Communication technologies for smart metering in 2024 

Introduction:  

Smart meters utilize a wireless network to transfer communication from the meter to the utility’s server, where data is analyzed for billing services, water conservation, and leak detection functions. Recording data from the meter equipped with ultrasound technology and sending it remotely to the server via a network is what makes a meter smart. 

The first network-supported smart meter was Sigfox, which emerged in 2010. Prior to Sigfox, there existed the Ardis Network and GPRS; however, Sigfox was the first Low Power Wide Area (LPWAN) technology-based network suitable for IoT device communication. 

The main features of LPWAN’s include the ability to transmit small amounts of data over long distances while utilizing low power consumption and maintaining low latency. 

Today, LPWAN technology is widely used for smart metering (including smart gas and water metering), smart buildings, smart grids, agriculture, asset tracking, smart lighting, and other markets. LPWAN can be likened to transportation that can take you wherever you need to be. Whether you choose a plane, a car, a bus, a train, or a boat, you will reach your destination. However, as with any mode of transportation, there are pros and cons to consider when selecting the right method for your meter data transmission. Let’s delve deeper into each LPWAN technology. 

What are the main communication technologies for smart meters?  

Licensed LPWAN operates on public cellular networks and utilizes a licensed frequency spectrum, managed by numerous telecom operators. Customers seeking high-speed data connections can opt for licensed LPWAN standards such as GSM, LTE-M, and NB-IoT.

Unlicensed LPWAN operates on an unlicensed frequency spectrum, fostering a more open and accessible environment. Technologies like LoRaWAN, Sigfox and Mioty represent the versatility of unlicensed LPWAN. It could be easily scaled from small project to massive deployment.  LoraWAN security measures help to safeguard data privacy, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure the integrity of communications within LoRaWAN networks.

LoRaWAN (long-range wide area network) is a type of low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) technology designed to enable long-range communication between low-power devices, such as smart meters, and network gateways. It operates on unlicensed radio frequencies, allowing for cost-effective and scalable deployments over large geographical areas. One of the key advantages of LoRaWAN for smart metering is its exceptional range, which can extend in cities 2-3 km, in rural areas 3-5 km in open areas 25+km if the gateway is deployed in the highest point of the location. This coverage enables connectivity even in remote or challenging terrains. Additionally, LoRaWAN offers low power consumption, enabling smart meters to operate on battery power for extended periods without frequent replacements. Its robustness against interference and ability to penetrate obstacles make it suitable for various deployment scenarios, including urban, suburban, and rural environments. LoRaWAN’s data transmission rates are relatively low compared to other wireless technologies, which may limit its suitability for applications requiring high-speed data transfer. Despite this minor drawback, LoRaWAN remains a highly attractive option for smart metering deployments, offering a balance of long-range connectivity, low power consumption, and cost-effectiveness. 

NB-IoT (narrowband Internet of Things) technology is a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) standard specifically designed to facilitate the connectivity of a vast number of devices and sensors on the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. Within the domain of smart metering, NB-IoT has emerged as a promising solution due to its ability to efficiently transmit packets of data over long distances. However, as it can send larger packets of data compared to other LPWAN networks, it consumes more power than other LPWAN technologies. One of the key advantages of NB-IoT for smart metering is its coverage in cities and suburbs, which allows meters to reliably communicate in the area. Additionally, NB-IoT offers robust security features, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of metering data. However, there are some drawbacks to consider, including network deployment in rural areas. Without proper infrastructure, data transmission to your server may not occur. Additionally, NB-IoT entails higher implementation costs compared to other LPWAN technologies. 

