The Future of LoRaWAN

Is Cisco’s LoRaWAN Exit a Cause for Concern?

The IoT community is concerned about Cisco's intention to reduce its LoRaWAN efforts. Many are questioning whether LoRaWAN's usefulness in the constantly changing IoT market will end as a result of the tech giant's shift in attention towards other technologies.

But should we be alarmed by Cisco's action? What other options are there for people who depend on LoRaWAN?

For Internet of Things applications needing long-range, low-power communications, LoRaWAN has always been an open, flexible network standard. Cisco's support of this technology gave it legitimacy, which aided in the expansion of LoRaWAN's use. Cisco's choice to scale back its involvement does not, however, mean that the technology is doomed.

Because of its extended range, low power consumption, and ability to operate in unlicensed frequency bands, LoRaWAN is still essential for a wide range of applications. Big businesses like Actility, The Things Industries, and Semtech—the firm that developed LoRa technology—keep coming up with new ideas and supporting the ecosystem. LoRaWAN has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in domains such as smart cities, logistics, and agriculture.

Cisco pulled back, but why?

The aim to concentrate on its more profitable and expansive IoT technologies, like NB-IoT and 5G, is probably the cause of Cisco's strategic retreat. These technologies are more appropriate for real-time, high-bandwidth applications, which are markets where Cisco's large-scale networking experience is more immediately useful.

On the other hand, LoRaWAN is more specialized and designed for low-bandwidth applications that don't call for Cisco's customary robust networking setup. In summary, Cisco's primary capabilities are elsewhere, even though LoRaWAN is excellent for controlling a smart irrigation system or tracking a herd of cattle.

Resilience of LoRaWAN

Although Cisco's departure may seem like a setback, LoRaWAN is here to stay. Other major firms are driving the technology's robust, well-established ecosystem. The protocol is continuously developed and supported by groups like the LoRa Alliance, which has hundreds of members working to maximize the potential of LoRaWAN.

LoRaWAN isn't tied to any one corporation because of its open nature. LoRaWAN networks are still being used by developers and companies using hardware from various suppliers, including as Kerlink, MultiTech, and Laird Connectivity. Additionally, a lot of service providers continue to provide LoRaWAN as a service, guaranteeing connectivity even in the absence of direct involvement from Cisco.

Investigating the Alternatives: 5G, NB-IoT, and CAT-M1

Although LoRaWAN is still a great option for some applications, Cisco's move to other technologies gives companies more options, particularly for use cases requiring real-time capabilities or higher bandwidth.

Narrowband IoT, or NB-IoT, is one such option. Because it uses licensed spectrum, it provides better integration with cellular networks and more dependable connections in difficult-to-reach places. NB-IoT is a good option for applications that require reduced latency, larger data speeds, and more reliable security.

5G is also becoming a major force in the Internet of Things, particularly in applications like smart manufacturing and driverless cars that require high-speed, low-latency data transmissions. 5G is anticipated to prevail in high-performance IoT situations, despite being overkill for use cases requiring low data rates.

What Must Companies Do?

Just because Cisco is leaving doesn't mean you should abandon LoRaWAN if you're already utilizing it. Consider your particular use case: LoRaWAN continues to perform well in applications requiring low power, long range, and little bandwidth. However, it would be worthwhile to investigate CAT-M1, NB-IoT, or 5G if your applications are developing to need real-time connectivity or function in complicated contexts with more data requirements.

A combination strategy might be the best choice for the majority. There will be a variety of IoT solutions available; the important thing is to know which technology best meets your present and future requirements.