The main advantages of LoRa are its long-range capability and its affordability. A typical use case for LoRa is in smart cities, where low-powered and inexpensive internet of things devices (typically sensors or monitors) spread across a large area send small packets of data sporadically to a central administrator.
The patented LoRa wireless radio frequency technology stands for the physical layer protocol while LoRaWAN, developed by the LoRa Alliance, stands for the media access control layer communication protocol, which leverages and includes the physical LoRa modulation of Semtech.
Put simply, LoRa is a modulation technique for specific wireless spectrum, while LoRaWAN is an open protocol that enables IoT devices to use LoRa for communication.
Why LoRaWAN?
- LoRaWAN is ubiquitous. The network taps into the unlicensed space of radio frequencies that span the entire globe and are free to use anywhere in the world.
- LoRaWAN can turn any space into an IoT island. The network’s low power usage and long-range reach, including concrete building penetration, give it a huge advantage over the established protocols of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The cloud-ready network can seamlessly transmit and receive data for up to 15 km in suburban and 5 km in urban areas, with a single gateway accommodating thousands of IoT end-node devices.
- LoRaWAN is cost effective. Designed for IoT, the network can easily penetrate new territories. It is something that cellular networks struggle with unless an existing infrastructure is in place, which requires high maintenance cost. In addition, lower bandwidth of transmission across LoRaWAN requires less energy than the average cellular network.
- LoRaWAN is optimal for asset tracking. The network’s tracking capabilities help pin the geoposition of the product in real-time, gauge its storage conditions, such as temperature, and even compare its delivery weight to its shipment weight.
- LoRaWAN is cloud-ready for real-time measurement. Because LoRa only needs periodic communication, it is perfect for data measurement through sensors. A good example is building automation, where conditions such as temperature and lights only need to be measured and controlled a few times a day.
- LoRaWAN has powerful control-centric capabilities. Because of its long-range capacity and centralised architecture, LoRaWAN is optimal for control-centric projects for all IoT devices with downlink and multicast functionality. A single gateway can cover an entire building, campus or several city blocks.
- LoRaWAN is simple to deploy. Due to its streamlined architecture, the network is quick and easy to set up, especially when cell tower subsidies are not available. With various available gateways, you can build complex applications on a secure and reliable network with the cloud, making use of a full suite of control tools.
How can Able help?
Able are leading the digital transformation of water utilities by offering a wide range of LoraWAN enabled smart IoT water / energy meters below. Furthermore, we are a UK distributor and stockist of The Wattsense local ‘Hub’ and centrally managed in the cloud ‘Box’ IoT gateways.
Please note: There are two versions of the Wattsense system available; the ‘Box’ is a centrally managed device you can configure and maintain over the internet using Wattsense’s cloud platform. The ‘Hub’ is a stand-alone device that does not need an internet connection and has to be managed over a USB cable.
Both the ‘Hub’ and ‘Box’ offer a simple and open IoT solution that allows you to control and monitor buildings when used in conjunction with the smart energy meters listed below.
A BMS monitors equipment such as air conditioning, heating, ventilation, lighting, energy, etc. Their correct use saves 30% of the energy bill, but they are only present in large and upscale buildings due to their cost and complexity.
Wattsense allows small and medium-sized buildings to have a BMS by removing technical difficulties for an affordable price. Enabling companies to deliver higher staff efficiency, increase building occupancy comfort, and significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
The LoRa technologies offered by Able are sometimes referred to as:
LoRaWAN Water Meter; LoRa Water Meter; LoRaWAN Flow Meter; LoRa Smart Water Meter; LoRaWAN Sensors; LoRa Based Water Meter; LoRaWAN Meter; LoRa Systems; LoRaWAN Devices.
We are on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding our LoRa products.
