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Orange IoT and LPWA Connectivity White Paper-EN-2018

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Orange Dev
Orange Dev

(1) LoRaWAN and LTE-M are low-power wide-area (LPWA) network technologies that are well-suited for connecting IoT devices that require long range connectivity while minimizing power consumption. (2) LoRaWAN uses license-free spectrum for connectivity solutions that are low-power, low-cost, and provide wide-area coverage for non-critical applications. (3) LTE-M uses licensed cellular spectrum and provides more capabilities like higher speeds, support for mobility and voice, and global roaming, making it suitable for applications requiring real-time connectivity.

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IoT and LPWA connectivity
2 The Internet of Things is transforming the lives of businesses and individuals Why IoT-specific connectivity solutions? Because devices that form part of the IoT generally require low-power connecti- vity and because they only need low transfer speeds. They are also likely to be found in places that are not covered by tradi- tional networks, such as underground locations or wild areas. These specific requirements have resulted in the development of Low Power Wide Area technologies (offering low speeds but long ranges). This document is intended to be used to share our convic- tions, helping all stakeholders involved in developing the IoT to make the right choices. From connected cars to water meters, from watches to industry 4.0, the diverse range of situations in which the IoT is used highlights the wide spectrum of requirements in terms of connectivity: Real-time mobile connectivity using standards that are optimised for transferring IoT data, ranging from narrowband to broadband speeds, and that can also carry voice data for scenarios linked to living areas. Low Power Wide Area connectivity for use cases that are non-critical but require wide-area coverage in order to contact hard-to-reach devices, such as those located inside a building. What is LPWA? LPWA is a generic name for the lower segment of the IoT market that requires connectivity that is: Low Power (to optimise battery life) Low Cost (to enable mass roll-out of IoT devices at a low cost) Wide Area ou Long Range (for use in hard-to-reach areas) Low Data (for small packs subsequently processed through a big data platform) Every innovation must be of use to individuals, the planet and society in order for it to be meaningful. Every technology must be accessible to the many in order for progress to be achieved. Our vision and our commitment are intended to help build an active and profitable ecosystem based on the Internet of Things through open innovation with our various partners. An IoT revolution that brings about progress Battery life Range Cellular LPWA: LoRaWAN,LTE-M, NB.IOT BLE, Z-Wave, W-Mbus WIFI Our aim? To connect objects together and make them into smart devices by working with our partners to create services that allow cities to save energy, make homes and cars safer, and make bu- sinesses more efficient.
3 What connectivity solutions exist for IoT devices? New IoT segments: the emergence of LPWA connectivity requirements License-free LPWA: radio networks dedicated to LPWA that operate on a license-free or shared spectrum, such as LoRa® , Sigfox, Ingenu, N-Wave and Qovisio. LPWA via licensed frequency bands or Mobile IoT: the next step in mobile networks operating on licensed spectra, opti- mised for IoT/LPWA use cases: LTE-M, NB-IoT, EC-GSM-IoT. Low Power Wide Area technology provides a way of connecting sensors, trackers and geolocation beacons used in smart cities, industry 4.0 and logistics. As a result, its spread will play a crucial role in the development of the Internet of Things. There is no single universal LPWA solution; instead, there are two different technical approaches, each with their own set of benefits. For many years, we have provided IoT and M2M services, building on 3GPP mobile networks (primarily GSM for a decade, before switching to 3G, then 4G). We have expanded our M2M/IoT service offering across the entire globe, and we have developed a range of M2M services built on an internal platform or via partnerships such as with the Global M2M Association. We now connect 14 million objects using a range of technologies. Technologies Use cases Features 4G+ External powering, Mbps throughput, Low latency, High mobility Connected cars (infotainment) Wifi on board Video monitoring 2G/3G/4G Rechargeable battery, Kbps throughput, Real time transaction Health (patient monitoring) Security Payment Connected cars (telemetry) Gateway for smart metering Werables Sensitive devices tracking LPWA Low power, Low cost, Long range Smart building Smart agriculture (with extended coverage) Sensors, smart meters, smart cities Insensitive devices tracking Smart home, e-health (wellness) Smart plant Mobile IoT
4 LoRa®  : a long-range, affordable and energy- efficient technology License-free LPWA networks are an alternative to cellular networks for long-range and very energy-efficient transmission of small packets of data from battery-powered sensors or devices. Our experience has proven that it is possible to roll out, optimise and maintain a large license-free LPWA network as part of a delay-tolerant IoT service offering. We chose LoRa® , a new IoT/LPWA network. Choosing an LPWA network technology for a specific use case is based on criteria that are not solely linked to technical performance. The reality of an open ecosystem with stable specifications ensures, for example, that it is adopted by key vertical sectors. Some of these sectors, such as public service equipment, have a time horizon of 10 to 15 years, so it is important to ensure that the technical side is covered over a long period. Other license-free LPWA solutions, such as Sigfox, Qovisio and Ingenu, offer interesting technical characteristics. Howe- ver, out of all of the options available on the market, we prefer open and interoperable technologies such as LoRa® in order to enable an IoT ecosystem to develop quickly. LoRa® , an open and growing ecosystem A ‘Design to Cost’ approach Principles resulting from using the shared band We have joined the LoRa® Alliance, which includes other major mobile operators, manufacturers of electronic devices and computer equipment suppliers among its 400 members. Joining the alliance allows us to open up to a number of vertical IoT sectors. Because of this, LoRa® networks have been opened in more than 41 countries, and 67 public roll-outs had been announced in January 2018. In Europe, this is primarily the 868 MHz SRD band. Power emitted by the device limited to 500 MW/14 dBm Duty cycle of 0.1%, 1% or 10%, which means that the device is limited to short transmissions Asynchronous solution: the device transmits and receives data at different times Sub-channels of 125 kHz maximum LoRa® has been designed to be easy to implement. In practical terms, the basic characteristics of mobile systems that are not considered essential to LPWA technology have not been included: no cell connection procedure, no resource allocation, and no mobility management.
