LoRaWAN

LoRaWAN^® is a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) often used in internet of things (IoT) applications because of its low energy consumption. The LoRaWAN range of up to 100km in the free-field is based on the LoRa modulation. In cities between buildings this translates to a smaller range, but still much higher than WiFi or Bluetooth. The Sub-G LoRaWAN frequency bands differ from EU (868MHz) to US (915MHz) and other regions of the world. Only the 2.4 GHz LoRaWAN technology can be used world wide, but with a shorter range.

LoRaWAN applications typically connect a large number of sensors over gateways and a LoRa Network Server (LNS) together to a customer application.

LoRaWAN Products

LoRaWAN Gateway

A LoRaWAN gateway connects LoRaWAN sensors to the internet, typically over a cellular mobile connection or over a local network router. For different applications there are indoor and outdoor gateways available.

Gateways

LoRaWAN Module

A LoRaWAN module is a generic and fully proven LoRaWAN end device controller which can be customized with specific sensors and an application. It enables a rapid implementation of an IoT device.

Modules

LoRaWAN Sensor

A LoRaWAN sensor makes measurements and sends the data to the cloud. IoT sensors are typically simple battery powered devices which can be used in remote places and difficult to access locations.

Sensors

LoRaWAN Starter kit

A LoRaWAN starter kit enables getting in touch with LoRaWAN, evaluating new hardware and starting a proof of concept for a new application. Starter kits are available for the whole FMLR module family.

Starter Kit

LoRaWAN Applications

More and more IoT applications are using LoRaWAN solutions because of their long range, low power consumption and scalable production.

Asset Tracking

LoRaWAN is suitable for moving sensors mounted on animals, containers and vehicles because the transceivers can be built in small and light devices running on a small battery.

Smart Metering

In Smart Metering the problem often is to bring the data from different meters out of a building without the access of a local network. LoRaWAN bridges and gateways enable an independent solution.

Smart Building

LoRaWAN sensors in combination with a gateway enable wireless collection of data and control of small battery powered devices where WiFi or BLE would be to power-hungry or would not have enough range.

LoRaWAN Range

The LoRaWAN range of around 100km (line of sight) is outstanding compared to the small size of simple battery powered LoRaWAN sensor. In cities between buildings this translates to a smaller range, but still much higher than WiFi or Bluetooth. This is possible thanks to the LoRa modulation technology. The signal is spread over time and allows the receiver to reconstruct the signal even it's below the noise level. For the same reason a LoRaWAN antenna of an end-device can be kept small.

LoRaWAN is the perfect radio technology for low-power, low-cost and low-band-with applications like mobile tags, remote sensors or actuators.

When talking about range, don't forget the LoRa from space over the satellite gateways which provide global coverage.

LoRaWAN® Success Stories

LoRaWAN GPS Tracker

A research group wants to track elephants and find out more about their routes and behavior. They fix a LoRaWAN GPS tracker with additional sensors and an accelerometer on the elephant. They have installed fix outdoor gateways in the expected area and mobile gateways on the research vehicles. The LoRaWAN GPS tracker records the location and sensor data and transmits the data to a gateway if in proximity.

LoRaWAN Water Meter

A facility management company manages many buildings with hundreds of energy and water meters. In order to have real time data and to reduce costs they install LoRaWAN bridges to every meter and a gateway in every building or part of the building.

LoRaWAN Door Sensor

LoRaWAN door sensors or window sensors can be small and easy to retrofit. In a smart home or smart building system they can help to reduce heating/cooling costs, measure ventilation time and start alarm in case of unexpected action.

FAQ

What is LoRaWAN®?

LoRaWAN® is a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) often used in internet of things (IoT) applications because of its low energy consumption. The LoRaWAN range of up to 100km in the free-field is based on the LoRa® modulation.

LoRaWAN® applications typically connect a large number of sensors over gateways and a LoRa® Network Server (LNS) together to a customer application.

How does LoRaWAN® work?

The LoRaWAN® protocol defines the time when device can send data and when a device needs to listen for incoming messages. It also defines how often and how long a device can send data. LoRaWAN® is based on the LoRa modulation and can therefore reach a large transmission range with a small power budget. The modulation uses redundancy and is spread over time. Therefore the signal can be reconstructed even if it's below the noise level or even if it's disturbed by a short interference.

What does LoRaWAN® cost?

LoRaWAN doesn't cost anything. It's a free protocol and can be implemented by anyone. No radio license and no monthly fees.

Of course you need to buy or build your own end-devices and infrastructure. Here is a simple bucket list for your LoRaWAN application:

- LoRaWAN sensors: they are typically produced in large quantities and can therefore be cost optimized. They are available as finished configurable products or can be developed upon customer needs.

- LoRaWAN gateways: Off the shelve indoor or outdoor gateways can be purchased for a reasonable price.

- Connectivity: The gateways need an internet connection, either over a local area network or an internal mobile network card. Recurring costs for a data plan apply.

- LoRa Network Server: You can run your own network server or rent the service from a provider like Loriot or TTI. You can also find free network servers like TTN.

In some countries or areas you can even use public paid LoRaWAN infrastructure. For instance Swisscom is a provider in Switzerland.

How secure is LoRaWAN®?

LoRaWAN® uses end-to-end encryption. Every payload is encrypted by AES-CTR and carries a frame counter (to avoid packet replay) and a Message Integrity Code (MIC) computed with AES-CMAC (to avoid packet tampering). The application and session keys are stored on the device and the application server. They can even be stored on a secure element programmed through a secure bootloader.

What is the difference between LoRa and LoRaWAN?

LoRaWAN is a radio protocol on top of the LoRa modulation. In other words: LoRaWAN defines how and when messages are transmitted using the LoRa modulation. The LoRa modulation adds redundancy to the payload and spreads the signal over time. This enables the receiver to reconstruct the message even if the received signal is below the noise level or an interferer was present for a short time.

Why use LoRaWAN®?

Use LoRaWAN for low-power and long range applications with a low throughput. Typically a LoRaWAN sensor sends the measured data every day or every hour.

Is LoRaWAN® free?

LoRaWAN is free. No monthly plan. No extra radio license. LoRaWAN uses open frequency bands with limited power level. The regulations are different in each region: EU868, US915, AU915, ...

You can install your own LoRaWAN gateways.

There are also LoRaWAN network providers like e.g. Swisscom with a good coverage in Switzerland.

What is the range of LoRaWAN®?

The range of LoRaWAN can reach 100km with line of sight. In cities between buildings this translates to a smaller range, but still much higher than WiFi or Bluetooth. That's why satellites can be used as LoRaWAN gateways, which is called LoRa from space.

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