Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost of IoT deployment?
The total cost of IoT deployment includes one-time hardware costs (gateways, sensors, routers, accessories), one-time setup costs (installation, training, network integration, project management), and recurring annual costs (cloud platform fees, cellular data, maintenance contracts, battery replacement, software licenses). For a typical LoRaWAN deployment, hardware accounts for 35-45% of the 5-year TCO, while recurring costs make up the remainder.
How much do LoRaWAN gateways cost?
LoRaWAN gateways typically range from $299 for indoor models (like the Milesight UG56) to $699 for rugged outdoor models (like the Milesight UG65). Enterprise-grade gateways with multiple backhaul options can cost up to $999. The number of gateways needed depends on deployment area — typically 1 gateway covers 2-5km indoors and up to 15km outdoors.
What are the hidden costs of IoT?
Common hidden costs in IoT deployments include: cellular data plans that scale with device count, cloud platform fees that increase with data retention periods, battery replacement every 3-10 years depending on sensor type, staff training for system administration, network integration with existing IT infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance contracts. Our estimator helps you account for all these costs upfront.
How does IoT compare to traditional monitoring costs?
IoT solutions typically cost 40-50% less than traditional monitoring over a 5-year period. While initial hardware costs may be comparable, IoT eliminates ongoing labor costs for manual data collection (60% less monitoring labor), reduces maintenance through remote diagnostics (40% less maintenance), and requires no physical wiring infrastructure. LoRaWAN sensors also last 5-10 years on battery power, eliminating wiring costs entirely.