5 LoRa® was created through a combination of using a shared spectrum and taking a simplified design approach. Like most other license-free LPWA solutions, it is not designed to transmit data in situations in which there is a need for high probability of the packets arriving. The system is asynchronous, and read receipts, which result in delays and further energy consumption, are limited. The system’s overall rate is achieved by repeating packets and limiting read receipts and the use of downlinks to a minimum. The technology is not suited to high-speed mobility. However, LoRa® can be used in low-speed mobile environments by sending packets to several gateways to take advantage of uplink macrodiversity. Ideal for delay-tolerant applications that are uplink- oriented License-free LoRa® modules are already available for under $5, and the cost is set to fall further to $2-3 in 2020. However, price changes will depend on the level of adoption by the market. The RF simplicity of LoRa® technology – as with Sigfox – could be improved by including other short-range communications systems on chips. In addition, simple LoRa® sensors with limited functionality (Nano-tag) were announced at the end of 2017. What does it cost? We firmly believe that LoRa® WAN technology is currently the best solution for applications that: Are non-critical and de- lay-tolerant Are mainly uplink-oriented Generate low traffic (restric- tion on duty cycle) Are battery-powered Require a low-cost sensor A quick guide to LoRa® LoRa® requires small gateways fitted with a new antenna to be rolled out. These gateways are relatively simple, and coupled with their limited needs in terms of WAN backhaul speed, this means that they can be rolled out in a quick and flexible way at tall sites, and with the use of pico-cells, at industrial sites and tertiary buildings for indoor coverage. Flexibility for LPWA roll-out Energy consumption is a key aspect when choosing an LPWA solution. Let’s use the case of a daily 50-byte report in normal conditions and in underground conditions: Normal coverage (SF 7): Capacity requirements/year: 13 mAh & Extended coverage (SF 12): Capa- city requirements/year: 45 mAh & In both cases: Current in Standby mode <1.5 µA (3-5 times less than current Mobile IoT solutions) Low energy consumption LoRa technology’s uplink macro- diversity has been used to support geolocation based on the principle of time difference on arrival (TDOA). By combining the timestamps and triangulation within the receiver, it is possible to calculate the location of a device without any additional local background processing. This is one of LoRa®’s most promising capabilities as it allows for geolocation to take place without a GPS/GNSS receiver. Geolocation
6 LTE-M: the Swiss army knife of mobile IoT LTE-M is a standardised solution, based on LTE’s Release 13 specifications and marketed under the name Mobile IoT by the GSM Association (GSMA). Unlike LoRa®, LTE-M operates on licensed frequency bands, which are allocated to mo- bile operators for 4G LTE. Roll-out and commercial availability LTE-M and category M1 terminals operate on the lowest frequency bands used for LTE thanks to a software update implemented by 4G LTE mobile networks. In Europe, these are primarily the 800 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. In terms of coverage, LTE-M will expand as 4G LTE coverage improves in Europe, which, in certain Orange countries, is already catching up with GSM. Around the world, a dozen operators – including several from North America and the APAC region – have already announced that they are commercially launching LTE-M. In Europe, we have begun rolling out the technology in our European subsidiaries, beginning with Belgium, then in Spain and France, in 2018. In addition, several LTE-M-com- patible modules and devices are already available across various market segments. Thanks to its speed, latency and service characteristics, LTE-M is the technology that could ultimately replace 2G for low-speed Machine-to-Machine purposes. To ensure a smooth transition and to allow global roaming, using Dual-Mode LTE- M/2G modules seems the most appropriate solution. LTE-M as a solution for migrating 2G M2M uses In some areas, LTE-M has inhe- rited characteristics from LTE: Authentication using SIM and later widespread use of eSIM (embedded SIM) (eUICC) Bi-directionality with support for LTE quality of service Low latency in normal cove- rage mode, ranging from a few hundred milliseconds in normal mode to a few dozen seconds in extension mode Support for mobility between cells in idle and connected mode and, as for LTE, support for high- speed mobility (300 km/h) Connection via IP mode Support for VoLTE – Voice over IP Support for SMS mode LTE-M, a versatile solution Lower implementation cost The main notable feature of LTE-M is the fact that it uses a category M1 modem, with significantly lower performance compared to the usual LTE modems, with the aim of reducing the complexity and therefore the cost of implementation: Using a 1.08 MHz channel rather than the 5, 10, 15 or 20 MHz used for LTE Support for an optional half-duplex mode Antenna diversity not supported This allows low but continuous bi-di- rectional speeds to be achieved, up to a maximum of a few hundred kbits/s (half-duplex mode: 350 kbps – full- duplex (not available in 2018): 1 Mbps).. Optimised energy consumption Power Saving Mode (PSM) allows devices to enter scheduled deep sleep in order to save battery until it is woken up, while keeping the network informed about its status. PSM is suitable for use cases in which the device is not required to be contactable between two transmissions.. Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX) extends the modem’s recep- tion inactivity window in order to save energy. eDRX can be configured both in connected mode and in idle mode, and allows IoT devices to save battery between sending and receiving infor- mation, while listening for transmis- sions at set intervals. eDRX is suited to activity trackers and bracelets as well as sensors that send data frequently.
