planning and utilization.
Security
Objects in the oil and gas industry are of critical importance to society and pose a higher level of risk, making constant qualified security a necessity. LPWAN enables the creation of surveillance and perimeter monitoring systems for facilities and infrastructure, providing automatic access control and a quick response to incidents. Additionally, built-in encoding and encryption mechanisms ensure a high level of data protection transmitted through LPWAN technology.
6.Furthermore, LPWAN can also address the following challenges:
- Poor or no GSM connectivity at industrial sites, making LPWAN a favorable solution.
- Lack of power supply for sensors and meters at your site.
- Heterogeneous data acquisition interfaces from measurement devices and automation controllers.
- Desire to save on costly installation of wired lines for connecting measurement devices.
At ROSSMA, we understand how quality, reliable, cost-effective, and secure communication can help industrial businesses improve their efficiency and profitability. Our engineering company not only develops and manufactures equipment and software for the IoT and IIoT market but also possesses unique expertise in LPWAN solutions such as "smart pipelines," "digital wells," "digital drilling," "smart utilities," and more.
To learn more about our research, patents, implemented projects, and to get in touch with ROSSMA experts for comprehensive solutions to your challenges, please visit our website at https://rossma.ru/en.
ROSSMA - providing autonomous wireless solutions for remote data collection and management.