LoRaWAN

From CoMakingSpace Wiki

File:Badgerboard LoRaWan.jpg
LoRaWAN development board for a node

LoRaWAN (short for Long Range Wide Area Network) is a low power wide area network protocol, used to connect nodes (eg. sensors) to the internet via gateways. LoRaWAN nodes (clients) can be used similarly to WiFi enabled micro controller boards like the ESP8266 but are optimized for battery driven usage.

Characteristics

  • low power usage (long battery lifetime, up to several years depending on usage)
  • long reach (several kilometers, depending on environment)
  • extremely low bandwidth

Buyers' Guide

Successfully tested nodes:

Successfully tested gateways:

Networks

LoRaWAN features a hierarchical network architecture. Nodes send messages via gateways to a centralizes server. Both commercial and private networks are possible. There is a community approach called The Things Network.