7 NB-IoT – another Mobile IoT solution – is also standardised by 3GPP in LTE Release 13. It is a more radical approach designed to address extreme use cases, such as remote reading of water meters. NB-IoT is supported by dedicated narrow-band (180 kHz) radio bearers, introduced under a number of scenarios (Inband, Guardband, Standalone) into LTE bearers or other bands on the licensed spectrum. A new category of NB1 mode has also been introduced independently of LTE. During the specification stage, several compromises resulted in complex roll-out choices and uncertainty regarding the creation of an ecosystem that is entirely interoperable at the global level. NB-IoT supports several IP and non-IP connectivity modes, with the possibility of sending data via control channels (Do- NAS) to reduce signalling required during sending. NB-IoT also features the option to use a new element of the Core network. The impact of updating an LTE network to enable it to support NB-IoT depends on the configuration, which is not always exclusively software-based. In terms of performance, the main appeal of NB-IoT lies in the extended coverage it provides over LTE for delay-tolerant traffic. Consumption performance is also linked to the PSM and eDRX functions (in a similar manner to LTE-M). Finally, NB-IoT is generally reserved for wide-area and very low-speed uses (60-160 kbps max.) that do not need to be able to support mobility and do not require quick reaction times. We are assessing real-life performance of NB-IoT technology, with testing and roll-out taking place at Orange Belgium. We are monitoring improvements to NB-IoT in Release 14 and 15, as these are designed to improve battery consumption and geolocation performance. At the current time, battery consump- tion appears to be higher than LoRa® for equivalent use. We are also monitoring how the NB-IoT ecosystem is developing and maturing as well as tracking the convergence of certain technical options. NB-IoT: a breakthrough development Long-range coverage LTE-M supports Extended Coverage modes A and B. Using repetition mechanisms, LTE-M’s range is better than the range of the LTE network on which it is activated and provides better indoor coverage. Mode A provides a gain of 8 to 9 dB (compared to LTE), while mode B, which is still being tested, will theoretically provide a gain of 15 to 18 dB, which is approxi- mately equivalent to the loss caused by penetrating the wall of a building. Roaming support Roaming will soon be supported, and will be based on the roaming model currently in place between operators. Tests had already been carried out in North America at the end of 2017, and further testing will take place in Europe in 2018. Response to enhanced connectivity requirements LTE-M is ideal for use cases linked to real-time data, guaranteed service, bi-directionality and speed: smart industry, smart fitness, on-board telemetry, etc. In the future, it will also be possible to develop scenarios that combine IoT and voice data, such as emergency buttons for lone workers or lifts, etc.
8 LoRa + LTE-M: the winning combination Based on our technical analysis of LTE-M and on market support, we have chosen this technology as a complementary solution to LoRa® technology for LPWA use cases that require additional features, such as speed, real-time connectivity, voice support, mobility, and worldwide roaming. Data transmitted Mobility speed SMS, voice, monitoring, tracking/command Stationary Medium High readings, text Raw/start-stop Enriched/real-time Examples 50 kbps Smart building Public infrastructures Health monitoring Energy management Water metering Power consumption Very low Medium to low Spetrum Coverage Shared Dedicated Deep indoor Deep indoor SRD 868 MHz LTE 800/1800 MHz Throughput (max) Spectrum band (Europe) LoRaWAN TM Mobile IoT (LTE-M) 375 kbps 300 kbps
9 Smart Building: LoRa® , a practical and economical solution for indoor IoT connectivity No connectivity solution is perfect. However, we have deter- mined the most suitable options for each sector, identifying probable use cases. The integrated services found in smart buildings require direct access to sensors from an external macro site, which presents a major limitation: HQE buildings act as a Faraday cage, resulting in greater loss of coverage compared to traditional buildings. Where it is necessary to install multiple sensors with extended battery life to monitor several environmental and structural parameters, an indoor solution must be used. As such, a local installation based on an LPWA hub/gateway is a crucial ele- ment. It is easier to provide IoT-only indoor coverage by using solutions such as LoRa®WAN, which has low backhaul needs and is a cost-effective approach. Indoor coverage for mobile IoT will be provided in the first instance if other mobile services are required (wide frequency band, voice). No connectivity solution is perfect. However, we have determined the most suitable options for each sector, identifying probable use cases. We deployed a number of networks at the stadium to connect IoT devices and collect data: a 4G network and an IoT-dedicated network using LoRa® technology. The aim: to improve visitors experience. Smart boxes allowed hosts and hostesses to report the seating occupancy levels in certain courts. Other boxes were positioned around the stadium and automatically and anonymously measured visitor flows in real time, resulting in better queue management. Smart floor mats equipped with vibration sensors were installed at the entrances to court 17 to count the nu- mber of people passing through, informing organisers of the number of places available in the court. Finally, visitor satisfaction terminals were installed in certain locations within the stadium, allowing teams from the French Tennis Federation to act immediately if required. Almost 230 Peugeot vehicles were connected to provide optimum transport management for players, VIPs, officials and the public using Océan’s O-Direct app. Some drivers also used the GéoMissions option to accept and manage their routes, duplicating their smartphone screen onto the vehicle’s in-built screen. Orange leverages on 4G network and LoRa® technology to optimize crowd management at Roland Garros tennis tournament in 2017
