Abstract

The emergence of low-cost connected devices is enabling a new wave of sensorization services. These services can be highly leveraged in industrial applications. However, the technologies employed so far for managing this kind of system do not fully cover the strict requirements of industrial networks, especially those regarding energy efficiency. In this article a novel paradigm, called Low-Power Wide Area Networking (LP-WAN), is explored. By means of a cellular-type architecture, LP-WAN–based solutions aim at fulfilling the reliability and efficiency challenges posed by long-term industrial networks. Thus, the most prominent LP-WAN solutions are reviewed, identifying and discussing the pros and cons of each of them. The focus is also on examining the current deployment state of these platforms in Spain. Although LP-WAN systems are at early stages of development, they represent a promising alternative for boosting future industrial IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) networks and services.

Highlights

  • Machine-to-Machine (M2M) networks and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) services are two key enabling approaches for future industrial networking [1]

  • Deploying well-structured and -accessible M2M networks will facilitate having a precise control over the production or company’s installations, which could be translated into a smart strategy for saving logistic costs [3]

  • Unlike the afore-reviewed solutions, Dash7 proposes a two-hops tree topology composed by hierarchized devices, namely endpoints, sub-controllers, and gateways. Notice that this topology is similar to the traditional Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) architecture instead of the long-range systems described in this article

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Summary

Introduction

Machine-to-Machine (M2M) networks and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) services are two key enabling approaches for future industrial networking [1]. Having a thorough monitoring system deployed all along the manufacturing and supply chain allows enriching the complete value chain with precious information, minimizing losses against unexpected events, and improving both business processes and the information exchange among stakeholders (Business-to-Business (B2B) networks) [4] In this case, smart metering (water, oil, etc.), goods and facilities monitoring, or smart farming are good examples of areas of activity for M2M/B2B networks. As mentioned previously, lots of industrial applications need to operate discussed one or many of these points are the main weaknesses of traditional operate over vast regions that are unaffordable for those classic WSN solutions. Demanded by these systems make them unsuitable for long-term M2M networks composed by a massive number of devices

Worldwide
Limitations on Existing IIoT Solutions
Short-Range Connectivity
Long-Range Connectivity
LP-WAN Solutions for IIoT Services
Principal
LoRaWAN
Sigfox
Weightless
Other Alternatives
Standardization Bodies’ Efforts
Current Deployment State of LP-WAN Solutions in Spain
Conclusions
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