LoRa Easy and LoRaWAN both use LoRa radio technology, but their architectures and levels of openness differ.
In summary, LoRa Easy prioritizes simplicity when connecting Enless sensors to an BMS. LoRaWAN prioritizes openness and scalability through a standardized protocol that is compatible with various manufacturers.
The choice therefore depends on the number of sensors, the equipment used, the expected level of integration BMS , and the project’s future development.
What is the difference between LoRa and LoRaWAN?
LoRa and LoRaWAN are not the same thing.
LoRa is a long-range, low-power radio modulation technology. It enables the physical transmission of messages between devices.
LoRaWAN is a standardized network protocol that uses LoRa technology. In particular, it defines sensor activation, security, communication formats, and interactions with the network server.
The LoRa Alliance thus presents LoRa as the radio layer and LoRaWAN as the protocol that organizes the network.
A company can therefore use LoRa technology with:
- The Standard LoRaWAN Protocol
- A proprietary protocol developed for a specific purpose
- The LoRa Easy mode offered by Enless
What is LoRa Easy?
LoRa Easy is a proprietary communication protocol developed by Enless, based on LoRa radio technology.
Sensors configured for LoRa Easy send their data directly to an Enless receiver. No LoRa Network Server is required.
There are three types of receivers available:
- RX MODBUS to convert data into a Modbus table
- RX BACNET for converting data into BACnet objects
- HTTP RX to send data in JSON format to an HTTP server
Each receiver can support up to 50 Enless sensors. The data packets are automatically recognized and decoded.
Conversely, LoRa Easy receivers communicate only with compatible Enless sensors. They cannot receive data from third-party LoRaWAN sensors.
What is LoRaWAN?
LoRaWAN is an open protocol standardized by the LoRa Alliance. It allows sensors and gateways from different manufacturers to communicate over the same network.
A LoRaWAN architecture typically includes:
- LoRaWAN sensors
- One or more gateways
- A LoRa Network Server (LNS)
- Codecs for decoding data
- An app, an IoT platform, or a BMS
The network can be private or public.
In a private LoRaWAN network, the company installs and operates its own gateway. In a public network, messages are received by an operator’s infrastructure.
Comparison of LoRa Easy and LoRaWAN
| Criterion | LoRa Easy | LoRaWAN |
|---|---|---|
| Radio Technology | LoRa | LoRa |
| Protocol | Owner: Enless | Open Standard |
| Compatible sensors | Compatible Enless Sensors | Multi-brand LoRaWAN sensors |
| Reception Equipment | Enless Receiver | LoRaWAN Gateway |
| LNS Server | Not required | Required |
| Enless Capacity | 50 sensors per receiver | Up to 500 sensors with the Enless gateway |
| Decoding Enless Sensors | Native | Native with the Enless gateway |
| Third-party sensors | Not compatible | Compatible with codec |
| Integration BMS | Modbus, BACnet, or HTTP | Modbus or BACnet, depending on the gateway and its firmware |
| Commissioning | Report by LoRa ID | OTAA Activation and LoRaWAN Keys |
| Enless Repeater | Compatible | Not compatible |
| Public network | No | Yes |
| Sample Project | Simple Enless Installation | Open, large-scale, or multi-brand project |
When should you choose LoRa Easy?
LoRa Easy is generally the best choice when the need is clearly defined and covered by the Enless product line.
This architecture is particularly suitable when:
- The project includes fewer than 50 sensors per receiver
- All the necessary sensors are available from Enless
- A Modbus, BACnet, or HTTP protocol is required
- A quick startup is a priority
- No LoRaWAN network has been installed yet
- A local and cost-effective architectural approach is desired
The receiver decodes the data directly. Therefore, the integrator does not need to configure an LNS, manage OTAA keys, or develop codecs.
LoRa Easy is particularly well-suited for small and medium-sized commercial buildings, boiler rooms, schools, and remote meter reading systems.
When Should You Choose LoRaWAN?
LoRaWAN is more suitable when a project requires greater flexibility or capacity.
This architecture is recommended when:
- The building has more than 50 sensors
- Sensors from multiple manufacturers must be able to operate together
- The client requires a standardized protocol
- A LoRaWAN network already exists
- Several gateways are required
- The system must be scalable
- A public network must be used
The Enless LoRaWAN gateway includes its own LNS and can manage up to 500 LoRaWAN sensors.
Enless sensors are decoded natively. Integrating third-party sensors requires adding JavaScript codecs and mapping the values to the BMS.
Can the same sensors operate in both modes?
Most Enless sensors can be configured for LoRa Easy or LoRaWAN. The mode is selected during installation, typically using the selector switch found on certain models.
However, a sensor can communicate in only one mode at a time.
You should also check the compatibility of each product. Some devices are LoRa Easy only, while others, such as the Enless thermostatic valve, work only with LoRaWAN.
You can refer to the following compatibility chart.
What architecture should you choose for your project?
The choice can be summed up simply:
- Choose LoRa Easy for a simple, fast, and effortless installation limited to 50 sensors per receiver
- Choose LoRaWAN for a standardized, multi-vendor architecture or one that includes more sensors
- Choose a public LoRaWAN network for dispersed sites without local infrastructure
- Choose a private LoRaWAN network to maintain control over coverage and integration
Both technologies can also coexist within the same building portfolio when the constraints vary from building to building.
Integrating LoRa Easy or LoRaWAN into an Enless BMS
Enless offers two integration options:
LoRa Easy
Enless Sensors → Modbus, BACnet, or HTTP Receiver → BMS
Private LoRaWAN
Enless or third-party sensors → LoRaWAN gateway → Embedded LNS → Modbus or BACnet → BMS
The setup procedures are detailed in the Enless Help Center, particularly for the LoRa Easy receivers and the LoRaWAN gateway.
To compare the two architectures based on your building, your PLC, and the number of sensors, you can also contact the Enless team.
