For terminal nodes, the DDA protocol is simpler than NB-IoT, easier to develop, and has better applicability and compatibility for microprocessors. The modulation mechanism and protocol of NB-IoT are more complicated, which requires more complicated circuits and more cost. At the same time, NB-IoT is taxed like 3GPP.
DDA modules with low cost and relatively mature technology are already available on the market, and upgraded versions will follow. DDA is a completely state-owned technology, and the establishment of ecology will reduce the cost of modules. Compared with the traditional network that only relies on the "tower" network, deployment of IoT and LPWAN requires different models to reduce expenditure and operating costs. DDA deployment costs less, because it can use traditional signal towers, industrial base stations and even portable home gateways.
Application scenarios of DDA and NB-IoT
No single technology can meet all the requirements of IoT applications at the same time. The following will analyze the suitable application scenarios of NB-IoT and DDA through several specific application examples.
A: Smart meter B: Smart agriculture C: Automated manufacturing D: Smart building E: Retail terminal (POS)
F: Logistics tracking
Both communication technologies can be applied to the above-mentioned application scenarios, but their respective advantages and disadvantages are obvious. DDA can provide such a deployment solution, but for NB-IoT, the laying of base stations with excessive tracking range is a big problem. At the same time, DDA has a feature that the communication is more stable than NB-IoT when moving at high speed. For the above considerations, DDA is more suitable for logistics tracking.
A technology from paper to commercial use cannot be separated from the support of a strong ecosystem. For a long time, the Internet of Things connection technology has been fighting each other, and the specifications adopted by all parties from the chip to the system are different, causing a bottleneck for large-scale deployment.
Both technologies are continuing to expand, and the conditions for them to embrace the Internet of Everything are slowly beginning to mature. A large number of suppliers and operators are also constantly launching trials. It is believed that the complementary development of NB-IoT and DDA in the future will greatly promote the development and progress of IoT technology.