10 Smart geolocation Smart meters Personal services: wearables LPWA technology may be necessary when power cannot always be supplied to a GPS, for example for a vehicle that is not constantly in use. It can also be used for: containers or pallets that need to be tracked worldwide. Global coverage is therefore an important prerequisite. locating bikes in cities, with a require- ment for wider urban coverage. tracking animals or locating people. In this case, global coverage – or at least national coverage – is also required. In addition, different levels of location/ tracking exist based on the required level of accuracy and frequency of transmis- sion as well as whether real-time informa- tion is needed. For non-sensitive location tracking requirements in which a device needs to send a location update at a given frequency without instant receipt of information being a critical need, the LoRa® solution works and will use TDOA geolocation capabilities without a GPS chip (for containers or parcels, for example). For sensitive location tracking, in which information needs to be gua- ranteed to arrive at a given time with consequences in terms of safety, Mobile IoT is more appropriate. If additional services including downlink control are required, LTE-M is the best solution. Let’s look at an example. In an airport, a specialist vehicle used to transport bag- gage or an access ramp can be tracked in almost real-time while it is operating and when its battery is charged. However, if the vehicle is unused for several days or weeks, a LoRa® -style LPWA solution should be chosen. In Europe, water meters generally need long-life batteries (between 10 and 15 years for a single daily transmission) and are often located in hard-to-access underground areas. Service conditions are generally limited to a city, or are even more localised. LoRa® technology, with its long battery life and good indoor coverage, performs well, providing a solution that meets the requirements of smart water meters. Wearables – for example, emergency buttons for elderly people, lone workers or dependent people – have a number of requirements: bi-directional connec- tivity with delay-sensitive services, guaranteed delivery of geolocation and other information, and potentially voice support. The battery must have a long enough life to last for several days, months, or even years, depending on the situation in which it is being used. Coverage must be wide when the mass market is being targeted. Mobile IoT technology, particularly LTE-M, is an excellent candidate to address these scenarios in that it supports voice data, better mobility, and better bi-directional connectivity. Electricity meters require an inexpensive module and bidirectional capabilities so the meter can be controlled on demand. Readings may be taken more frequently than for water meters, which means that a solution capable of quickly sending a larger file is needed. Finally, as part of progress towards the concept of the smart grid, a low-latency solution is ideal. As such, LTE-M is perfectly suited for use in a smart electricity meter. Information on vehicle location via GPS in real time is already provided by our cellular networks. Depending on the area to be covered and the mea- surement requirements, several solutions can be used:
11 Looking to the future: 5G? LoRa® : national coverage already in place As of March 2018, in France, our LoRa® network offers national coverage. We are increasing the density of this coverage upon request from customers, particularly in rural and indoor/deep indoor areas. In addition, for over a year, we have offered the IoT Express Site Coverage solution, which uses nano-gateways to improve the quality of site coverage. More than 150 of our customers already use LoRa® . 5G is designed to be a multi-services network – i.e., it will be capable of adapting to very different categories of objects. This will naturally include smartphones, but also future devices that will broadcast 360° and augmented reality content, sensors, smart devices, machines, self-driving cars, and more. 5G will natively integrate a new dimension required for certain IoT use cases: ultra-reliability with very low latency, while also capitalising on current LTE-M and NB-IoT technology with developments improving coverage, battery consumption, and geolocation performance. The first commercial roll-outs of 5G will begin from 2020 (mass-market, smartphones, sector-specific applications), and advanced features will be added from 2022, for example for self-driving vehicles. We are currently making preparations for the arrival of this new network: In collaboration with Ericsson and other industry players on vehicles 4G/5G connectivity, With client companies of Orange Business Services, testing 5G use cases on an industrial campus via the innovation platform we share with Nokia. The many uses of IoT and their technological prerequisites discussed in this document make it necessary to take a dedi- cated approach for each vertical in order to achieve complete solutions. We are working based on a portfolio of network technologies as well as on data platforms we are developing, such as the IoT solutions and services offering, Datavenue. In this spirit of collective intelligence, we also intend to play an active role in developing these solutions, working with a range of partners, including through the Open IoT lab, Open APIs, etc. We firmly believe that the Internet of Things will pro- foundly change every aspect of the way we live and work. Supporting the roll-out of LTE-M connectivity We are actively supporting LTE-M’s expansion, which offers valuable solutions for a diverse range of mobile IoT needs. Our pilot projects include validation of chips and modules for European network frequency bands. We are improving our 4G cellular network by rolling out LTE-M technology in all of the European countries in which we operate. Trials are under way with customers in Spain. Since 2017, we have been carrying out in-house testing in France, focusing both on technical aspects and the applica- tions of the technology. In December 2017, Orange Belgium announced the national roll-out of Mobile IoT technology (LTE-M and NB-IoT). Our portfolio of IoT networks Heading towards the IoT revolution!
