NB-Fi vs LPWAN: Key Differences and Comparison

This article compares NB-Fi with other LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technologies. NB-Fi is itself a type of LPWAN technology. Let’s dive into a comparison table highlighting the key differences.

NB-Fi vs. Other LPWAN Technologies

The following table outlines the comparison between NB-Fi and other LPWAN wireless technologies based on various specifications.

SpecificationsNB-FiLPWAN
Spectrum efficiencyHigherLower
Channels in 50 KHz (500 KHz)1024 (10240)4 (0)
Link budget-174 dBm-161 dBm
Gateway capacity20 Lakh + devices2.5 Lakh devices
Preamble sequence size4 bytes10 to 100 bytes
Battery efficiencyHigherLower
Transceiver cost$5$8

Reference: http://nb-fi.org/en/

Key Takeaways:

  • Spectrum Efficiency: NB-Fi boasts higher spectrum efficiency compared to other LPWAN technologies.
  • Link Budget: NB-Fi has a better link budget (-174 dBm) compared to the -161 dBm of typical LPWAN, indicating better sensitivity and range.
  • Gateway Capacity: NB-Fi gateways can handle significantly more devices (20 Lakh+) compared to other LPWAN (2.5 Lakh).
  • Battery Efficiency: NB-Fi is designed for better battery life.
  • Transceiver Cost: NB-Fi transceivers are generally less expensive.