LTE-M (long-term evolution) machine type communication technology specifically optimized for IoT applications, including smart metering. It operates within existing LTE networks, offering a combination of wide coverage, high reliability, and low latency. LTE-M is designed to support low-power, low-cost IoT devices that require intermittent data transmission, making it well-suited for smart metering applications. One key advantage of LTE-M for smart metering is its compatibility with existing cellular infrastructure, allowing utilities to leverage their investment in LTE networks for IoT deployments without the need for additional infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, LTE-M offers higher data transmission speeds compared to other LPWAN technologies like LoRaWAN or Sigfox, enabling more frequent data updates and real-time monitoring capabilities. However, LTE-M may have higher power consumption compared to other LPWAN technologies, potentially impacting the battery life of smart meters. Moreover, the cost of deploying and maintaining LTE-M infrastructure may be higher than alternative solutions, particularly in areas with limited cellular coverage. 

Mioty is low power wide area network technology designed specifically to address the challenges of massive IoT deployments. It operates on the sub-GHz frequency band and utilizes patented telegram splitting technology. So far there are few sensors and meters on the market that support this technology. Mioty’s proprietary nature may limit interoperability with other LPWAN technologies as it require specialized hardware and software components, potentially increasing deployment costs and complexity. 

Sigfox was a pioneer in low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology. It was designed to enable the connectivity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices over long distances while consuming minimal energy. However, Sigfox’s bankruptcy in 2021 marked a significant setback for the technology. Despite its initial promise, challenges such as competition from other LPWAN technologies, limited scalability, and financial difficulties led to its downfall. The bankruptcy raised concerns among users and stakeholders about the future of existing Sigfox deployments and highlighted the importance of considering the long-term sustainability and viability of IoT connectivity solutions for smart metering and other applications

How to choose the right network? Factors that utility companies should consider: 

Choosing the right network communication technology for smart metering is an important decision for utility companies, as it directly impacts the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of their operations. Several factors should be carefully considered before making a decision: 

Coverage and Range: Utilities must assess the coverage and range capabilities of different communication technologies to ensure that smart meters can reliably transmit data from various locations, including remote or challenging environments. Technologies like cellular 4G or LTE-M offer wide coverage, making them suitable for urban and suburban deployments, whereas LoRaWAN or NB-IoT, are more suitable for rural areas, could also offer advantages in indoor environments. These technologies often exhibit better penetration through walls and obstacles, potentially making them suitable for basement deployments. 

Power Consumption: The power consumption of communication technology is critical, especially for battery-operated smart meters. Low-power technologies like NB-IoT or LoRaWAN are preferred for applications requiring extended battery life, as they minimize energy consumption while maintaining reliable connectivity. 

Data Transmission Speed: The required data transmission speed depends on the frequency and volume of data generated by smart meters. Utilities should evaluate the need for real-time or near-real-time data transmission for monitoring purposes and then pick the right technology. 

Scalability and Capacity: As the number of connected devices increases, scalability becomes a key consideration. Utilities should choose a communication technology that can support large-scale deployments without compromising performance or network congestion.  

Interference Resilience: Utilities operating in densely populated areas or industrial environments must assess the interference resilience of communication technologies to ensure reliable connectivity. 

Cost: The cost of deploying and maintaining communication infrastructure is a significant factor in the decision-making process. Utilities should consider upfront costs, ongoing subscription fees, and maintenance expenses when evaluating different communication technologies to ensure that the chosen solution aligns with their budgetary constraints. 

Security and Compliance: Data security and regulatory compliance are paramount in smart metering deployments, particularly concerning sensitive customer information. Utilities should select communication technologies with robust security features, such as encryption and authentication protocols, to safeguard data privacy and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. 

By carefully evaluating these factors and considering their specific requirements and constraints, utility companies can make informed decisions when choosing the right network communication technology for their smart metering business. 

Conclusion:  

Main communication technologies for smart metering are LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, LTE-M, and Mioty. These technologies ensure two-way remote communication between IoT devices and utility servers. Each network has its own advantages and disadvantages, so before choosing the right communication technology for your business, evaluate factors such as coverage, range, scalability, security, compliance, power consumption, data transmission speed, and cost. 

It’s important to mention that communication technologies could be mixed to achieve the best results for your business case.  

If you feel that this information overwhelms you, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. 

Interested to read more about smart meters? Check out our article delving deeper into the topic of smart water meters and how they work.