(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.

1. IoT and LPWA
connectivity

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!

12. 12
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