An Introduction to LoRa & LoRaWAN Gateway

IoT, IoT devices, IoT applications

The projected astronomical number of 18 billion IoT devices will shortly join the global network by 2022, disrupting the economy. This vast growth is driven by many emerging business cases such as utility metering, precision agriculture, vending machines and many other use-cases. IoT devices can be used for a variety of purposes, such as improving energy efficiency, optimizing manufacturing processes, and improving safety and security. IoT (Internet of Things) describes the trend of interconnected devices and systems becoming more and more prevalent in our lives.

 About Milesight

Milesight IoT is a fast-growing and innovation-driven technology company, with a focus on 5G, AI, IoT and LoRaWAN. They provide cutting-edge solutions for smart cities and enterprises, making it easier for people to connect and interact with their surroundings. With a strong commitment to R&D, Milesight is always at the forefront of the latest technology trends, bringing value to their customers and partners.

There are a number of factors that are driving the growth of the IoT, including the increasing availability of low-cost sensors and microcontrollers, the development of 5G networks, and the rise of artificial intelligence. As these technologies continue to develop, the IoT is expected to become even more widespread and ubiquitous.

What is LoRa/ LoRaWAN?  

LoRa technology is a long range, low power wireless platform that is perfect for connecting devices to the IoT. It operates in the unlicensed ISM band and can transmit data over long distances while using minimal power.

LoRa/LoRaWAN is open-source technology that can set up a private network autonomously and without a third-party infrastructure at a low cost. Among all LPWAN technologies, LoRa has been chosen, depending on its market penetration and its enormous applications in industry, education, and communities. LoRa is a physical layer with low-energy and long-range communication technology operating in unlicensed radio bands at the sub-gigahertz level.

LoRaWAN Gateways & Its Uses?

A LoRaWAN gateway is a device that enables the connection of LoRa endpoints to the internet. It is used to bridge the gap between the end nodes and LoRaWAN network. This enables the gateways to collect data from the end nodes and send it to the network server for processing. Gateway devices can be either embedded or standalone units.

Embedded gateways are generally small, low-power devices that are used to connect sensors and other small devices to a LoRaWAN network. Standalone gateways are larger, more powerful devices that can support higher data throughputs and longer-range communications.

The UG56 LoRaWAN Gateway is a powerful indoor LoRaWAN gateway with 8 channels. The UG56 offers connectivity with more than 2000 nodes thanks to the SX1302 chip and high-performance quad-core CPU. Smart buildings, smart industries, and many other indoor applications are perfectly suited for UG56, which has a line of sight up to 15 km and can cover around 2 km in an urbanised setting.

The UG56 supports multiple Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular back-haul backups in addition to having built-in network servers and Milesight IoT Cloud for quick deployment. It also includes integrated common network servers (such as TTI, ChirpStack, etc.).

LoRa Vs. LoRaWAN

LoRa and LoRaWAN are both types of wireless technology used for IoT applications. They are both based on the same physical layer. LoRaWAN is the network on which all LoRA devices operate. It is an enhancement of the LoRA technology that provides a number of features not found in LoRA, including a built-in network layer. This allows devices to connect to the internet without requiring a gateway, ideal for applications where scalability and reliability are important. LoRaWAN also supports data rates up to 500kbps, has a range of up to 20km, and can operate in both licensed and unlicensed bands.

LoRa is a radio frequency carrier signal based in the physical (PHY) layer that converts received data into signals. This allows for low-power transmissions over long ranges with minimal interference. It has a range of up to 15km and can support data rates up to 50kbps. However, it does not have a built-in network layer and therefore requires a gateway to connect to the internet.

UG63 Mini LoRaWAN Gateway PoE Powered

The UG63 Mini LoRaWAN Gateway PoE Powered is a powerful gateway that provides an efficient and reliable way to connect to the LoRaWAN network. This gateway is designed for use in industrial and commercial applications and features a built-in PoE module that provides power over Ethernet. With its compact size and low power consumption, the UG63 Mini LoRaWAN Gateway PoE Powered is an ideal solution for connecting devices to the LoRaWAN network.

 Product Features:

• Built-in network server and MQTT/HTTP/HTTPS API for easily integration
• Fits in the areas where the network coverage is limited or nonexistent.
• Mini LoRaWAN Gateway is easily compatible with network servers like The Things Industries, ChirpStack, etc.
• Ideal solution for connecting devices to the LoRaWAN network worldwide frequency range from 470 MHz to 928 MHz.
• The UG63 Mini LoRaWAN Gateway features a built-in network server and MQTT/HTTP/HTTPS API for easy integration with a variety of devices and systems.
• Features a built-in SX1302 chip that enables it to handle a higher amount of traffic with lower consumption.

