{"id":41890,"date":"2021-04-19T09:37:34","date_gmt":"2021-04-19T01:37:34","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/?p=41890"},"modified":"2024-01-16T08:07:53","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T08:07:53","slug":"lora-lorawan-vertical-solutions-for-the-real-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seeedstudio.com\/blog\/2021\/04\/19\/lora-lorawan-vertical-solutions-for-the-real-world\/","title":{"rendered":"LoRa & LoRaWAN: Vertical Solutions for the Real World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In our previous article<\/a>, we have covered the basic concepts behind and differences between LoRa and LoRaWAN. Today, we are going to do a deep dive into their applications and how LoRa and LoRaWAN technologies are being integrated to solve real-world problems!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Recap: LoRa & LoRaWAN<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

LoRa, which is short for Long Range, is one of the major long-range and low-power wireless communication systems developed by Semtech Corporation. While LoRa & LoRaWAN are commonly mistaken to be the same thing, they actually represent different components of a LoRa-based communication system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LoRa is a radio frequency carrier signal based in the physical (PHY) layer that converts the data it receives to signals. On the other hand, LoRaWAN is a protocol located in the Media Access Control (MAC) layer that promotes LR signals to wider applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Source: Semtech<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In simple terms, you can understand LoRa to be a type of hardware<\/strong> that supports long-range wireless communication, whereas LoRaWAN refers to a network protocol<\/strong> based on LoRa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How does LoRaWAN work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The LoRaWAN architecture contains four major parts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. End Nodes<\/strong> – Represents edge devices or sensors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Gateway <\/strong>– Collects data from several end nodes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Network Server <\/strong>– Consolidates data from gateways for upload to application server<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Application Server <\/strong>– Processes or displays consolidated data<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    In this manner, we can see how LoRa and LoRaWAN allow extremely wide and dense networks of edge devices to be connected. This allows us to capture and monitor data from thousands of devices in a systematic and manageable way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"
    Source: The Things Network<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Features & Benefits of LoRaWAN<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    There are many benefits of using an LR & LoRaWAN system as compared to traditional solutions like GPRS, WiFi, or Bluetooth. Most significantly, LR technology features unparalleled long-range transmission while maintaining extremely low power consumption. In addition, LoRa is very flexible and is capable of maintaining strong connections in both indoor and outdoor environments<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"
    Source: Semtech<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Supported by a diverse ecosystem of hardware and software developers, network providers and industry associations, as well as the LoRa Alliance<\/a>\u00ae, LoRa technologies are increasingly accepted and easier to implement worldwide. Hence, anyone choosing to get started with LoRaWAN can expect to rely on extensive documentation<\/a> and community support with platforms like The Things Network<\/a> (TTN).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    LoRa & LoRaWAN in the Real World<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Unlike other technologies being promoted on the market, LoRa & LoRaWAN are established systems that are already being deployed in numerous real-world scenarios like Smart City Applications, Agriculture, and Healthcare<\/strong>. In this section, I\u2019d like to share some of the ways in which LR is already changing the world!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Smart Cities: Smart Bin Level Monitoring<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    When it comes to building greener, cleaner cities, most people often don\u2019t think of smart waste bins. However, waste management is a key area of development, especially if we want to improve the liveability of our cities even as human populations increase. This post<\/a> on TTN suggests that we can use LoRaWAN-capable devices to monitor a waste bin\u2019s fill level and other conditions, to notify bin management services when maintenance is required<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"
    Photo by <\/em>Jilbert Ebrahimi<\/em><\/a> on <\/em>Unsplash<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    It shares that bin maintenance in typical cases refers to replacing bins when they are full. However, it may also comprise situations where there is too much moisture, heat, or smell. In this manner, bin maintenance will not only be more timely and effective<\/strong>; long-term data<\/strong> can also be used to better understand waste disposal patterns and for infrastructure to be adjusted accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With hundreds or even up to thousands of bins in major cities around the world, LoRaWAN is the perfect candidate for connecting and collecting data from a vast number of edge devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Smart Cities: Air Monitoring Insights from LoRaWAN Networks<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    In cities where traffic flows are heavier, air quality is also a key metric that is measured in an effort towards a greener and cleaner future. This other post<\/a> on TTN discusses the use of a LoRaWAN network of<\/strong> air quality sensors in an urban area to measure the amounts of harmful particles in the air<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"
