Comparative assessment of low-power communication technologies for smart orchards based on the Internet of Things: LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, and Wi-Fi HaLow

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Smart Agricultural Research department, Associate Professor, Agricultural Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO)

2 Smart Agricultural Research department, Agricultural Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran

Abstract

The evolution of smart agriculture is expanding with the use of new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT). One of the key areas in this regard is the design and development of smart systems for optimal management in orchards. Choosing the right communication solution is one of the key factors for the success of IoT-based smart orchard systems. In this study, three low-power IoT communication solutions, including LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, and Wi-Fi HaLow, were subjected to comparative evaluation with a focus on smart orchard applications. The results showed that LoRaWAN is suitable for widespread and low-power monitoring in large-scale orchards without communication infrastructure; NB-IoT is suitable for systems requiring scalability and management based on operator infrastructure; and Wi-Fi HaLow is more suitable for local control and management scenarios requiring higher data rates and lower latency, provided that a stable energy source is available. Finally, to facilitate decision-making during the system design phase, a preliminary decision-support framework based on a decision tree was presented that transforms the results of technical comparison into a practical tool for selecting a communication solution in real smart orchard projects.

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Main Subjects

Journal of Agricultural Information Sciences and Technology and Smart Agriculture
Volume 9, Issue 2 - Serial Number 18
September 2026
Pages 57-70

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 May 2026
  • Revise Date: 02 July 2026
  • Accept Date: 02 July 2026

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