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LoRaWAN Devices Compared: Gateways, Modules & End Nodes

Nadya Lukman
Sep 6, 2021 10:43:57 AM

More and more IoT projects are using LoRaWAN (Long-Range Wide Area Network) today. Although deploying LoRaWAN networks are quite straightforward, it is becoming increasingly important to choose the right parts in the design stage in order to ensure resource efficiency and to make sure your product works in all your target markets. 

lowaran-devices

 

 

 

LoRaWAN Architecture
Image source: The Things Network
 

From the architecture graph above, we can see that LoRaWAN requires two types of hardware devices to operate: the end nodes and the concentrators, a.k.a gateways. When implementing these devices or components in a product design, one thing to be aware of is their individual operating frequencies. LoRaWAN has different operating frequencies in different regions -- this means, the devices used will also have sets of features for every region, each to serve the purpose of communicating while complying with the local regulations. We categorized LoRaWAN devices into different regions like this:

 

Gateways

Gateways in IoT systems serve the very important purpose of enabling communication between the cloud and the devices (i.e. mobile phones and end node devices). In general, gateways act in a similar manner to what routers and bridges do: they connect different networks together. In addition to this, gateways are able to support the different protocols brought by the different networks and are able to support protocols from all the layers of the standard OSI model.

 

Some of the more popular gateways and nodes used in different countries are listed below:

United States

    • RAK7249 Macro Outdoor Gateway
  • Kerlink 
    • Wanesy Wave 
      Connects through WiFi and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
    • Wirnet iBTS Gateway
    • Wirnet iFemtoCell-evolution
    • Wirnet iStation
    • Wanesy Device Management;
    • Wanesy Small Private Network
    • Wirnet iBTS 64 Highway
    • Wirnet Station;
    • Wirnet iFemtoCell
  • AAEON Technology Inc.
    • AIOT-ILND01
    • AIOT-ILRA01
      Intel-based gateway and network server
  • Worldsensing S.L.
    • Loadsensing 4G Gateway
  • Everynet
    • CloudCell 4G Gateway 
    • LoRaWAN Platform (RAN/LNS/NOC)
      Includes servers, gateways, and NOC support
  • Wifx sarl
    • LORIX One
  • Fleet space Technologies Pty Ltd
    • Portal
  • Multi-Tech Systems, Inc 
    • MultiTech Conduit IoT Starter Kit for LoRa Technology;
    • MultiTech Conduit AP Access Point for LoRa Technology
    • MultiTech Conduit IP67 Base Station
    • MultiTech Conduit Programmable Gateway for the Internet of Things
  • Occammd
    • mPCIe Smart Gateway Card
      Used in gateway design, or as an addition to existing gateway infrastructure
  • Robeau Ltd.
    • ROBEAU connected water meter
      Sensor monitoring system with embedded gateway

 

Europe

  • BROWAN Communications Incorp.

    • Pico Next Indoor Gateway

    • Indoor Femtocell Gateway

    • MIni Hub Wall Plug Gateway

    • Outdoor Micro Gateway

  • TEKTELIC Communications Inc.

    • KONA Mega Ex Gateway

    • KONA Enterprise Gateway

    • KONA Micro Lite IoT Gateway

    • KONA Micro IoT Gateway

    • KONA Macro IoT Gateway

    • KONA Mega IoT Gateway

  • RAKwireless Technology Co.

    • RAK7248 WisGate Developer D4H

    • RAK7243

    • RAK7240 Outdoor LPWAN Gateway

    • RAK7258 Micro Gateway

    • RAK7249 Macro Outdoor Gateway

  • Kerlink 
    • Wanesy Wave 
      Connects through WiFi and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
    • Wirnet iBTS Gateway
    • Wirnet iFemtoCell-evolution
    • Wirnet iStation
    • Wanesy Device Management;
    • Wanesy Small Private Network
    • Wirnet iBTS 64 Highway
    • Wirnet Station;
    • Wirnet iFemtoCell
  • Occammd
    • mPCIe Smart Gateway Card
      Used in gateway design, or as an addition to existing gateway infrastructure
      mPCIe smart gateway card

  • Robeau Ltd.

    • ROBEAU connected water meter

      Sensor monitoring system with embedded gateway

  • Embit srl 
    • EMB-LR1301-mPCIe
      Mini PCI express multichannel board
    • Embit EMB-GW1301-O

 

China

 

Modules

Module, by definition, is a self-contained unit or item. In electronics, it's commonly defined as a circuit of systems that could be further integrated with another system for an overall operation. These modules are commonly found in the form of chipsets, development boards, or individual silicon. 

