LoRa Communication Frequency Bands

Cross-Reference
Please take a look at our "What is the Heltec V3 LoRa IoT Development Board?" article for an overview of the Heltec V3 LoRa IoT Development Board.

The 915 MHz, 868 MHz, and 433 MHz frequency bands are commonly used for LoRa communication, each with its own characteristics and regional usage:

915 MHz:
- Region: Primarily used in North America.
- Range: Offers a good balance between range and data rate. The signal can travel approximately 75% of the distance of a 433 MHz signal with equivalent power.
- Penetration: Effective at penetrating buildings and other obstacles.
- Power Limitations: Generally enjoys fewer power restrictions compared to 433 MHz.
868 MHz:
- Region: Mainly used in Europe.
- Range: Slightly shorter range compared to 915 MHz due to higher frequency, but still effective for many IoT applications.
- Penetration: Good penetration capabilities, similar to 915 MHz.
- Regulations: Subject to regional regulations that may affect transmission power and duty cycle.
433 MHz:
- Region: Commonly used in Asia and some parts of Europe.
- Range: Offers the longest range among the three frequencies due to lower frequency, making it ideal for long-distance communication.
- Penetration: Better penetration through obstacles compared to higher frequencies.
- Power Limitations: Often has stricter power and transmission time limitations, which can impact its suitability for certain applications.

Each frequency band has its advantages and is chosen based on regional regulations, required range, and specific application needs.