Getting Started with LoRaWAN (I)

LoRaWAN is a wireless technology with clear growth. Not just according to Gartner, but because more and more projects are being designed and implemented where communication between devices will be done this way. We ourselves are seeing how customers of all sizes are consulting us to launch new projects of all kinds, both for Smart Cities, as well as for infrastructure management or improvements in industrial control.

So, how do you get started with LoRaWAN? In this set of entries on our blog, we will answer this question so that anyone completely unfamiliar with the technology is able to understand its use, its advantages, its benefits, and how it can help improve the control of their installation.

This particular entry deals with the more theoretical part, where we will see what LoRaWAN is and what it is for, different possible use cases, and the typical architectures that compose it.

I Theory

To begin to understand LoRaWAN, we must understand its context, for this, we recommend you calmly read these entries from our blog:

LPWAN: What They are and What They are Used For

In this post, you can learn what Long Range Wide Area Networks are and the different technological alternatives that exist. There we also explain why LoRaWAN has so much potential as a private network that does not require an operator.

What is LoRaWAN

Simple summary of this technology introducing its features and advantages, its architecture, and, finally, the LoRa Alliance.

With these two readings, we will already have the basis on the technology. Let’s go to the components that make up a LoRaWAN network.

I Architecture

In summary, the following elements can be found in a LoRaWAN network:

Nodes

These are the physical devices that communicate via LoRaWAN. The two most common types of equipment are sensors and trackers. That is, the nodes are those elements with a specific function that transmit the information that concerns them using the LoRaWAN network.

Gateway

The most important element of the network. The main function of this equipment is to set up the wireless network for sending and receiving messages. If the network is a single Gateway, the equipment itself usually takes on the function of Network Server. You can find more detailed information here.

Network Server

Function performed by the Gatway itself or by independent software that coordinates and manages the network so that it is secure and stable. It is also responsible for translating the messages from the sensors to standard protocols (typically MQTT and/or REST)

Applications

Set of applications that have permissions to communicate with the Network Server and that send data/instructions to the nodes and exploit the information that they send them.

I Use Cases

Once the technology and its components are understood, it is easy to start seeing possible projects or environments where its use can represent a great advantage and savings. For our part, we propose the following examples:

• Use case: LoRaWAN for warehouse management.
• Use case: LoRaWAN for outdoor equipment and facilities.
• Use case: LoRaWAN in industry.

In summary, LoRaWAN fits very well when we do not want to or are going to use power cables or communications. That applies both to connecting to mobile equipment, to having information in isolated points or, simply, to saving ourselves from assembling cabinets and long/expensive cable runs. Of course, always keeping in mind that the information to be transmitted should not be critical.

Once the technology has been introduced, in the second post of this series, we will deal with the practical part related to physical equipment, that is, trackers, sensors and the Gateway.

Do you have any questions? Are there any topics you would like to discuss with us about LoRaWAN? If so, do not hesitate to do so!