Deciding on what Protocol to integrate into your IoT Network is a crucial choice for companies. Due to the overwhelming number of options, we face the questions:
‘Which type of Network connectivity will be most valuable?’, ‘where will I see the most benefits for my IoT Solution?’, ‘which Protocol will see me have the highest efficiency and lowest cost for my use case?’.
The LoRaWAN (Wide Area Networking) Protocol has popularised the market in recent years, as part of the LoRaWAN Alliance, this technology manages communication between LPWAN Network Applications and end-devices.
Exceptionally for industrial operating businesses, the LoRaWAN network has proven groundbreaking in terms of cost and efficiency, due to the lower power usage and long-range connectivity span- ideal for battery powered devices.
We’ve got you covered to find out everything you need to know about LoRaWAN- beginner friendly- to make smart choices when choosing of your next Wireless connectivity as part of your IoT Solution.
How LoRaWAN Works
LoRaWAN stations the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer of the LoRa Protocol stack. Alongside the LoRa physical Layer of the stack channeling radio frequency technology.
The LoRaWAN cloud-server manages gateways that communicate to end nodes, to connect devices and Applications to the LoRaWAN Network devices can secure communicate with the cloud.
Too simplify LoRaWAN is a protocol that facilitates long-range communication between connected battery powered devices/ sensors and the end-Application through sensor to gateway to server interaction. It forms part of the wider LoRa Protocol that engages this wide area communication.
Device Communication through the LoRaWAN Network
A device will broadcast data to all the local gateways. A single LoRaWAN gateway can accommodate thousands of devices across multiple gateways to form the basis of IoT Solutions.
The gateways will send this information package to the LoRaWAN Cloud Network server.
The Network server collates the data and determines the gateway with the best reception. This message is then relayed to the appropriate Application Server, where the end-user can manage the original data package sent from the device.
This communication architecture is duplicated when sending information back from the Application server to the device. In other words, LoRaWAN communication is bi-directional between the end node/ device and the gateway, meaning the end node can both send (Upstream) and receive (downstream) data from the gateway.
What Industries can LoRaWAN been used in?
The LoRaWAN Network is suitable for a wealth of Applications due to its advantage of low cost and long-distance transmission distances. From Industry 4.0. management to connecting objects to the internet in the development of Smart Cities, the LoRaWAN Protocol embraces a variety of use cases valuable to IoT innovation.
Just some examples of LoRaWAN Applications include:
Industry 4.0. Development
IoT has become synonymous with the manufacturing Industry, allowing complete visibility, management and automation of asset processes. LoRaWAN has grown to be an established part of Smart Manufacturing IoT Solutions, delivering reliable, low power capabilities which enhance productivity and reduce cost- the perfect solution!
- Remote asset tracking: Non-Digital Asset location can be tracked from even the most rural locations allowing clients visibility at all times
- Device monitoring: Machine uptime is crucial to smooth industrial chain…
Healthcare
- Low power, low cost and reliable performance supports the monitoring patients and systems to ensure the constant check of health and safety.
Smart Cities
- LoRaWAN contributes to the development of Smart Cities Monitoring by connecting Smart city Applications from lighting, temperature, waste removal and EV charging- the wide area, long-range and secure Network of LoRaWAN makes it a suitable match.
Environment Monitoring
- Real-time environmental monitoring is possible with the integration of LoRaWAN sensors across territories that can detect environmental issues such as radiation, air and water quality ahead of time
Learn more about the latest LoRaWAN devices
Next week commences the start of the worlds largest LoRaWAN conference – The Things Conference- This virtual exhibition will delve into every vertical of the LoRaWAN chain, showcasing device workshops and talks from leaders in the LoRaWAN space.
Want to find out more about which Protocol to use for your IoT use case?
Read: The most popular wireless technologies for an embedded engineer to know
Contact us to consult at info@paratuspeople.com