The list below shows a list of region-specific LoRaWAN modules working in the United States and Europe:

United States


Europe

 

 

End Nodes

Another essential part of the LoRaWAN ecosystem is the end nodes. This includes the sensors, buttons, loggers, etc. which act as I/O in the network. The LoRaWAN technology is commonly used for monitoring and tracking purposes, in which most end-nodes come in the form of sensors, or embedded systems to serve this function.

Listed below are the examples of sensors available in different regions, which serve different functions for your system’s purpose.

United States

  • Digital Matter Pty Ltd
    • Oyster Battery Powered GPS Asset Tracker
  • Machine Q, a Comcast Company  
    • MQflex (multi-sensor device)
  • Eleven-x
    • Energy Monitoring
    • Indoor Air Quality Management; Smart Parking Sensor
    • Wireless Metering Interface Unit (MIU-X)
  • Netvox Technology Co., Ltd.
    • RB11E Wireless Occupancy/Light/Temperature Sensor
    • RA0716 Wireless PM2.5/Temperature/Humidity Sensor
    • R711 Wireless Temperature and Humidity Sensor
    • R311W Wireless Water Leak Detector; R311G Wireless Light Sensor
    • R311A Wireless Door/Window Sensor
  • Adeunis:
    • MODBUS
      Upload measurement data, defects, and alerts from one or more MODBUS slaves
    • Field Test Device
      Evaluate and validate network
    • PULSE
      Give meters communication ability even in an explosive atmosphere
      adenuis
  • Multi-Tech Systems, Inc
    • MultiTech xDot Long Range Modules (MTXDOT Series)
  • Robeau Ltd.
    • ROBEAU connected water meter
      robeau water meter
  • AXATEL SRL
    • Solum
      Temperature and moisture meter sensor with integrated solar panel
  • STREGA SPRL
    • Wireless time-controlled emitter for irrigation valves;
    • Smart-valve
  • Seeed Technology
    • SenseCAP Wireless Air Temperature and Humidity Sensor – LoRaWAN US915MHz
    • SenseCAP Wireless CO2 Sensor – LoRaWAN US915MHz
    • SenseCAP Wireless Barometric Pressure Sensor – LoRaWAN US915MHz
    • SenseCAP Wireless Soil Moisture and Temperature Sensor – LoRaWAN US915
    • SenseCAP Wireless Light Intensity Sensor – LoRaWAN US915MHz

 

Europe

  • Parametric Engineering GmbH
    • PCR2 Indoor Radar Peopleflow Measurement
      Camera-less people counting sensor with an integrated dual radar system
  • IMST GmbH 
    • Mote II
    • iM88A-M Radio Module EU868;
  • Netvox Technology Co., Ltd.
    • RB11E Wireless Occupancy/Light/Temperature Sensor
    • RA0716 Wireless PM2.5/Temperature/Humidity Sensor
    • R711 Wireless Temperature and Humidity Sensor
    • R311W Wireless Water Leak Detector
    • R311G Wireless Light Sensor; R311A Wireless Door/Window Sensor
  • Robert Bosch GmbH
    • BOSCH Parking Lot sensor
  • Adeunis:  
    • MODBUS
      Upload measurement data, defects and alerts from one or more MODBUS slaves
    • Field Test Device
      Evaluate and validate network
    • PULSE
      Give meters communication ability even in an explosive atmosphere
    • DRY CONTACTS
      Report 0-1 status and control relay
    • TIC
      Electricity meters connection
    • TEMP
      Record temp, measure, track changes, alert
    • MOTION
    • COMFORT
  • AXATEL SRL 
    • Navatel
      Multiprotocol node
    • Angel bridge
      Hardware and software system for structural monitoring of buildings and bridges.
    • Solum
      Temperature and moisture meter sensor with integrated solar panel
    • Angel River
      River level sensor 
    • CERERE
      Weather sensor
  • Kolff Computer Supplies b.v.
    • TraceME TM-901 
      multi-sensor and GPS tracking device
  • STREGA SPRL  
    • Wireless time-controlled emitter for irrigation valves
    • Smart-valve
  • Seeed Technology
    • SenseCAP Wireless Air Temperature and Humidity Sensor – LoRaWAN EU868MHz
    • SenseCAP Wireless CO2 Sensor – LoRaWAN EU868MHz
    • SenseCAP Wireless Barometric Pressure Sensor – LoRaWAN EU868MHz
    • SenseCAP Wireless Soil Moisture and Temperature Sensor – LoRaWAN EU868
    • SenseCAP Wireless Light Intensity Sensor – LoRaWAN EU868MHz

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Posted by Nadya Lukman

Nadya Lukman

Nadya is a Mechatronics Engineer who had worked on several different projects including PCU design, engine design, and AI image processing systems. Besides having a little bit of caffeine addiction, she enjoys reading and traveling to new places.

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