Why use LoRaWAN?

There are four ways to connect devices to the Internet: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular (3G. 4G, 5G) and Long Range Radio*. The LoRaWAN network uses long range radio. They all have their advantages and disadvantages.

Table of connections options

There is a fifth way: satellite! This allows devices to connect to the internet from anywhere in the world. A company pioneering this technology is Lacuna Space Ltd. They are based at the Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK. According to their website, their aim is to provide "ultra-efficient, direct-to-satellite connectivity for IoT sensors; enabling data transmission from even the most remote places on Earth".

How can you use LoRaWAN?

Let’s assume that you do wish to carry out some environmental monitoring in an unpopulated area. The process might be as follows:

  1. Sensor Selection: You will need a sensor, which could measure temperature, rainfall, hours of sunshine, carbon dioxide levels, or any other parameter of interest.
  2. Sensor and Transmitter Connection: The sensor is connected to a LoRaWAN-enabled radio transmitter (e.g., the Arduino MKR WAN 1310 board with its inbuilt transmitter/receiver). At predetermined intervals, the transmitter will send the sensor data to a LoRaWAN-enabled radio receiver. This communication can occur over distances of miles or even tens of miles. It is assumed that both the sensor and the radio transmitter are battery-powered. All data is encrypted using the LoRaWAN protocol.
  3. Gateway Setup: The radio receiver (the gateway) will be located in a place with both power and Internet access. The gateway could be connected to mains electricity and will be connected to the Internet either via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.
  4. Data Transmission to The Things Network (TTN): The gateway transmits the sensor data via the Internet to The Things Network (TTN). TTN is a global collaborative Internet of Things ecosystem that creates networks, devices, and solutions using LoRaWAN. You will need a free TTN account. Once set up and logged in, you will be able to view your decrypted sensor data.
  5. Use Your Data: Once The Things Network has received your data, you have several options. Data can be forwarded to a data visualization website such as Cayenne or Datacake. You also have the option of forwarding data to your own website or storing it in a database.

LoRaWAN Schematic:

Lorawan schematic

*Actually, they all use radio, just different frequencies.

For step-by-step instructions on setting up your own IoT project, please refer to the tutorials.

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