HYBRID APPROACH TO COMBINING NB-IOT WITH LORA

DOI 10.31673/2412-4338.2025.029573

Abstract

Abstract: This work is dedicated to the comparative analysis of radio technologies for the Internet of Things (IoT) networks with the aim of identifying optimal solutions for ensuring reliable, energy-efficient, and scalable communication between devices. Since IoT technologies are used for data collection and exchange in dynamically changing networks, an important aspect is their ability to adapt to various environmental conditions and provide stable operation under resource constraints. The work examines the main wireless radio technologies used in IoT systems, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, Z-Wave, LoRa, Sigfox, and NB-IoT. For each of these technologies, an analysis is performed of characteristics such as range and data transfer speed, energy efficiency, bandwidth, as well as the cost of deployment and infrastructure maintenance.

One of the key aspects is the comparison of these technologies in the context of their application in different IoT scenarios, such as urban and remote areas, as well as specific needs within critical infrastructures. Special attention is given to the potential integration of technologies like NB-IoT and LoRa within a hybrid approach, which combines the benefits of stable mobile connectivity and high energy efficiency. Such integration opens up opportunities for the development of multi-protocol solutions that ensure more efficient and reliable data transmission in low coverage-density conditions, particularly in rural and remote areas where traditional mobile networks cannot provide the necessary coverage.

The results of this research will contribute to the formulation of recommendations for the practical implementation of IoT systems, enhancing their performance and reliability, which can have significant potential for application in smart cities, industry, agriculture, and healthcare. The development of hybrid IoT networks, utilizing multiple different radio technologies, allows for a balance between cost-efficiency, device autonomy, and service quality, which could be key to the successful development of the Internet of Things in the future.

Keywords: Internet of Things, IoT, comparative analysis, radio technologies, hybrid architecture, LPWAN, WPAN, energy efficiency, NB-IoT, LoRa, IoT networks.