The benefits of utilizing LoRaWAN

In today's fast-paced world, the concept of Industry 4.0 has firmly established itself among us, accompanied by its trendy terms and technologies, including Cloud Computing, Business Intelligence (BI), IoT, Machine Learning, Generative AI, and the anticipated support of a 5G network for all these technologies.

While it is true that 5G offers impressive capabilities such as higher data transfer speeds, reduced latency, increased device connectivity, and enhanced reliability, it also faces challenges like slow development, limited coverage, high expenses, and concerns regarding security and privacy. These issues are exacerbated by the scarcity of 5G devices in the market and their high prices compared with other technologies like 4G.

This does not imply that 5G is an inferior technology; rather, its effectiveness depends directly on the specific application. The same holds true for other networking technologies like 4G, Wi-Fi, mesh networks, and LoRaWAN, each possessing unique features and constraints. Therefore, it's crucial to conduct a thorough analysis of the particular use case and select the most suitable technology or a combination of technologies that meet the specific requirements.

One of these technologies is LoRa, a proprietary wireless networking solution developed by Cycleo and acquired by Semtech in 2012.

LoRaWAN is a communication protocol for networks (operating at Layers 2 and 3 of the OSI model) that functions on the physical layer of LoRa. As an open protocol, it permits various manufacturers to create devices, which helps to lower costs.

The benefits of utilizing LoRaWAN include the ability to communicate over long distances (2km in urban areas and 15 km in rural areas)  , low energy consumption that allows devices to function for years on a single battery, affordable devices, scalability for thousands of devices through one or multiple gateways (2,000 nodes per gateway), a rapid learning curve, and robust security from the nodes to the application server (it uses AES-128 Encryption).

LoRaWAN has emerged as a key standard for self-managing IoT networks. In Europe, both public and private networks have been set up for diverse applications, such as facility management, Smart Cities, utility services, and agriculture. Due to its appealing attributes, many manufacturers, installers, integrators, and end-users have chosen this technology to implement their IoT projects.

Here are the comparative different network technologies evaluating distinct aspects of each one of them:

Figure: Bandwidth vs. Range

From this chart we can deduce that LoRaWAN is a technology designed to communicate devices that need little bandwidth and are at a great distance from each other.

LoRaWAN Architecture:

1.       End Nodes (UE Devices):

•       These are sensors and actuators that collect data (such as temperature and humidity) or perform actions (such as turning lights on/off).
•       They operate on batteries and use LoRa modulation to transmit data over long distances with low energy consumption.

2.       Gateways:

•       They function as intermediaries between the end devices and the network server, transmitting signals from the devices over the internet.
•       They can be public or private and are responsible for receiving messages from multiple devices across a large area.

3.       Network Server:

•       Manages the communication between user devices and gateways, ensuring security, message deduplication, and bandwidth management.
•       Ensures the proper transmission of data and monitors the status of connected devices.

4.       Application Server:

•       Processes and stores data from the network server, managing the applications that use this data.
•       It can be an internal application or a cloud solution that allows end users to interact with the collected information.

Examples of LoRa and LoRaWAN Use Cases: LoRa and LoRaWAN have multiple use cases across various sectors, including Smart Cities (optimization of public lighting and waste management); precision agriculture (sensors that monitor crops and track livestock); public utilities (remote meter reading and infrastructure monitoring). They are also used in logistics for tracking goods and environmental conditions, as well as in healthcare for patient monitoring and safety in nursing homes. In the industry, they allow for machinery status tracking and quality control. Additionally, they are useful in transportation for traffic monitoring and smart parking, and in environmental protection through air quality measurement and flood detection. Their ability to operate over long distances with low energy consumption makes them an ideal choice for IoT projects.

At TXM Global, an IT services company, we are dedicated to navigating the constantly evolving landscape of innovation and cutting-edge technologies. Our goal is to deliver turnkey solutions that give our clients a competitive edge in the market. Our range of services includes the design and implementation of various network solutions such as private 4G LTE, VoLTE, 5G, LoRa, and Wi-Fi mesh networks. Our Internet of Things (IoT) offerings—comprising sensors, actuators, smart cameras, and more—operate seamlessly within these frameworks, all underpinned by our robust data collection systems and advanced capabilities in Business Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Generative AI.

As noted in the introduction, a single network technology may not be suitable for every customer use case, particularly in challenging physical environments such as underground mines, where signal propagation and interference differ significantly from those in offices or open areas. Therefore, it is essential to select an appropriate network technology, or mesh of technologies tailored to each specific use case.