LTN (Low Throughput Network) Explained

This article compares LTN (Low Throughput Network) with GSM, PMR, Zigbee, and Wireless M-Bus, highlighting the key differences between them. LTN stands for Low Throughput Network.

It’s a type of wide area network (WAN) with different characteristics compared to existing radio access networks (RANs) like GSM and PMR (Private Land Mobile Radio). LTN supports a coverage distance of about 40Km outdoors.

LTN is well-suited for M2M (Machine to Machine Communication) applications due to its low throughput and low latency requirements. It’s ideal for M2M devices that only need to transfer a few bytes of data per day, week, or month.

As shown in the figure, an LTN network consists of LTN end devices (LTN-ED) and LTN access points (LTN-AP). The LTN network can interoperate with cellular networks like GSM via backbone connectivity. A single LTN end device can interface with multiple LTN APs, as illustrated in the figure. The following interfaces are used between various LTN system entities:

• A interface: Between LTN End Point and LTN Access Point
• B interface: Between LTN AP and Back End system
• C interface: Between Back End System and Customer Service Platform

Difference between LTN, GSM, PMR, Zigbee, and Wireless M-Bus

The following table compares LTN (Low Throughput Network) with existing cellular and personal area network technologies. It highlights the differences between LTN, GSM, PMR (Private Land Mobile Radio), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and Wireless M-Bus.

Security, authentication, and cyphering are supported in all the mentioned wireless technologies.