Do you know what is LoRaWAN? You must have used technologies like Bluetooth and wifi for sharing data between devices. So, you might be aware of the fact that these can only be used for sharing data between short distances. Then, what if we have to share some data to long distances. Here, comes the technology LoRa (Long Range), to help us. LoRa is a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) Protocol. So, let’s deep dive into this technology and understand What it is, How it works and Where it can be used.
What is LoRaWAN: A Brief
LoRa or Long Range is an LPWAN technology developed by Semtech Corporation. As it is an LPWAN technology, it works on Low Power, can transmit data over long distances, and uses a LoRaWAN(Long Range Wide Area Network) protocol. LoRa is being widely used in IoT devices and applications.
It is a proprietary spread spectrum modulation scheme that is based on Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) Technology. Chirp Spread Spectrum is a spread spectrum technique that uses wideband linear frequency modulated chirp pulses to encode information. Chirp in CSS means a tone in which the frequency increases (up-chirp) or decreases (down-chirp) with time. Spread Spectrum techniques are methods by which a signal is deliberately spread in the frequency domain.
LoRaWAN:
One might think that LoRa and LoRaWAN are the same things, because of their similar names and they are often used together. But, this is far from the truth. The basic difference between these two is that Lora covers the physical layer while LoRaWAN covers the upper layer.
LoRaWAN is a protocol located in the Media Access Control (MAC) layer that sends the signals from LoRa devices to the cloud. LoRaWAN allows low powered devices to communicate with internet-connected applications over long-range wireless networks. The LoRaWan protocols are defined by the LoRa Alliance (a non-profit association of more than 500 member companies).
How it Works:
To understand how it works, let’s take an example of a LoRa application in the Smart Lighting System. First, a LoRa enabled sensor is embedded in a street LED lamp. This sensor can control the actions of the lamp. Each sensor connects the lamp to a LoRa gateway. These gateways in turn are connected to LoRaWAN protocol. It transmits data from sensors in small data packets over incredible long-range distances (in a range of 15 to 30 miles). Lora uses a low bandwidth as it transmits over long distances.
Each gateway handles data and messages from all nearby lamps. Once a data or message reaches a gateway, it is transferred to LoRaWAN protocol. Here, the data is analyzed, and accordingly, decisions are made. The server controls lightning functions remotely like it dims the light if there is no person or vehicle nearby that street lamp. Thus, helps in saving a large amount of energy. LoRa operates in Radio Frequency(RF) bands, the value of which changes according to the region. For example, it operates on 868 MHz in Europe, 915 MHz in North America, and 923 MHz in Asia.
Advantages:
- Long Lifespan: The battery life of LoRa is quite high compared to other technologies like Bluetooth and wifi. It can last for roughly 6 to 10 years as it operates for a very short time (in ms) and then goes to sleep (in s).
- Longest Transmission Distance: It can transmit data up to five km in urban areas and 10 km in rural areas which is way higher compared to other technologies.
Limitations:
- High cost: As it is a new technology, it is a bit costly, because of its low penetration in the market.
- Low Transmission Speed: As LoRa has a comparatively narrow bandwidth, it has low transmission speed and is only suitable to transmit data from sensors.
Applications:
Lora finds its best use in IoT devices and applications. Some of the sectors in which LoRa is playing a huge role or can be used in future are – 1.
- Supply Chain in Industrial Sector,
- Agriculture,
- Healthcare services,
- Energy and Urban Planning,
- Smart cities lighting and parking system.
So what are your views about this latest LoRaWAN technology do you thing its going to be new common and most widely use wireless tech as of wifi or the cost will act as hurdle? Comment us below
This article has been written by Sachin Singh. You can follow him on Twitter and Linkedin.
