Daviteq Technologies
SIGFOX
Sigfox is a global Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) technology designed for simple IoT applications. It focuses on ultra-low power consumption, low cost, and long-range communication. Devices connected via Sigfox can send small amounts of data over long distances, making it ideal for battery-powered sensors that need to last for years.
How Does Sigfox Work?
Sigfox uses ultra-narrowband (UNB) modulation in the sub-GHz spectrum. Devices transmit very short messages (up to 12 bytes uplink, 8 bytes downlink) to nearby Sigfox base stations. These base stations forward the data to the Sigfox cloud, where it can be accessed by applications through APIs. The system is optimised for small, infrequent messages rather than continuous data streams, which keeps power consumption extremely low and devices simple.
Sigfox uses an ultra-narrowband (UNB) technology to connect low-power IoT devices over long distances. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how it works:
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1. End Devices (Sensors & Nodes)
These are IoT devices in the field — such as GPS trackers, temperature sensors, or smart meters. They use ultra-narrowband modulation to send tiny packets of data (up to 12 bytes) at scheduled intervals.
Example: A GPS tracker sends its location once every hour.
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2. Base Stations
Base stations act like listening towers. They capture the radio signals from Sigfox devices in the sub-GHz spectrum and forward them to the Sigfox Cloud via IP, fibre, or cellular backhaul. One message can be received by multiple base stations, thereby increasing reliability.
Example: A single base station can cover up to 30–50 km in rural areas.
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3. Sigfox CLOUD™
The Sigfox Cloud is the intelligence of the system. It filters out duplicates, validates device identity, and securely routes messages to customer applications. It also provides APIs and callbacks (HTTP/MQTT) for integration.
Example: A temperature reading from the field is processed in the cloud before being sent to a web dashboard.
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4. Applications
This is where data becomes actionable. Applications can visualise sensor data, trigger alerts, or automate workflows based on incoming messages.
Example: An asset tracking app displays the last known location of a container shipped across the country.
Sigfox Key Features
Long range coverage
Up to 15–20 km in rural areas, 2–5 km in urban areas
Ultra-low power consumption
Devices can operate for 5–10 years on a single battery
Flexible deployment
Can use public networks or deploy private networks
Low operating cost
No high monthly mobile data fees
Supports a large number of devices
Thousands of nodes per gateway
Low bandwidth
Data rates from only 0.3 kbps to 50 kbps, not suitable for large data volumes
High latency
Not suitable for applications requiring real-time response
Not suitable for high-speed mobility
Optimized for stationary or slow-moving devices
Sigfox Application
Asset Tracking
Sigfox provides reliable, low-power connectivity for tracking containers, vehicles, and valuable goods. Devices can report their location periodically over long distances while lasting years on a single battery, making global logistics more efficient and cost-effective.
With its ultra-low power design, Sigfox is ideal for utility meters that send small data packets at scheduled intervals. Water, gas, and electricity providers can monitor usage remotely, reduce manual readings, and optimise resource management.
Security & Alerts
Sigfox enables instant notifications for security and safety applications, such as intrusion detection, panic buttons, and environmental alerts. Its wide coverage and long battery life ensure reliable communication even in critical conditions.
Sigfox & Other Connectivities
Title |
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Coverage Range |
Data Rate |
Power Consumption |
Device/ Service Cost |
Required Infrastructure |
Typical Applications |
Sigfox | LoRaWAN | Sub-1GHz | NB-IoT |
|---|---|---|---|
3–10 km (urban), 30–50 km (rural) | 2–15 km (urban), 15–40 km (rural) | 1–10 km | 1–10 km (excellent indoor penetration) |
100 bps uplink, 600 bps downlink | 0.3–50 kbps | Several kbps to hundreds of kbps | 26–250 kbps |
Very low | Very low | Very low | Low to medium |
Low (subscription-based) | Low | Low | Medium (IoT SIM) |
Sigfox network | Private gateways or public LoRaWAN network | Self-deployed network | NB-IoT mobile network |
Low-cost asset tracking, utility meters, simple low-cost sensors, simple alarm & monitoring systems | Smart factory, smart agriculture, smart cities, smart building, logistics tracking | Warehouse monitoring, environment monitoring, industrial monitoring and control | Smart meters, environmental monitoring, smart parking, healthcare devices, logistics tracking |
Daviteq Sigfox Sensors & Actuators
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Using a Sigfox-certified RF module
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Ultra-low power design, class 1u RF
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Support all Sigfox zones in the World
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10-Year battery with just 2 x AA 1.5V Alkaline or Lithium battery (depends on sensor type and configuration)
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Standard internal antenna
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Optional external antenna
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Optional with Solar harvesting energy with 10-Year Lifetime;
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IP67/ 68 protection for both Indoor and Outdoor applications;
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Ex d approved design for Hazardous zones 1-2-21-22
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CE/FCC on request
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Integrate with 100+ sensor types or I/O: temperature, humidity, pressure, level, vibration, CO₂, CO, NH₃, Cl₂, H₂S...
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Sigfox Sensors
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Sigfox Actuators
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Sigfox Gateways
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about wireless connectivity, compatibility, and how to choose the right technology for your IoT deployment.
What frequency and modulation does Sigfox use?
Sigfox operates in unlicensed sub-GHz ISM bands (868 MHz in Europe, 902–928 MHz in North America, 922 MHz in parts of Asia). It uses Ultra-Narrowband (UNB) modulation, which allows very low power consumption and long-range communication with high resilience to interference.
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How much data can a Sigfox device transmit and receive?
Each device can send up to 140 uplink messages per day, with a maximum payload of 12 bytes per message. Downlink is limited to 4 messages per day, each carrying up to 8 bytes. This makes Sigfox suitable for small, periodic updates but not for continuous or high-throughput applications.
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What is the typical coverage range of Sigfox?
In urban environments, coverage typically ranges from 3–10 km, while in rural or open areas it can extend to 30–50 km. Because messages can be received by multiple base stations, Sigfox provides redundancy and higher reliability.
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What kind of security does Sigfox provide?
Sigfox ensures data integrity and authenticity through AES-128 encryption, device authentication, and anti-replay mechanisms. Messages are also de-duplicated in the Sigfox Cloud to prevent false readings.
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What are the main limitations of Sigfox?
Sigfox’s main constraints are its limited payload size, low message frequency, and dependency on Sigfox operator infrastructure. It is not designed for applications requiring real-time, high-bandwidth, or two-way communication. Instead, it excels in scenarios needing low-cost, low-power, long-range connectivity.
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