12 https://partner.orange.com

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Orange IoT and LPWA Connectivity White Paper-EN-2018

  • 2. 2 The Internet of Things is transforming the lives of businesses and individuals Why IoT-specific connectivity solutions? Because devices that form part of the IoT generally require low-power connecti- vity and because they only need low transfer speeds. They are also likely to be found in places that are not covered by tradi- tional networks, such as underground locations or wild areas. These specific requirements have resulted in the development of Low Power Wide Area technologies (offering low speeds but long ranges). This document is intended to be used to share our convic- tions, helping all stakeholders involved in developing the IoT to make the right choices. From connected cars to water meters, from watches to industry 4.0, the diverse range of situations in which the IoT is used highlights the wide spectrum of requirements in terms of connectivity: Real-time mobile connectivity using standards that are optimised for transferring IoT data, ranging from narrowband to broadband speeds, and that can also carry voice data for scenarios linked to living areas. Low Power Wide Area connectivity for use cases that are non-critical but require wide-area coverage in order to contact hard-to-reach devices, such as those located inside a building. What is LPWA? LPWA is a generic name for the lower segment of the IoT market that requires connectivity that is: Low Power (to optimise battery life) Low Cost (to enable mass roll-out of IoT devices at a low cost) Wide Area ou Long Range (for use in hard-to-reach areas) Low Data (for small packs subsequently processed through a big data platform) Every innovation must be of use to individuals, the planet and society in order for it to be meaningful. Every technology must be accessible to the many in order for progress to be achieved. Our vision and our commitment are intended to help build an active and profitable ecosystem based on the Internet of Things through open innovation with our various partners. An IoT revolution that brings about progress Battery life Range Cellular LPWA: LoRaWAN,LTE-M, NB.IOT BLE, Z-Wave, W-Mbus WIFI Our aim? To connect objects together and make them into smart devices by working with our partners to create services that allow cities to save energy, make homes and cars safer, and make bu- sinesses more efficient.
  • 3. 3 What connectivity solutions exist for IoT devices? New IoT segments: the emergence of LPWA connectivity requirements License-free LPWA: radio networks dedicated to LPWA that operate on a license-free or shared spectrum, such as LoRa® , Sigfox, Ingenu, N-Wave and Qovisio. LPWA via licensed frequency bands or Mobile IoT: the next step in mobile networks operating on licensed spectra, opti- mised for IoT/LPWA use cases: LTE-M, NB-IoT, EC-GSM-IoT. Low Power Wide Area technology provides a way of connecting sensors, trackers and geolocation beacons used in smart cities, industry 4.0 and logistics. As a result, its spread will play a crucial role in the development of the Internet of Things. There is no single universal LPWA solution; instead, there are two different technical approaches, each with their own set of benefits. For many years, we have provided IoT and M2M services, building on 3GPP mobile networks (primarily GSM for a decade, before switching to 3G, then 4G). We have expanded our M2M/IoT service offering across the entire globe, and we have developed a range of M2M services built on an internal platform or via partnerships such as with the Global M2M Association. We now connect 14 million objects using a range of technologies. Technologies Use cases Features 4G+ External powering, Mbps throughput, Low latency, High mobility Connected cars (infotainment) Wifi on board Video monitoring 2G/3G/4G Rechargeable battery, Kbps throughput, Real time transaction Health (patient monitoring) Security Payment Connected cars (telemetry) Gateway for smart metering Werables Sensitive devices tracking LPWA Low power, Low cost, Long range Smart building Smart agriculture (with extended coverage) Sensors, smart meters, smart cities Insensitive devices tracking Smart home, e-health (wellness) Smart plant Mobile IoT
  • 4. 4 LoRa®  : a long-range, affordable and energy- efficient technology License-free LPWA networks are an alternative to cellular networks for long-range and very energy-efficient transmission of small packets of data from battery-powered sensors or devices. Our experience has proven that it is possible to roll out, optimise and maintain a large license-free LPWA network as part of a delay-tolerant IoT service offering. We chose LoRa® , a new IoT/LPWA network. Choosing an LPWA network technology for a specific use case is based on criteria that are not solely linked to technical performance. The reality of an open ecosystem with stable specifications ensures, for example, that it is adopted by key vertical sectors. Some of these sectors, such as public service equipment, have a time horizon of 10 to 15 years, so it is important to ensure that the technical side is covered over a long period. Other license-free LPWA solutions, such as Sigfox, Qovisio and Ingenu, offer interesting technical characteristics. Howe- ver, out of all of the options available on the market, we prefer open and interoperable technologies such as LoRa® in order to enable an IoT ecosystem to develop quickly. LoRa® , an open and growing ecosystem A ‘Design to Cost’ approach Principles resulting from using the shared band We have joined the LoRa® Alliance, which includes other major mobile operators, manufacturers of electronic devices and computer equipment suppliers among its 400 members. Joining the alliance allows us to open up to a number of vertical IoT sectors. Because of this, LoRa® networks have been opened in more than 41 countries, and 67 public roll-outs had been announced in January 2018. In Europe, this is primarily the 868 MHz SRD band. Power emitted by the device limited to 500 MW/14 dBm Duty cycle of 0.1%, 1% or 10%, which means that the device is limited to short transmissions Asynchronous solution: the device transmits and receives data at different times Sub-channels of 125 kHz maximum LoRa® has been designed to be easy to implement. In practical terms, the basic characteristics of mobile systems that are not considered essential to LPWA technology have not been included: no cell connection procedure, no resource allocation, and no mobility management.
