Introduction
Lora technology is only utilized for interaction between the reputable end nodes and the gateways linked to them under the LoRa gateway. Lora benefits from the wireless range for data transmission being exceptionally high, and the energy consumption is deficient, thus allowing for an extremely long battery life under LoRaWan.
Lora gateways are radio modules that work as communication devices within a LoRa network between end devices and a LoRaWan server. A LoRa gateway is mainly used to transmit sensor data from an electrical device to the Cloud under LoRaWan.
Mainly in environments where other types of networks are not viable due to technical limitations, LoRa gateways are used to set up a network implementation of applicable electrical appliances under LoRaWan.
LoRa gateways:
LoRa gateways are the bridge between End Nodes and the Network. For acquiring information from the End Nodes, gateways are equipped with a LoRa concentrator and can, in essence, be considered a router of sorts under LoRaWan. There are two primary types of LoRa gateways that are separated by their kind of software:
- Minimal firmware only moves the packet forwarding software to the network server under LoRaWan.
- An operating system is where the packet forwarding software runs in the background. While this consumes more power, gateway administrators can utilize the gateway device for other purposes under LoRaWan.
Characteristics of LoRa gateway:
The most basic function of LoRa Gateways is to demodulate LoRa packets from end nodes and transfer them to the server under LoRaWan. However, there are still several key elements you have to be aware of when working with LoRa gateways or LoRa networks in common.
Gateway forwarding protocols
The Packet Forwarder is the software that offers the core functionality of a LoRa gateway and defines the method used to receive LoRa packets and transmit them to the network server under LoRaWan.
Frequency Plans
Lora operates in the unlicensed radio spectrum, which means it is free to use without obtaining transmission rights under the LoRa gateway. It also means anyone can buy equipment and set up their LoRa network without a license or permit.
However, LoRa is not without its limitations – it is, in fact, quite the opposite under the LoRa gateway. Because LoRa operates with lower radio frequencies to achieve a more extended range, country-specific restrictions are often under LoRaWan.
How do Lora gateways work?
Lora gateways are radio modules whose appliances are fitted with a LoRa concentrator that permits LoRa packets to be collected. LoRa gateways comprise an operating system where the packet forwarding software works in the background under LoRaWan. In this manner, the network provider has more freedom in managing his gateway.
- The data between the end nodes and the LoRa gateway is comparably low, but this is a compulsory sacrifice to enable long-lasting battery life and a high radio range under LoRaWan.
- The gateway is linked to a LoRaWan network server through high-bandwidth networks like WiFi, Ethernet, or cellular to offer end-to-end connectivity between LoRa end devices and the application server under the LoRa gateway.
- In short, all LoRa gateways within range of an end device receive data from the appliance under LoRaWan. Then, the gateways forward this information to the LoRaWan network server. The network server is in charge of separating duplicate data packets, identifying data integrity, and doing security checks before sending the data to the application server under the LoRa gateway.
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Benefits of using LoRa gateways with End Devices:
Using LoRa gateways as an intermediary between End Nodes and the server is arbitrary. LoRa gateways enable what is known as a star-on-star network, which has several key benefits!
Redundancy to ensure minimal service disruptions
The LoRa gateways help keep the network reliable and operating with minimal service disruptions! When an Edge Node on the LoRa network broadcasts data through LoRa, all gateways within the range of that device will receive its messages and forward them to the network server under the LoRa gateway! If required, the network server will duplicate the statements and select the best gateway to transform a downlink message back to the End device under LoRaWan.
Maximum Affordability and Measurability
With the LoRa network topology, wireless network coverage can be increased quickly and affordably without distributing the network! Each LoRa gateway is relatively affordable and can service up to 1000 additional End Nodes. Thus, the LoRa network is easily scaled to suit the seeds of any application or environment under LoRaWan.
Ever-Expanding Global Network
Lora operates on an unlicensed radio band, which allows us to use LoRa gateways in most countries lawfully and chargeless under the LoRa gateway! If there is no report where you are situated, you can add your gateway, which you and others in your area can then operate under the LoRaWan!