    Photo by <\/em>Sorin Gheorghita<\/em><\/a> on <\/em>Unsplash<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    The unique aspect of this discussion is the unique mesh characteristics offered by sensors in the LoRaWAN<\/strong> network<\/strong>. Although the project proposes to use cheaper and thus poorer quality sensors, the mesh network can still provide valuable data from differentiating air quality between different locations, and at a reduced cost!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Agriculture: Smart Poultry Farming<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    As a traditional industry, agriculture is comparatively less digitized than most other pillar industries. Despite this, did you know that environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light and atmospheric composition play critical roles in poultry in farming? Because of this, LoRaWAN brings value to the equation with a network of environmental sensors to monitor farm conditions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"
    Source: Betagro Group<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    In fact, Kinghoo AgroTech<\/a> is one of many companies that have chosen to utilise Seeed\u2019s SenseCAP Wireless LoRaWAN<\/a> sensors and modules to improve the effectiveness of their agricultural operations! To read more about this case study, read our full coverage here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Agriculture: Natural Drying System in Post-Harvest Agriculture<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    The applications of LoRaWAN in agriculture do not lie strictly in farming only. In fact, the greatest loss in value of agricultural products occurs post-harvest. This project<\/a> on Hackster aims specifically to use LR-enabled sensors and nodes to monitor the conditions in coffee bean drying houses to improve production quality<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"
    Source: Hackster<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    By connecting his LoRaWAN Gateway to TTN, Ahmad was able to also visualise data in real time. As the project is still a work in progress, he shares that there is also the possibility of performing machine learning on environmental data to predict microclimate conditions. This is truly a smart IoT solution enabled by LoRaWAN!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Healthcare: Remote Health Monitoring<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    All of us will grow old eventually. Even at present, numerous elderly are already living alone with no one to care for them. Given this, accessible healthcare through remote platforms is becoming increasingly important. Eivind Holt on Hackster has developed a long-range<\/strong>, low-cost, low-energy health monitoring device using LoRaWAN, TTN, Azure IoT Central, openEHR, FHIR and Google Healthcare<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"
    Source: Hackster<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    The use of LoRaWAN in this case circumvents several issues with other technologies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Readily deployable yet easily monitored in ad-hoc scenarios (eg. Homecare, COVID-19)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Wearable, wireless indoor monitoring where existing wireless coverage is unreliable (eg. in hospitals)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Ease of data integration with existing municipal or primary health record systems<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Supply Chain & Logistics: Vehicle & Driver Condition Tracking<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      With its long range capabilities, LoRaWAN holds great potential in supply chain and logistics where items of interest are transported across large distances. For example, LoRaWAN is already seeing uses in asset tracking, fleet operation, preventive & predictive maintenance and theft prevention<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"\"
      Photo by <\/em>Matthew T Rader<\/em><\/a> on <\/em>Unsplash<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Once again, LoRaWAN is able to bring immense value when it comes to long range<\/strong> remote tracking of assets on a large scale<\/strong>, followed by the consolidation of information<\/strong> which allows for big data analytics and even machine learning<\/strong>. Ultimately, businesses can leverage LoRaWAN to reduce costs<\/strong>, optimise operations and make better decisions<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n
      \n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Top LoRaWAN Products<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      After sharing so much about the benefits of LoRaWAN and how it is helping business to build smarter and larger systems, I\u2019m sure you\u2019re curious about how to get started. Well, look no further for here are my recommendations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      WM1302 LoRaWAN Gateway Modules<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Our new WM1302 modules are the next-generation of mini-PCIe form-factor LoRaWAN gateway modules that have been carefully designed to unlock greater possibilities in long-range wireless transmission. Powered by the brand new Semtech\u00ae SX1302, the WM1302 series features improvements in sensitivity, power consumption and thermal management over older models with SX1301 and SX1308 chips!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Product Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n