  • 5. 5 LoRa® was created through a combination of using a shared spectrum and taking a simplified design approach. Like most other license-free LPWA solutions, it is not designed to transmit data in situations in which there is a need for high probability of the packets arriving. The system is asynchronous, and read receipts, which result in delays and further energy consumption, are limited. The system’s overall rate is achieved by repeating packets and limiting read receipts and the use of downlinks to a minimum. The technology is not suited to high-speed mobility. However, LoRa® can be used in low-speed mobile environments by sending packets to several gateways to take advantage of uplink macrodiversity. Ideal for delay-tolerant applications that are uplink- oriented License-free LoRa® modules are already available for under $5, and the cost is set to fall further to $2-3 in 2020. However, price changes will depend on the level of adoption by the market. The RF simplicity of LoRa® technology – as with Sigfox – could be improved by including other short-range communications systems on chips. In addition, simple LoRa® sensors with limited functionality (Nano-tag) were announced at the end of 2017. What does it cost? We firmly believe that LoRa® WAN technology is currently the best solution for applications that: Are non-critical and de- lay-tolerant Are mainly uplink-oriented Generate low traffic (restric- tion on duty cycle) Are battery-powered Require a low-cost sensor A quick guide to LoRa® LoRa® requires small gateways fitted with a new antenna to be rolled out. These gateways are relatively simple, and coupled with their limited needs in terms of WAN backhaul speed, this means that they can be rolled out in a quick and flexible way at tall sites, and with the use of pico-cells, at industrial sites and tertiary buildings for indoor coverage. Flexibility for LPWA roll-out Energy consumption is a key aspect when choosing an LPWA solution. Let’s use the case of a daily 50-byte report in normal conditions and in underground conditions: Normal coverage (SF 7): Capacity requirements/year: 13 mAh & Extended coverage (SF 12): Capa- city requirements/year: 45 mAh & In both cases: Current in Standby mode <1.5 µA (3-5 times less than current Mobile IoT solutions) Low energy consumption LoRa technology’s uplink macro- diversity has been used to support geolocation based on the principle of time difference on arrival (TDOA). By combining the timestamps and triangulation within the receiver, it is possible to calculate the location of a device without any additional local background processing. This is one of LoRa®’s most promising capabilities as it allows for geolocation to take place without a GPS/GNSS receiver. Geolocation
  • 6. 6 LTE-M: the Swiss army knife of mobile IoT LTE-M is a standardised solution, based on LTE’s Release 13 specifications and marketed under the name Mobile IoT by the GSM Association (GSMA). Unlike LoRa®, LTE-M operates on licensed frequency bands, which are allocated to mo- bile operators for 4G LTE. Roll-out and commercial availability LTE-M and category M1 terminals operate on the lowest frequency bands used for LTE thanks to a software update implemented by 4G LTE mobile networks. In Europe, these are primarily the 800 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. In terms of coverage, LTE-M will expand as 4G LTE coverage improves in Europe, which, in certain Orange countries, is already catching up with GSM. Around the world, a dozen operators – including several from North America and the APAC region – have already announced that they are commercially launching LTE-M. In Europe, we have begun rolling out the technology in our European subsidiaries, beginning with Belgium, then in Spain and France, in 2018. In addition, several LTE-M-com- patible modules and devices are already available across various market segments. Thanks to its speed, latency and service characteristics, LTE-M is the technology that could ultimately replace 2G for low-speed Machine-to-Machine purposes. To ensure a smooth transition and to allow global roaming, using Dual-Mode LTE- M/2G modules seems the most appropriate solution. LTE-M as a solution for migrating 2G M2M uses In some areas, LTE-M has inhe- rited characteristics from LTE: Authentication using SIM and later widespread use of eSIM (embedded SIM) (eUICC) Bi-directionality with support for LTE quality of service Low latency in normal cove- rage mode, ranging from a few hundred milliseconds in normal mode to a few dozen seconds in extension mode Support for mobility between cells in idle and connected mode and, as for LTE, support for high- speed mobility (300 km/h) Connection via IP mode Support for VoLTE – Voice over IP Support for SMS mode LTE-M, a versatile solution Lower implementation cost The main notable feature of LTE-M is the fact that it uses a category M1 modem, with significantly lower performance compared to the usual LTE modems, with the aim of reducing the complexity and therefore the cost of implementation: Using a 1.08 MHz channel rather than the 5, 10, 15 or 20 MHz used for LTE Support for an optional half-duplex mode Antenna diversity not supported This allows low but continuous bi-di- rectional speeds to be achieved, up to a maximum of a few hundred kbits/s (half-duplex mode: 350 kbps – full- duplex (not available in 2018): 1 Mbps).. Optimised energy consumption Power Saving Mode (PSM) allows devices to enter scheduled deep sleep in order to save battery until it is woken up, while keeping the network informed about its status. PSM is suitable for use cases in which the device is not required to be contactable between two transmissions.. Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX) extends the modem’s recep- tion inactivity window in order to save energy. eDRX can be configured both in connected mode and in idle mode, and allows IoT devices to save battery between sending and receiving infor- mation, while listening for transmis- sions at set intervals. eDRX is suited to activity trackers and bracelets as well as sensors that send data frequently.
