What is LoRaWAN

Devices may communicate wirelessly over great distances while consuming little power thanks to the Low Power, Wide Area Network (LPWAN) protocol known as LoRaWAN. Built on the radio modulation technique known as LoRa, it is intended for use in applications such as asset tracking, smart city infrastructure, and Internet of Things sensors where conventional cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity may be expensive or unfeasible. 
Here's a more thorough explanation:

Low Power: For battery-powered IoT devices that must run for lengthy periods of time, LoRaWAN is perfect because it is specifically made to reduce power consumption.

Wide-Area Network: It makes long-distance communication possible, enabling devices to communicate in open spaces over distances of several kilometres, even tens of kilometers.

 Wireless: LoRaWAN does not require cellular SIM cards or physical connections because it communicates via radio waves.

Open Standard: 

The non-profit LoRa Alliance, which supports its standardisation and worldwide implementation, is responsible for maintaining the open LoRaWAN standard.

Bi-directional Communication: can send and receive data thanks to its two-way communication capabilities, which is essential for many Internet of Things applications.

Secure: LoRaWAN ensures the security and integrity of sent data by offering encryption for secure connection. 

 

Important elements: 

LoRaWAN's architecture is straightforward.

End Devices: These are usually data-collecting and data-transmitting sensors or actuators.

 Gateways: These are the devices that relay data to the network server after receiving it from the end devices.

Network Server: This controls the network infrastructure, including device registration and traffic routing.

Application Server: This is responsible for processing and making available to apps the data that is received from the network server. 

 

Installing LoRaWAN

Setting up sensors and gateways is part of the LoRaWAN installation process. Proper antenna location and network connectivity are necessary for gateways, which serve as a bridge between devices and the network server. Data collecting sensors, which are frequently battery-operated, should be installed at the best possible heights and positions to receive signals.


Here's a more thorough analysis:

Installing a Gateway: 

  1. Antenna Placement: As directed by the manufacturer, connect antennas to the gateway.
  2. For the best transmission and reception of signals, take line-of-sight and height into consideration.
  3. The gateway should be connected to a network switch or router via an Ethernet connection.  The gateway should be powered on after being plugged into a power outlet.
  4. Software/Firmware: Flash the gateway's firmware by following the manufacturer's instructions (e.g., using an SD card).
  5. Configuration: To configure network settings and other parameters, use a web browser to access the gateway's configuration interface.


Installing Sensors:

  1. Mounting: Depending on the particular sensor and use, sensors can be affixed to walls, tubes, or even cemented into place.
  2. Height: To improve signal reception, position sensors as high as you can.
  3. Power: While some sensors run on batteries, some could need a power source.
  4. Antenna Positioning (for certain sensors): Make sure the sensor's individual antenna is positioned in an open, unhindered area.
  5. Device Setup: To link the sensor with the gateway or network server, adhere to the manufacturer's instructions.

 

Best Practice: 

  • Reduce signal interference by prioritising high antenna location.
  • Line of Sight: Make sure the sensors and gateway have a clear path.
  • Make sure the network is operating as intended, perform network coverage tests.
  • Power: Ascertain that the sensors and gateway are powered by a reliable source.

For more information, Please contact a member of our team: 0800 298 4233