How to Choose the Right Technology for Your Farm: A Comprehensive Guide
Selecting the right farm technology is crucial for maximising productivity, improving efficiency, and future-proofing your agricultural operations. With a growing range of remote monitoring and automation solutions available, understanding the best connectivity options—LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, and Satellite—is key to making the most of your investment. This guide will help you navigate the choices and select the ideal solution for your property.
Why Your Choice of Connectivity Matters
The right technology for your farm depends on:
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Your farm’s location and environment
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Available network coverage (cellular, LoRaWAN, or satellite)
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The assets or conditions you want to monitor (e.g., water tanks, pumps, soil, gates, livestock)
Every farm is unique, so the best solution is often a mix of technologies to achieve full coverage and cost efficiency.
LoRaWAN: Efficient, Low-Cost, Local Connectivity
LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is designed for low-power, low-data devices. It’s ideal for connecting up to 100 sensors to a single gateway, with a range of up to 15km line-of-sight (typically 3–4km in built-up or hilly areas). LoRaWAN is perfect for:
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Large farms in Southern and Eastern Australia
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Properties with multiple assets close together
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Farmers seeking low ongoing costs per device
Benefits:
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Minimal running costs (only the gateway requires a SIM card)
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Long battery life for sensors (years in the field)
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Secure, encrypted data transmission
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Gateways can use Wi-Fi or cellular to connect to the cloud
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Gateways can be shared between neighbours to extend coverage
Considerations:
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Requires a gateway (one-off investment)
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Coverage can be reduced by buildings, trees, or terrain
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Battery life depends on transmission frequency and distance to gateway
NB-IoT: Reliable, Wide-Area Cellular Coverage
NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) leverages existing mobile networks for low-power, low-data devices. If your mobile phone works on your farm, NB-IoT devices will too—often with even better coverage and penetration (e.g., inside tanks or sheds)1.
Best for:
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Farms with reliable mobile coverage
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Properties where installing a gateway isn’t practical
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Remote assets scattered across a wide area
Benefits:
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No need for a gateway—each device has its own SIM
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Strong signal penetration through buildings and tanks
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Simple, plug-and-play setup
Considerations:
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Slightly higher ongoing costs (SIM required for each device)
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No capital expense for a gateway
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Coverage depends on proximity to NB-IoT-enabled towers (check Telstra’s NB-IoT coverage map)
Satellite: Ultimate Reach for Remote Locations
Satellite connectivity is the best option for farms in remote areas where neither LoRaWAN nor NB-IoT is viable. Satellite devices ensure data can be transmitted from anywhere in Australia, regardless of mobile coverage.
Best for:
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Remote properties with little or no mobile coverage
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Assets spread over vast or rugged terrain
Benefits:
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Coverage anywhere in Australia
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Reliable, real-time data transmission
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No reliance on terrestrial networks
Farmo Satellite Solutions:
Considerations:
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Higher device and data costs
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Lower data frequency compared to cellular and LoRaWAN
Mixing Technologies for Complete Coverage
Many farms benefit from a hybrid approach. For example, use a LoRaWAN gateway for the main farm area and fill in black spots with NB-IoT or satellite devices. This ensures you always have reliable, cost-effective coverage where you need it most.
Key Takeaways
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Assess your environment: Terrain, buildings, and distance all affect coverage.
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Check available networks: Use your own experience and official coverage maps.
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Choose the right mix: Combine LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, and satellite for optimal coverage and cost.
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Match devices to your needs: Select sensors and controllers that work with your chosen network.
Need Help Choosing?
Farmo’s team is here to help you design the perfect remote monitoring system for your farm. Contact us for a free consultation or explore our full range of farm technology solutions.