  • 7. 7 NB-IoT – another Mobile IoT solution – is also standardised by 3GPP in LTE Release 13. It is a more radical approach designed to address extreme use cases, such as remote reading of water meters. NB-IoT is supported by dedicated narrow-band (180 kHz) radio bearers, introduced under a number of scenarios (Inband, Guardband, Standalone) into LTE bearers or other bands on the licensed spectrum. A new category of NB1 mode has also been introduced independently of LTE. During the specification stage, several compromises resulted in complex roll-out choices and uncertainty regarding the creation of an ecosystem that is entirely interoperable at the global level. NB-IoT supports several IP and non-IP connectivity modes, with the possibility of sending data via control channels (Do- NAS) to reduce signalling required during sending. NB-IoT also features the option to use a new element of the Core network. The impact of updating an LTE network to enable it to support NB-IoT depends on the configuration, which is not always exclusively software-based. In terms of performance, the main appeal of NB-IoT lies in the extended coverage it provides over LTE for delay-tolerant traffic. Consumption performance is also linked to the PSM and eDRX functions (in a similar manner to LTE-M). Finally, NB-IoT is generally reserved for wide-area and very low-speed uses (60-160 kbps max.) that do not need to be able to support mobility and do not require quick reaction times. We are assessing real-life performance of NB-IoT technology, with testing and roll-out taking place at Orange Belgium. We are monitoring improvements to NB-IoT in Release 14 and 15, as these are designed to improve battery consumption and geolocation performance. At the current time, battery consump- tion appears to be higher than LoRa® for equivalent use. We are also monitoring how the NB-IoT ecosystem is developing and maturing as well as tracking the convergence of certain technical options. NB-IoT: a breakthrough development Long-range coverage LTE-M supports Extended Coverage modes A and B. Using repetition mechanisms, LTE-M’s range is better than the range of the LTE network on which it is activated and provides better indoor coverage. Mode A provides a gain of 8 to 9 dB (compared to LTE), while mode B, which is still being tested, will theoretically provide a gain of 15 to 18 dB, which is approxi- mately equivalent to the loss caused by penetrating the wall of a building. Roaming support Roaming will soon be supported, and will be based on the roaming model currently in place between operators. Tests had already been carried out in North America at the end of 2017, and further testing will take place in Europe in 2018. Response to enhanced connectivity requirements LTE-M is ideal for use cases linked to real-time data, guaranteed service, bi-directionality and speed: smart industry, smart fitness, on-board telemetry, etc. In the future, it will also be possible to develop scenarios that combine IoT and voice data, such as emergency buttons for lone workers or lifts, etc.
  • 8. 8 LoRa + LTE-M: the winning combination Based on our technical analysis of LTE-M and on market support, we have chosen this technology as a complementary solution to LoRa® technology for LPWA use cases that require additional features, such as speed, real-time connectivity, voice support, mobility, and worldwide roaming. Data transmitted Mobility speed SMS, voice, monitoring, tracking/command Stationary Medium High readings, text Raw/start-stop Enriched/real-time Examples 50 kbps Smart building Public infrastructures Health monitoring Energy management Water metering Power consumption Very low Medium to low Spetrum Coverage Shared Dedicated Deep indoor Deep indoor SRD 868 MHz LTE 800/1800 MHz Throughput (max) Spectrum band (Europe) LoRaWAN TM Mobile IoT (LTE-M) 375 kbps 300 kbps
  • 9. 9 Smart Building: LoRa® , a practical and economical solution for indoor IoT connectivity No connectivity solution is perfect. However, we have deter- mined the most suitable options for each sector, identifying probable use cases. The integrated services found in smart buildings require direct access to sensors from an external macro site, which presents a major limitation: HQE buildings act as a Faraday cage, resulting in greater loss of coverage compared to traditional buildings. Where it is necessary to install multiple sensors with extended battery life to monitor several environmental and structural parameters, an indoor solution must be used. As such, a local installation based on an LPWA hub/gateway is a crucial ele- ment. It is easier to provide IoT-only indoor coverage by using solutions such as LoRa®WAN, which has low backhaul needs and is a cost-effective approach. Indoor coverage for mobile IoT will be provided in the first instance if other mobile services are required (wide frequency band, voice). No connectivity solution is perfect. However, we have determined the most suitable options for each sector, identifying probable use cases. We deployed a number of networks at the stadium to connect IoT devices and collect data: a 4G network and an IoT-dedicated network using LoRa® technology. The aim: to improve visitors experience. Smart boxes allowed hosts and hostesses to report the seating occupancy levels in certain courts. Other boxes were positioned around the stadium and automatically and anonymously measured visitor flows in real time, resulting in better queue management. Smart floor mats equipped with vibration sensors were installed at the entrances to court 17 to count the nu- mber of people passing through, informing organisers of the number of places available in the court. Finally, visitor satisfaction terminals were installed in certain locations within the stadium, allowing teams from the French Tennis Federation to act immediately if required. Almost 230 Peugeot vehicles were connected to provide optimum transport management for players, VIPs, officials and the public using Océan’s O-Direct app. Some drivers also used the GéoMissions option to accept and manage their routes, duplicating their smartphone screen onto the vehicle’s in-built screen. Orange leverages on 4G network and LoRa® technology to optimize crowd management at Roland Garros tennis tournament in 2017
