Having high-performance wireless technology that ensures the interconnection of devices has become a top priority for any company looking to set up its own IoT network. Among the many networks available, one stands out: the LoRaWAN private network. Here’s what you need to know about LoRaWAN, its implementation, and its benefits.
What is a LoRaWAN network?
A LoRaWAN network is a low-data-rate communication protocol based on IoT architecture. It enables data collection via devices connected to the Internet, with long ranges of up to 15 kilometers. This LPWAN network, based on LoRa radio technology, has the following characteristics:
- a low-power wireless network;
- a modular data rate ranging from 0.3 to 50 kilobits per second;
- a range of 2 to 5 kilometers in urban areas and up to 15 kilometers in rural areas.
The LoRaWAN network offers numerous advantages and enables long-range communication with low power consumption. This IoT network can be used across multiple sites and in any type of environment.
What are the differences between LoRa and LoRaWAN?
LoRa is a technology that enables communication between two points over long distances; it is also known as peer-to-peer technology.
The LoRaWAN network is a network protocol that uses LoRa technology to enable interconnection between multiple nodes at different levels across a network of stations.
LoRa technology stands out for its ability to fully utilize the channel’s bandwidth for data transmission. It is useful for deploying software applications. It can analyze and provide users with information from IoT sensors.
The LoRaWAN network connects the LoRa signal to IoT software applications. It handles both network configuration management and data transfer standards.
Why choose a private LoRaWAN network?
The LoRaWAN network enables the interconnection of connected devices without the need for complex infrastructure and offers businesses significant flexibility when setting up an IoT network.
With LoRa, you can set up a public LoRaWAN network, which requires a monthly subscription with a telecommunications provider, or deploy your own private LoRaWAN network.
There are many advantages to building a private LoRaWAN network. It allows companies to expand their own network into areas not covered by a public network. Building a private network with numerous IoT sensors also saves companies from having to invest in multiple monthly subscriptions, which can become costly.
The LoRaWAN network also offers the advantage of securing bidirectional connections through end-to-end encryption and ensures data protection.
In conclusion, this protocol uses low power consumption, maximizing battery life up to 10 years. It also reduces the costs associated with deploying maintenance teams.
Setting up a private LoRaWAN network
Setting up a private LoRaWAN network requires a LoRaWAN antenna and the deployment of gateways. These two devices enable the network to cover a wide area.
In a multi-gateway or single-site architecture , the gateways are configured from the network hub. This ensures more efficient data transfer between connected devices and business applications.
In a multi-site architecture with a centralized network core, all of the branch offices located at different sites are managed from the network core.
Ina multi-gateway, multi-sitearchitecture with an independent core network at each site, a network hub is installed at each location. Each site thus becomes self-sufficient and no longer relies on the others to function.
As forthe multi-site architecture, it utilizes Actility’s native VPN. Each site is equipped with a gateway that communicates via 4G. In other words, each gateway is managed centrally.
Would you like to learn more about the various applications of a LoRaWAN network? Come discover the protocols we use.
