The Enless RX LORAWAN 500-602 LoRaWAN gateway collects data from LoRaWAN sensors and integrates it into a Building Management System. It combines radio reception, the LoRa Network Server, frame decoding, and data output in Modbus or BACnet into a single device.
Designed for system integrators BMS, it can manage up to 500 LoRaWAN sensors—whether from Enless or other manufacturers.
What is the role of a LoRaWAN gateway in a “ BMS ”?
LoRaWAN sensors transmit their measurements via radio in the form of frames. These messages must then be received, decoded, and converted into a format that the PLC or monitoring system can understand.
The gateway acts as a bridge between the radio network and the BMS :
- The sensors send their data via LoRaWAN
- The gateway receives radio messages
- The LNS authenticates and manages equipment
- Codecs decode frames
- The data is mapped to Modbus or BACnet
- BMS can read and process the values
This architecture allows field measurements to be transmitted without running communication cables between each sensor and the BMS cabinet.
Key Features of the Enless Gateway
The Enless LoRaWAN gateway was developed to meet the requirements of building management projects.
| Feature | RX LoRaWAN 500-602 |
|---|---|
| Radio Protocol | LoRaWAN EU868 |
| Capacity | Up to 500 sensors |
| LoRa Network Server | Embedded |
| Enless Sensors | Native decoding |
| Third-party sensors | Integration via JavaScript codecs |
| Outings BMS | Modbus TCP/RTU and BACnet IP/MS/TP |
| Configuration | Embedded Web Server |
| Power Supply | 12 to 24 V AC/DC or PoE |
| Installation | DIN rail or wall mount |
The available interfaces may depend on the firmware version installed. For a BACnet project, it is recommended to verify the required version before commissioning.
An LNS directly embedded in the gateway
The LoRa Network Server, or LNS, is the core of a LoRaWAN network. Among other things, it handles sensor authentication and processes incoming messages.
With the Enless gateway, the LNS is integrated directly into the device. Therefore, there is no need to add an external network server to set up a local private LoRaWAN network.
This approach offers several advantages:
- A more compact design
- A centralized configuration
- Local control of the network
- Fewer technical intermediaries
- No subscription fees based on the number of Modbus or BACnet points
To understand the differences between private and operator-run networks, see the page on how LoRaWAN works.
Up to 500 LoRaWAN sensors
The RX LORAWAN 500-602 gateway can support up to 500 sensors. This capacity is suitable for projects involving a large number of measurement points, such as:
- Temperature and humidity sensors
- Remote temperature sensors
- Air Quality Sensors
- Pulse counters
- Open-door sensors
- Thermostatic valves
- 4/20 mA transmitters
However, the design must take into account the transmission frequency, the number of messages, and the vessel’s radio conditions.
Native decoding of Enless sensors
A LoRaWAN gateway can receive messages from a compatible sensor without necessarily understanding the data contained in the frame.
Enless LoRaWAN sensors are natively recognized by the gateway. Their messages are automatically decoded, and their data is then mapped to the corresponding Modbus registers or BACnet objects.
This allows the integrator to avoid having to develop the codecs for Enless products on their own. They can directly find values such as the following in the BMS :
- The temperature
- Humidity
- The CO₂ level
- A contact's status
- A consumption index
- Radio Signal Quality
- Battery level
How do I integrate third-party LoRaWAN sensors?
The Enless gateway can also receive data from LoRaWAN sensors made by other manufacturers.
LoRaWAN interoperability ensures radio communication, but not automatic data decoding. To use a third-party sensor, you need to know its frame format and add a suitable codec.
The gateway then allows you to:
- To embed a JavaScript codec
- Decoding the LoRaWAN payload
- To identify the different variables
- To define their format
- To map the data to the BMS
Enless also offers a library of codecs for certain third-party sensors. The available resources can be found in the Enless Help Center.
Modbus and BACnet Integration
The gateway makes the decoded data available to PLCs and supervisors BMS.
Modbus
Values can be entered in:
- Modbus TCP via the Ethernet port
- Modbus RTU via the RS-485 connection
The gateway acts as a Modbus server. The received data is stored in a data table that the PLC can query.
BACnet
Data can also be presented as BACnet objects in the form of:
- BACnet/IP
- BACnet MS/TP
This dual compatibility makes it possible to adapt the integration to the protocol already in place in the building.
A system designed for cabinets BMS
The gateway features a native DIN rail mount and pluggable terminal blocks. It can be powered by 12 to 24 V AC/DC or via PoE.
To ensure high-quality radio connectivity, you must use the ANT REN SMA LR 868 1000-008 long-range antenna. When the gateway is installed in a metal cabinet, the antenna must be placed outside the cabinet.
The best practices are as follows:
- Position the antenna vertically
- Install the antenna as high as possible
- Avoid contact with metal surfaces
- Perform a radio test before the final installation
- Check the signal level of the sensors
- Validate the data received from the embedded server
Detailed procedures are available in the GitBook guide for the RX LoRaWAN gateway.
In which projects should the Enless gateway be used?
The RX LORAWAN 500-602 gateway is particularly well-suited when a project requires:
- A private LoRaWAN network
- More than 50 sensors
- Sensors from various manufacturers
- Local integration with a BMS
- A Modbus or BACnet output
- A directly onboard LNS
- Configuration via a local interface
- An installation in an electrical cabinet
For a smaller-scale installation using only Enless sensors, LoRa Easy receivers can provide a simpler architecture.
Key Takeaways
The Enless LoRaWAN gateway centralizes up to 500 sensors and acts as a bridge between the radio network and BMS. Its embedded LNS, native decoding of Enless sensors, and support for third-party sensors make it possible to build an open private LoRaWAN architecture.
The data can then be used by PLCs and supervisors via Modbus or BACnet.
Check out the Enless RX LORAWAN 500-602 LoRaWAN gateway or contact the Enless team to validate your architecture.
FAQ on the Enless LoRaWAN Gateway
How many sensors can it handle?
The RX LORAWAN 500-602 gateway can manage up to 500 LoRaWAN sensors.
Is the LNS included?
Yes. The LoRa Network Server is built directly into the gateway.
Is it compatible with third-party sensors?
Yes. Third-party sensors can be integrated using JavaScript codecs and data mapping.
Should you use the cloud?
No. The gateway can operate within a local private LoRaWAN network and make the data available directly to the BMS.
What is the difference between this and a LoRa Easy receiver?
An Easy LoRa receiver supports up to 50 Enless sensors and uses the proprietary Enless protocol. The RX LORAWAN gateway uses the LoRaWAN standard, supports sensors from multiple brands, and can handle up to 500 devices.