  • 10. 10 Smart geolocation Smart meters Personal services: wearables LPWA technology may be necessary when power cannot always be supplied to a GPS, for example for a vehicle that is not constantly in use. It can also be used for: containers or pallets that need to be tracked worldwide. Global coverage is therefore an important prerequisite. locating bikes in cities, with a require- ment for wider urban coverage. tracking animals or locating people. In this case, global coverage – or at least national coverage – is also required. In addition, different levels of location/ tracking exist based on the required level of accuracy and frequency of transmis- sion as well as whether real-time informa- tion is needed. For non-sensitive location tracking requirements in which a device needs to send a location update at a given frequency without instant receipt of information being a critical need, the LoRa® solution works and will use TDOA geolocation capabilities without a GPS chip (for containers or parcels, for example). For sensitive location tracking, in which information needs to be gua- ranteed to arrive at a given time with consequences in terms of safety, Mobile IoT is more appropriate. If additional services including downlink control are required, LTE-M is the best solution. Let’s look at an example. In an airport, a specialist vehicle used to transport bag- gage or an access ramp can be tracked in almost real-time while it is operating and when its battery is charged. However, if the vehicle is unused for several days or weeks, a LoRa® -style LPWA solution should be chosen. In Europe, water meters generally need long-life batteries (between 10 and 15 years for a single daily transmission) and are often located in hard-to-access underground areas. Service conditions are generally limited to a city, or are even more localised. LoRa® technology, with its long battery life and good indoor coverage, performs well, providing a solution that meets the requirements of smart water meters. Wearables – for example, emergency buttons for elderly people, lone workers or dependent people – have a number of requirements: bi-directional connec- tivity with delay-sensitive services, guaranteed delivery of geolocation and other information, and potentially voice support. The battery must have a long enough life to last for several days, months, or even years, depending on the situation in which it is being used. Coverage must be wide when the mass market is being targeted. Mobile IoT technology, particularly LTE-M, is an excellent candidate to address these scenarios in that it supports voice data, better mobility, and better bi-directional connectivity. Electricity meters require an inexpensive module and bidirectional capabilities so the meter can be controlled on demand. Readings may be taken more frequently than for water meters, which means that a solution capable of quickly sending a larger file is needed. Finally, as part of progress towards the concept of the smart grid, a low-latency solution is ideal. As such, LTE-M is perfectly suited for use in a smart electricity meter. Information on vehicle location via GPS in real time is already provided by our cellular networks. Depending on the area to be covered and the mea- surement requirements, several solutions can be used:
  • 11. 11 Looking to the future: 5G? LoRa® : national coverage already in place As of March 2018, in France, our LoRa® network offers national coverage. We are increasing the density of this coverage upon request from customers, particularly in rural and indoor/deep indoor areas. In addition, for over a year, we have offered the IoT Express Site Coverage solution, which uses nano-gateways to improve the quality of site coverage. More than 150 of our customers already use LoRa® . 5G is designed to be a multi-services network – i.e., it will be capable of adapting to very different categories of objects. This will naturally include smartphones, but also future devices that will broadcast 360° and augmented reality content, sensors, smart devices, machines, self-driving cars, and more. 5G will natively integrate a new dimension required for certain IoT use cases: ultra-reliability with very low latency, while also capitalising on current LTE-M and NB-IoT technology with developments improving coverage, battery consumption, and geolocation performance. The first commercial roll-outs of 5G will begin from 2020 (mass-market, smartphones, sector-specific applications), and advanced features will be added from 2022, for example for self-driving vehicles. We are currently making preparations for the arrival of this new network: In collaboration with Ericsson and other industry players on vehicles 4G/5G connectivity, With client companies of Orange Business Services, testing 5G use cases on an industrial campus via the innovation platform we share with Nokia. The many uses of IoT and their technological prerequisites discussed in this document make it necessary to take a dedi- cated approach for each vertical in order to achieve complete solutions. We are working based on a portfolio of network technologies as well as on data platforms we are developing, such as the IoT solutions and services offering, Datavenue. In this spirit of collective intelligence, we also intend to play an active role in developing these solutions, working with a range of partners, including through the Open IoT lab, Open APIs, etc. We firmly believe that the Internet of Things will pro- foundly change every aspect of the way we live and work. Supporting the roll-out of LTE-M connectivity We are actively supporting LTE-M’s expansion, which offers valuable solutions for a diverse range of mobile IoT needs. Our pilot projects include validation of chips and modules for European network frequency bands. We are improving our 4G cellular network by rolling out LTE-M technology in all of the European countries in which we operate. Trials are under way with customers in Spain. Since 2017, we have been carrying out in-house testing in France, focusing both on technical aspects and the applica- tions of the technology. In December 2017, Orange Belgium announced the national roll-out of Mobile IoT technology (LTE-M and NB-IoT). Our portfolio of IoT networks Heading towards the IoT revolution!