NB-IoT和LoRa的角逐再次打响,这次的"战场"是在天上

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolution and current state of Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies, particularly focusing on the competition between the 3GPP and LoRa camps in the context of satellite Internet of Things (IoT) [1][13] - It highlights the emergence of satellite communication as a significant area for IoT, providing connectivity solutions in previously underserved regions [1][13] Group 1: LoRa Camp Developments - The LoRa camp has been exploring the application of LoRa technology for satellite IoT since 2018, achieving successful signal capture from low Earth orbit satellites [2] - In February 2022, the LoRa Alliance announced support for LR-FHSS (Long Range Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum), enhancing network capacity and interference resistance [2] - By 2024, three members of the LoRa Alliance have begun commercializing NTN LoRaWAN, with Lacuna Space leading the way in providing satellite IoT services [4] Group 2: 3GPP Camp Developments - The 3GPP camp has been actively working on NTN standards, with significant progress made in various phases, including R15, R16, and R17, which laid the groundwork for NTN deployment and integration with 5G [7][8] - The R17 phase marked substantial advancements, with the formal initiation of NTN specification development, focusing on both broadband access and narrowband IoT scenarios [8] - By 2024, several satellite operators have embraced 3GPP standards, indicating a growing support base for NTN solutions [9] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Challenges - The satellite IoT market is projected to reach $1 billion by 2026, but the limited number of connections (0.1% of total IoT connections) suggests a crowded competitive landscape [12] - Challenges for NTN LoRaWAN include interference issues due to operating in unlicensed ISM bands, necessitating efforts to achieve interoperability between licensed and unlicensed frequency bands [6] - The article emphasizes the potential for innovation in satellite IoT services, driven by the unique data and applications that can be developed from satellite connectivity [13]