One of the most popular network protocols - LoRaWAN?

Communication and network protocols are an essential part of Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Without them, it would be impossible to interconnect devices and exchange data to create smart applications.

Fortunately, there are multiple options for such protocols, with different technical features and utilities, each suitable for specific domains and use case scenarios.

One of the most popular network protocols, especially used in the field of IoT applications is Long Range Wide Area Network, also known as LoRaWAN. The specific technology is defined by its low power requirements and long-range capabilities while enhancing the overall functionality of IoT devices.

This article will look at the official definition of LoRaWAN while trying to explain it technically so that it can be understood and proceed by describing the protocol specification.

Official definition of LoRaWAN

Before we delve into the definition of the protocol, let’s first understand some important facts about its origins.

LoRaWAN was developed by the LoRa Alliance, which was founded in 2015 and has more than 500 members, including IoT product and service providers, manufacturers and telecommunications companies.

LoRaWAN was developed in 2009 by the founders of Grenoble-based Cycléo, which was acquired by Semtech in 2012. Three years later, Semtech founded the LoRa Alliance, an industry association that now has more than 500 members, including IoT product and service providers, manufacturers and telecommunications companies. It is through this ecosystem that Semtech promotes the protocol and develops its use worldwide.

In addition, LoRaWAN is a medium access control (MAC) layer protocol that became an officially recognized low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) standard by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2021.

The official definition released by the LoRa Alliance is as follows:

“The LoRaWAN® specification is a low-power, wide-area (LPWA) networking protocol designed to wirelessly connect battery-powered “things” to the Internet in regional, national or global networks and targets key Internet of Things (IoT) requirements such as two-way communications, end-to-end security, mobility and localized services.”

LoRaWAN combines the wireless interconnectivity of IoT devices and networks while retaining important features for end users.

Simplified LoRAWAN definition:

The following line-by-line explanation of this definition is given in detail.

“The LoRaWAN® specification is a low-power wide-area (LPWA) network protocol” – LoRaWAN is a communication protocol that has low energy requirements but supports larger areas.

“Designed to wirelessly connect battery-powered ‘things’ to the Internet in regional, national or global networks” – It is capable of wirelessly interconnecting IoT battery-powered devices via the Internet, supporting networks from local to global levels.

"and targets key Internet of Things (IoT) requirements such as two-way communication, end-to-end security, mobility, and localized services." - As a protocol, it aims to further enhance important IoT requirements such as two-way communication and data transmission, secure data transmission from one device to another, support portability, and assist in real-time tracking capabilities.

Technical characteristics of LoRaWAN

The basis of its technical specifications is the connection with LoRa, a wireless modulation scheme developed by Semtech. Specifically, due to its MAC characteristics, it acts as an extension of LoRa and deploys supported nodes into the LoRa system in a star topology.

The main features of LoRaWAN are as follows:

• Long range communications, depending on the application.
• IoT devices have a battery life of up to 10 years and depending on the different type categories provided in the LoRaWAN specification, the energy consumption will be affected.
• There are low-cost requirements for operating conditions and maintenance as well as selected equipment.
• Typically, it supports unlicensed spectrum for communications and data exchange, but there may be specific regulations in some regions.
• The data rate depends on the size of the payload to be transmitted. It ranges from 0.3kbps to 50kbps, with a payload size of 51 bytes to 241 bytes.

Pros and Cons of LoRaWAN

Considering the technical characteristics of the protocol and the functions it defines, we can look at its advantages and disadvantages.

As can be seen from its definition and technical characteristics, one of the biggest advantages of the LoRaWAN protocol is its low power requirements and increased battery capacity, as well as long-range capabilities. This makes it a perfect solution for the deployment of IoT technologies and smart solutions. The protocol works well indoors through dedicated networks and allows the use of sensors to collect data from underground devices in some cases.

In fact, the protocol supports both public and private networks. The protocol also supports real-time tracking services and geolocation without the need for a GPS chipset.

However, it also has some disadvantages:

Due to the limited data rate, it is not suitable for large payloads. It also cannot support multimedia files such as audio or video. Another factor to consider is that, depending on the installed sensor, there may sometimes be a slight delay. In fact, for Class C sensors, the command (downlink) is sent immediately after programming and there is no delay. For Class A sensors, the command is executed after the sensor sends a message to the server.

Here are some use cases for A&C class devices:

• Create simple heating regulation using thermostatic valves.
• Use dry contact sensors to monitor on/off relays. In these examples, for responsive modulation or fast on/off, Class C devices are recommended.

Finally, depending on the use case and the type of frequencies used, additional setup may be required to avoid potential interference.

Summarize

The LoRaWAN communication protocol is a long-range, low-power wireless protocol designed to connect objects to the Internet, such as IoT sensors in environments where traditional cellular connectivity is not an option or is costly. Due to its longevity and cost, it is an effective and sustainable solution for smart buildings that can improve a building's energy performance, comfort, air quality, security or equipment management.