Explore key principles and differences among LPWAN, NB-IoT, and LoRa technologies in wireless IoT connectivity. This quiz helps assess your understanding of communication range, data rates, network topology, and practical use cases in low-power IoT solutions.
Which feature primarily distinguishes LPWAN technologies from other wireless communication protocols in IoT applications?
Explanation: LPWAN technologies are specifically designed for long-range communication combined with low-power consumption, making them ideal for widespread IoT devices. High data speeds and short ranges are characteristic of other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, not LPWAN. Wired networks are not part of LPWAN's scope since it's a wireless communication protocol. Real-time video streaming requires much higher bandwidth than LPWAN provides.
In a smart agriculture scenario with widespread sensors in rural areas, what key advantage does NB-IoT offer?
Explanation: NB-IoT is optimized for broad coverage, especially in rural or remote areas, making it suitable for applications like agriculture. It does not provide high bandwidth for video or support native mesh topologies. Bluetooth connectivity is irrelevant for NB-IoT, which operates on licensed spectrum for larger area coverage.
Which scenario best utilizes LoRa technology's strengths in IoT networks?
Explanation: LoRa is ideal for low-data-rate and battery-friendly applications such as remote environmental monitoring. It is not suited for transferring large files or streaming media due to its limited bandwidth. While LoRa isn't designed as a broadband backup, its long range and low power features make it perfect for sensor applications.
Compared to traditional cellular networks, what is a primary limitation of LPWAN protocols such as LoRa and NB-IoT?
Explanation: LPWAN protocols trade high data rates for ultra-low-power, long-range transmission, which inherently means lower data speeds compared to traditional cellular networks. These protocols are specifically energy-efficient, not energy-intensive, so high energy consumption is incorrect. Their range far exceeds a single building, and many LPWAN solutions are designed with indoor penetration abilities.
How does the typical network topology of LoRaWAN differ from mesh networks often used in other IoT wireless solutions?
Explanation: LoRaWAN primarily uses a star topology, with end devices communicating directly with gateways, which then forward data to the network server. Unlike mesh networks, it does not rely on multiple relay nodes or peer-to-peer links. Point-to-point is not the standard mode for LoRaWAN, and ad hoc peer-to-peer is supported only in specific modes, not as the network backbone.