What is LoRaWAN? What is the Key Features of LoRaWan?

LoRaWAN is a Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA) networking protocol developed by the LoRa Alliance, it defines the end-to-end standard specifications for using LoRa technology, including Internet of Things market security, energy efficiency, roaming, and configuration on-boarding. 

LoRaWAN was originally called LoRaMAC, which was jointly formulated by Semtech, Actility, and IBM Research, and was renamed LoRaWAN at the 2015 Mobile World Communication Conference in Barcelona, becoming the norm for members of the LoRa Alliance. The difference between LoRaWAN and LoRa is that LoRa is a technology, while LoRaWAN is a set of standard specifications.

According to the introduction of LoRa Alliance's official white paper "What is LoRaWAN", LoRaWAN is a set of communication protocol and system architecture designed for LoRa long-distance communication network. In addition, the official provided this slightly technical protocol hierarchy diagram (as shown below).

In the design of the protocol and network architecture, LoRaWAN fully considers several factors such as node power consumption, network capacity, QoS, security and network application diversity. It has the following Key Features:

1. Long Range

Connects devices up to 30 miles apart in rural areas and penetrates dense urban or deep indoor environments

2. Low Power

Requires minimal energy, with prolonged battery lifetime of up to 10 years, minimizing battery replacement costs

3. Secure

Features end-to-end AES128 encryption, mutual authentication, integrity protection, and confidentiality

4. Standardized

Offers device interoperability and global availability of LoRaWAN networks for speedy deployment of IoT applications anywhere

5. Geolocation

Enables GPS-free tracking applications, offering unique low power benefits untouched by other technologies

6. Mobile

Maintains communication with devices in motion without strain on power consumption

7. High Capacity

Supports millions of messages per base station, meeting the needs of public network operators serving large markets

8. Low Cost

Reduces infrastructure investment, battery replacement expense, and ultimately operating expenses

LoRaWAN network deployment situation

According to the official (2020.09) statement, the network deployment situation is as shown in the figure below, there are 143 LoRaWAN Network Operators in 161 Countries. With over 158 million devices connected to the networks in 162 countries, LoRa devices are creating a Smarter Planet.

 

As a member of CLAA, DreamLNK is specialized in RF communication for 8 years, who is now also providing LoRa Modules in high quality. In case there is any LoRa module needed, or IoT solution to customize, please feel free to let us know!