Which Wireless Sensor Fits Your Cold Chain Needs: BLE or LoRaWAN?
Digital Transformation
July 7, 2025 • 6 min read
TL;DR
Choosing the right wireless sensor technology for cold chain
monitoring depends on your environment, range needs, and data
frequency.
BLE sensors (like GND’s TF8) excel in indoor, short-range,
high-data environments, while LoRaWAN sensors (like TF10)
offer long-range connectivity suited for wide-area or remote
applications.
Both deliver reliable temperature and humidity monitoring with
secure communication and long battery life.
Understanding Wireless Sensor Technology for Cold Chain Monitoring
Maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive products
requires dependable and precise monitoring tools. Wireless sensors
have transformed cold chain management by enabling real-time data
access that enhances asset safety, efficiency, and regulatory
compliance.
Among the available wireless technologies, Bluetooth Low Energy
(BLE) and LoRaWAN stand out as two leading options—each with
unique advantages:
BLE sensors, such as GND Solutions’ TF8 series, are ideal for
dense indoor sensor networks that need rapid data transmission
and seamless integration within Bluetooth ecosystems.
BLE sensors, such as GND Solutions’ TF8 series, are ideal for
dense indoor sensor networks that need rapid data transmission
and seamless integration within Bluetooth ecosystems.
This article compares BLE and LoRaWAN protocols, explains how the
TF8 and TF10 perform, and helps you decide which fits your cold
chain operations best.
BLE vs LoRaWAN: Technical Comparison
Choosing between BLE and LoRaWAN depends on your monitoring
environment, range requirements, and data frequency needs.
Here’s how both technologies compare across key performance
factors:
Connectivity and Range
BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) offers efficient, short-range
wireless communication suitable for indoor setups such as
warehouses and pharmaceutical cold rooms. It supports up to
460 meters (line of sight), enabling high-frequency updates
with minimal latency and easy integration into existing
Bluetooth networks.
LoRaWAN provides long-range connectivity up to 3,000 meters
(line of sight). Ideal for distributed facilities, outdoor
monitoring, or supply chain tracking where wide coverage and
minimal infrastructure are required.
Power and Battery Performance
Both GND Solutions TF8 (BLE) and TF10 (LoRaWAN) sensors offer
approximately 3 years of battery life under standard 10-minute
reporting intervals.
BLE performs best in scenarios with frequent communication and
short transmission paths.
LoRaWAN, optimized for low data frequency, consumes less power
during extended transmissions—making it ideal for remote or
hard-to-reach environments.
Security and Compliance
Data security and traceability are critical for compliance with
food safety regulations. Modern systems use encryption
protocols, secure cloud storage, and automated reporting to
support regulatory audits and quality assurance.
Environmental Tolerance and Security
Both sensors deliver reliable performance under extreme
conditions, operating from -30°C to +70°C, and can extend
monitoring from -200°C to +350°C using external probes
TF8 BLE sensor: IP65-rated enclosure, suitable for controlled
indoor or semi-protected environments.
TF10 LoRaWAN sensor: Rugged IP67 rating, ensuring protection
against dust, humidity, and outdoor elements.
Security: 256-bit key exchange and AES-128 encryption for both
sensors.
TF8 vs TF10 Sensor Specifications
Feature
TF8 BLE Sensor
TF10 LoRaWAN Sensor
Connectivity Technology
BLE 5.0 / 5.4
LoRaWAN
Communication Range (LOS)
Up to 460 meters
Up to 3,000 meters
Battery Life
3 years (10-min reporting)
3 years (10-min reporting)
Operating Temp Range
-30°C to +70°C
-30°C to +70°C
External Probe Temp Range
-200°C to +350°C
-200°C to +350°C
Humidity Range
0% to 100% RH
0% to 100% RH
Enclosure Rating
IP65
IP67
Data Storage
Up to 11,000 records
Up to 2,000 records
Security
256-bit key exchange, AES-128
256-bit key exchange, AES-128
Dimensions
62 × 42 × 19 mm
80 × 65 × 25 mm
Key Benefits of GND Solutions Wireless Sensors
TF8 BLE Sensor Advantages
Compact and cost-effective for indoor, dense network setups.
High onboard data storage (up to 11,000 records) minimizes
data loss during connection gaps.
Ideal for logistics hubs, cold storage rooms, and
pharmaceutical environments requiring short-range,
high-precision sensing.
TF10 LoRaWAN Sensor Advantages
Long-range connectivity suitable for distributed warehouses or
outdoor cold chain applications.
Rugged IP67 enclosure withstands dust, moisture, and
temperature fluctuations.
Ideal for large-scale or remote deployments where maintenance
access is limited.
Use Cases for BLE and LoRaWAN Sensors
BLE Sensor (TF8)
Indoor cold storage and refrigerated rooms
Pharmaceutical warehouse temperature control
Facility asset tracking and condition monitoringLocalized
hospital or lab environmental monitoring
Retail refrigerator temperature management
LoRaWAN Sensor (TF10)
Remote cold chain logistics and transport monitoring
Outdoor agriculture and environmental sensing
Multi-site warehouse monitoring
Smart city storage and utility applications
Wide-area supply chain asset tracking
FAQs: Choosing Between BLE and LoRaWAN for Cold Chain Monitoring
How do I choose between BLE and LoRaWAN for my cold
chain?
Consider range, infrastructure, and data frequency. Choose
BLE for short-range, high-frequency indoor environments.
Opt for LoRaWAN for wide-area or outdoor applications with
less frequent updates.
Are these sensors secure?
Yes. Both feature AES-128 encryption and 256-bit key
exchange for reliable end-to-end data protection.
What is the battery life of TF8 and TF10?
Both offer up to 3 years of battery life at a 10-minute
sampling interval.
Can I use external probes with these sensors?
Yes. Both models support external probes for extended
temperature monitoring from -200°C to +350°C.
How do these sensors integrate with monitoring
platforms?
They connect seamlessly to GND Solutions’ ThinxView
platform or custom IoT dashboards for real-time
monitoring, reporting, and alert notifications.
Conclusion: Selecting the Right Wireless Sensor for Your Cold
Chain
Both BLE and LoRaWAN technologies are reliable options for cold
chain monitoring. GND Solutions’ TF8 BLE sensors deliver fast,
precise data for compact indoor environments, while TF10 LoRaWAN
sensors enable long-range communication across distributed or
outdoor facilities.
Selecting the right model depends on your operational scope,
infrastructure, and reporting requirements. By aligning your
deployment needs with each sensor’s strengths, you ensure
accurate monitoring, product safety, and regulatory compliance
across your cold chain.
Explore GND Solutions’ full sensor portfolio or contact our IoT
experts to identify the best solution for your cold chain
operations.
