LoRa
Unlocking the Future
To better address those billions of IoT devices only transmitting a megabyte of data per month, and in most cases far less, LPWA offers the opportunity to free industrial applications from the consumer-driven cycles of the public cellular networks by providing the stability of public or private networks designed and built specifically for machines.
These low-power wide area networks extend battery life and range and providing “good enough” connectivity for the large majority of connected device use cases.
What is a LoRaWAN Network?
LoRaWAN® communications work best for remotely-deployed applications that require long-range or deep in-building communication between a large number of devices that have low power requirements and collect low or sporadic amounts of data. Created by the LoRa Alliance® to standardize LPWANs, LoRa transceivers utilize worldwide unlicensed spectrum such as those in the 433/470/868/780/915 MHz ISM bands, which is more cost-efficient to develop and deploy assets into than the 40+ global LTE bands and experiences less interference compared to Wi-Fi (which operates at 2.4GHz and 5GHz) and Bluetooth.
LoRaWAN technology allows public or private single- or multi-tenant networks to connect multiple applications in the same space — coexisting to enable new IoT, M2M, smart city, sensor-network, and industrial automation applications. Leveraging a star topography, the sensors communicate with gateways in the LoRa network. The LoRa gateways can then act as a transparent bridge relaying messages between end-devices and a central network server on the backend, which is ideal for public nationwide deployments, where gateways are connected to the network server via standard IP connections as well as for highly controlled private rollouts where security and control are essential.
Leveraging the Advantages of LoRaWAN Communications
LoRaWAN technology has created new opportunities across a wide range of industries and use cases. Solutions to complex challenges, such as energy management, remote patient monitoring and improving transportation, have changed dramatically in recent years. While technology is constantly improving, the increasing accessibility of LoRa devices has allowed businesses to increase efficiencies, and in turn, reduce operating costs.
Advantages of LoRaWAN technology include:
Impressive Range:
Connect devices that are up to 10 miles apart and penetrate deep into buildings in interior environments.
Low Power Requirements:
LoRa devices are designed to operate at low power, extending their lifespans and reducing the need for costly maintenance over time.
Secure:
The data that’s transferred between LoRa devices is encrypted in order to protect its integrity, enhancing security for users.
Mobile:
LoRaWAN connections can exist between devices in motion.
Standardized:
LoRaWAN has become an accepted standard for industrial IoT communications. That means you spend less time troubleshooting compatibility issues and more time implementing solutions.
Geolocation-enabled:
LoRaWAN uses location data that does not rely on GPS, making it an attractive option for location-dependent applications.
Software-Enhanced:
MultiTech devices are built with practicality in mind, and our powerful software allows users to get the most out of the hardware.
- mPower™ Edge Intelligence: Programmable embedded software that enhances security and enables task execution at the edge. Get the Brochure.
- LENS® LoRaWAN Network Management: A revolutionary toolset for secure, distributed, scalable LoRaWAN® enterprise network. Learn More.
- DeviceHQ®: Cloud-based Application Store and Device Management. Learn More.
With this powerful software at your disposal, LoRaWAN network deployment and management is seamless. Whatever the application, MultiTech LoRaWAN network technology offers a scalable and intuitive IoT solution.
Cost-Effective:
Reduce maintenance costs and save time replacing batteries for deployed devices.
Get the Most Out of LoRa Technology
LoRaWAN Solutions for Industrial IoT
A broad array of LPWA devices spanning both licensed and unlicensed spectrum. Read about LoRaWAN solutions.
MultiTech LENS®
A revolutionary toolset for secure, distributed, scalable LoRaWAN enterprise networks, designed to enable easy and efficient deployment and management of private LoRaWAN networks at scale. Read about the LENS toolset.
Comparison of available and future LPWA technologies:
|
Feature |
LoRaWAN |
Sigfox Now |
RPMA/Ingenu |
LTE Cat-1 |
LTE Cat-M1 |
LTE Cat-M2 NB-IoT 2018 Rel13+ |
|
Frequency Band |
433/470/780/868 /915 MHz ISM |
868 /915 MHz ISM |
2.4 GHz ISM |
Licensed Spectrum (700 MHz-2.5GHZ+) |
Licensed Spectrum (700 MHz-2.5GHZ+) |
Licensed Spectrum (700 MHz-2.5GHZ+) |
|
Modulation |
DSS with Chirp |
UNB / GFSK - BPSK |
RPMA |
OFDMA |
OFDMA |
OFDMA |
|
Rx bandwidth |
125 - 500 KHz |
100 Hz (EU) / 600 Hz (NAM) |
1 MHz |
20 MHz |
1.4 MHz |
200 KHz |
|
Max Data Rate |
293 - 50K bps |
100 bps (EU) / 600 bps (NAM) 12 / 8 bytes Max |
ACCESS POINT 624 kbps DL 156 kbps UL |
10 Mbps |
380 Kbps |
~250 Kbps DL 22 kbps UL |
|
Max. # Msgs/day |
Unlimited (Some operators or service providers may have limits) |
UL: 140 msgs/day DL Broadcast: 4 msgs/day |
undisclosed |
Unlimited Single Antenna restricted as low as 200KB/day |
unknown |
Unknown |
|
Max Output Power |
14-30 dBm |
14-22 dBm |
21 dBm |
Up to 46 dBm |
23 dBm |
20 dBm |
|
Link Budget |
153-161 dB |
149-161 dB |
168-172 dB with diversity |
140 dB+ |
155 dB+ on DL |
160 dB+ |
|
Communication channel |
Half Duplex |
Limited Half Duplex |
Half Duplex |
Full Duplex |
Half Duplex |
Half Duplex |
|
Power Efficiency |
Very High |
Very High |
High |
Low |
Medium |
High |
|
Complexity |
Very Low |
Very Low |
Medium |
High |
Medium |
Low |
|
Coexistence |
Yes |
No |
undisclosed |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Mobility |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Limited to idle mode |