LoRaWAN is a low-power wide-area networking (LPWAN) protocol designed for use with low-power IoT devices. It is based on the Long Range (LoRa) radio technology developed by Semtech, and is intended to provide long-range, low-power connectivity for devices such as sensors and actuators in the Internet of Things (IoT).
LoRaWAN is designed to be simple to use, energy-efficient, and secure, and it is commonly used in applications such as smart city infrastructure, building automation, and industrial monitoring.
The main technical components of the LoRaWAN protocol are:
Overall, the LoRaWAN protocol is designed to provide a simple, low-power, and low-cost solution for IoT applications, making it well-suited for use in a wide range of settings.
LoRaWAN's main pros are :
Overall, the LoRaWAN protocol is a powerful and flexible solution for IoT applications, providing the benefits of long-range communication, low power consumption, low cost, and scalability.
One of the main differences between LoRaWAN and cellular technology is the range of the communication. LoRaWAN is designed for long-range communication, allowing for transmission over distances of up to 15 kilometers in rural areas and up to 2 kilometers in urban areas. In contrast, cellular technology typically has a much shorter range, typically only a few hundred meters.
Another key difference is the power consumption of the two technologies. LoRaWAN is designed for use with low-power devices, allowing for long battery life and reduced maintenance costs. In contrast, cellular technology typically requires more power and can drain batteries quickly, especially when used for high-bandwidth applications.
In terms of cost, LoRaWAN is generally considered to be more cost-effective than cellular technology. The LoRaWAN protocol is designed to be simple and low-cost, making it well-suited for use in a wide range of IoT applications. In contrast, cellular technology can be more expensive, especially when used for large-scale deployments.
Overall, LoRaWAN and cellular technology are both useful for IoT applications, but they have different strengths and limitations. LoRaWAN is best suited for long-range, low-power applications, while cellular technology is better suited for high-bandwidth applications.
LoRaWAN Alliance is an open, non-profit association that promotes and develops the LoRaWAN protocol for Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs).
It was founded in 2015 to standardize and advance the LoRaWAN technology, enabling interoperability between devices, networks, and applications to facilitate widespread adoption of IoT (Internet of Things) systems.