UG65 LoraWan Indoor Gateway - optional LTE

The UG65 LoraWan Indoor Gateway is an optional LTE enabled gateway that can provide indoor coverage for LoRaWan networks. The UG65 also supports Semtech’s latest packet forwarder and is compatible with multiple network server platforms. This allows for easy integration into existing networks and provides users with a variety of options when selecting a network server platform.

It has a built-in LTE modem and an integrated antenna,and can be used to provide backhaul for LoRaWan networks or to connect to the internet.

Product Features:

• It has basic waterproof and dustproof capabilities.
• UG65 LoRaWAN Gateway supports receiving data from 8 end-devices simultaneously.
• Supports up to 2000 end-devices.
• Compatible with Mainstream Network Servers like AWS, The Things Industries, ChirpStack, etc.
• UG65 rich in flexible installation either wall mounting, pole mounting etc.

UG67 - IP67 Outdoor LoRaWAN Gateway with LTE

UG67 - IP67 Outdoor LoRaWAN Gateway with LTE is an ideal solution for long-distance wireless data transmission. It supports both LoRaWAN and LTE communication, providing an efficient and reliable way to connect devices and collect data. It features an UG67 rated enclosure and PoE-PD (Powered Device), making it well suited for working in harsh outdoor environments.

Product Features:

• Less Power Consumption between 2.9w to max up to 4.8w
• High in capacity of receiving data from 8 end-devices simultaneously
• It has multiple backhaul connectivities such as stay connected via Ethernet, Wi-Fi and cellular.
• Integrated with internal LoRa, Cellular, Wi-Fi, and GPS antennas, 2 external LoRa antennas are optionally available to strengthen signal coverage.
• Featured with embedded high-capacity capacitor means that data is not lost during a power outage and that the UG67 - IP67 gateway can continue to send alerts until the power is restored.

Applications Uses LoRaWAN

There are a number of potential LoRaWAN applications, but the following are some of the most promising and exciting.

1. Smart Cities - It can be used to help manage traffic, optimise resources, and improve overall quality of life for citizens.
2. Supply Chain Management - LoRaWAN can be used to track shipments and monitor inventory in real-time.
3. Asset Tracking - Helps in tracking the location of high-value assets such as construction equipment, vehicles, or medical supplies.
4. Environmental Monitoring - LoRaWAN can be used to track air quality, water levels, and other environmental parameters.
5. Intelligent Buildings - Control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as manage security and access control.
6. Retail and Hospitality - Customer interactions and transactions, as well as provide real-time insights into store performance.
7. Agriculture - with the LoRaWAN, farmers manage crops, irrigation systems, and livestock using precision agriculture techniques.
8. Intelligent Transportation - Improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and optimize public transportation systems.
9. Disability Assistance - Help people with disabilities live more independently by providing remote monitoring and control of assistive devices

Frequently Asked Questions

Why LoRaWAN is important in IoT?

LoRaWAN is important in IoT because it offers a much longer range than other wireless protocols, which makes it ideal for connecting devices that are spread out over a large area. LoRaWAN also uses less power than other protocols, making it a good choice for battery-powered devices. The new platform is designed to address key Internet of Things (IoT)requirements like bi-directional communication, end-to-end security, mobility, and localisation services.

Why is LoRaWAN popular?

One of the reasons LoRaWAN is popular is because it has a long range. It can communicate up to 10 miles away, which is much further than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This makes it perfect for connecting devices in rural areas or large buildings. It is an inexpensive long-range, bi-directional communication protocol with very low power consumption and the devices may function for ten years on a single battery. This protocol is perfect for low-power devices that need to communicate over long distances.

What are the best LoRa Gateways?

There are a lot of different LoRa gateways on the market, and it can be tough to determine which one is the best for your needs. TTGO T-Beam LoRa Gateway is the best LoRa gateway. It has a wide range of features, including an LCD display, four built-in digital sensors, an SD card slot, and a five-way joystick. Plus, it's easy to set up and use.

Does LoRaWANneed a gateway?

Yes, LoRaWAN does need a gateway in order to function. The gateway acts as a bridge between the end devices and the network server, allowing bi-directional communication to take place. Without a gateway, devices would not be able to connect to the network and communicate with one another.

How does LoRaWAN connect?

LoRaWAN connects using Long Range (LoRa) technology. LoRa uses a chirp spread spectrum modulation which allows for long range communication while remaining spectrally efficient. The tradeoff is that data rates are significantly lower than other technologies, such as WiFi and cellular. Because of this, LoRaWAN is best suited for applications that require long range connectivity and can tolerate lower data rates.

To connect a device to a LoRaWAN network, the device first needs to acquire a network address. This is typically done using activation by personalization (ABP), where the device's address and session keys are hardcoded into the device. Once the device has a network address, it can begin sending data to the gateway, which then forwards it on to the online network. The gateway can also receive data from the network and relay it back to the device. This allows devices to communicate with each other and with internet-connected applications without needing a direct connection.