LoRaWAN Technology Explained

Simplifying IoT connectivity.

LoRaWAN^® is a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology designed for long-range, low-power IoT applications. Utilizing LoRa^® modulation, it provides communication ranges of up to 100 km in open areas and maintains superior range compared to WiFi and Bluetooth in urban environments. The protocol operates across region-specific frequency bands, including 868 MHz in Europe and 915 MHz in the US, with a global 2.4 GHz band offering broader but shorter-range coverage. LoRaWAN supports scalable IoT deployments by connecting numerous sensors through gateways to a centralized network server. Its ability to maintain signal integrity over long distances and through interference makes it ideal for diverse applications, including smart cities and remote monitoring.

diagram of device connecting through gateway to application server

LoRaWAN Range

LoRaWAN offers impressive range capabilities, extending up to 100 km in open areas with a clear line of sight. In urban environments, where buildings can obstruct the signal, the effective range is reduced but still significantly exceeds that of WiFi and Bluetooth. This extensive range is achieved through LoRa modulation technology, which spreads the signal over time and frequency, allowing it to be reconstructed even when it is below the noise level. The technology's robustness supports long-distance communication with minimal power consumption, making it suitable for a wide array of IoT applications. Additionally, LoRaWAN's range can be further extended with satellite gateways, providing global coverage and connectivity even in remote or underserved regions.

venn diagram on graph comparing lora to cellular and wi-fi ble

Key Benefits of LoRaWAN Technology

LoRaWAN is a leading wireless communication protocol for IoT applications, offering long-range connectivity, low power consumption, and cost-effectiveness. These features make LoRaWAN ideal for diverse use cases, from smart cities to industrial monitoring.

Long Range and Penetration

LoRaWAN can transmit data up to 10-15 kilometers in rural areas and 1-5 kilometers in urban settings. It operates in sub-GHz frequency bands, allowing it to penetrate physical obstacles like buildings and trees.

Low Power Consumption

LoRaWAN devices are designed for low power consumption, enabling years of operation on small batteries. This is ideal for long-term, maintenance-free IoT applications such as environmental monitoring and smart agriculture.

Cost-Effectiveness

The infrastructure and operational costs of LoRaWAN are relatively low, making it an economical option for large-scale IoT deployments, balancing performance and affordability.

LoRaWAN – Use Case

LoRaWAN GPS tracker.

To uncover the mysteries of bird migration, researchers at an English university attach ultra-light LoRaWAN GPS trackers with sensors and accelerometers to these migratory birds. Given the challenge of ensuring that the trackers do not impede the birds' flight, the devices are designed to be extremely lightweight. With fixed outdoor gateways in their habitats and mobile gateways on research vehicles, the trackers transmit crucial location and behavior data whenever within range. This technology not only provides vital insights into their movements but also helps protect and conserve these incredible creatures by better understanding their patterns.

FAQ – LoRaWAN

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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 in a star topology and a LoRa Network Server (LNS) together to a customer application.

How does LoRaWAN work?

The LoRaWAN protocol specifies the timing for when devices can transmit data and when they must listen for incoming messages, as well as the frequency and duration of data transmissions. Leveraging LoRa modulation, LoRaWAN achieves extensive transmission ranges while maintaining minimal power consumption. The modulation employs redundancy and temporal spreading, allowing the signal to be reconstructed even when it falls below the noise level or is briefly interrupted by interference. This robust approach ensures reliable communication in challenging environments.

What does LoRaWAN cost?

LoRaWAN is a cost-free protocol, available for implementation by anyone without the need for radio licenses or ongoing 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: Typically produced in large quantities, these sensors are cost-optimized and available as configurable finished products or can be custom-developed to meet specific requirements.
LoRaWAN gateways: Off-the-shelf indoor or outdoor gateways can be purchased for a reasonable price.
Connectivity: The gateways require an internet connection, which can be provided either through a local area network or an internal mobile network card. Note that recurring costs for a data plan are applicable.
LoRa Network Server: You can either run your own network server with open-source software such as Chirpstack or rent the service from providers such as Loriot or TTI. Additionally, free network servers like The Things Network (TTN) are available.

In some countries or areas, you can utilize public LoRaWAN® infrastructure, such as the paid services provided by Swisscom in Switzerland. Additionally, there are free networks available, like The Things Network (TTN), which offer open access to LoRaWAN® connectivity.

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.

Why use LoRaWAN?

Use LoRaWAN for low-power, long-range applications with low throughput. Typically, a LoRaWAN sensor transmits data once daily or hourly. For developers, starting with LoRaWAN is straightforward thanks to the availability of open-source stacks and development boards.

Is LoRaWAN free?

LoRaWAN is free to use, with no monthly fees or additional radio licenses required. It operates on open frequency bands with regulated power levels, varying by region (e.g., EU868, US915, AU915) as specified in the radio profile specifications. Additionally, a global 2.4 GHz band is available, though with a shorter range. You can install your own LoRaWAN gateways or utilize services from network providers such as Swisscom, which offers extensive coverage in Switzerland.

What is the range of LoRaWAN?

The range of LoRaWAN can extend up to 100 km with a clear line of sight. In urban environments with buildings, the range is reduced but remains significantly greater than WiFi or Bluetooth. This extended range enables the use of satellites as LoRaWAN® gateways, a concept known as "LoRa from space".

Who is behind LoRaWAN?

LoRaWAN is developed and maintained by Semtech Corporation, which is a key player in the technology's evolution. The protocol itself is managed by the LoRa Alliance, a global association of companies and organizations dedicated to promoting and advancing the LoRaWAN standard for IoT connectivity. The alliance fosters collaboration among its members to ensure interoperability and support the growth of the LoRaWAN ecosystem.

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