#lorawan

[macnman-techno]

What is the difference between LoRa and LoRaWAN?

Introduction:

LoRaWAN serves as the communication protocol connecting the LoRa signal (which carries sensor data) to the respective application(s). To simplify, think of LoRa as the radio signal transporting the data, while LoRaWAN acts as the governing framework that dictates how this data travels and communicates within the network.

What is LoRa? 

LoRa, short for Long Range, is a wireless technology known for its extended range and energy-efficient characteristics. It operates within unlicensed wireless frequencies, similar to how Wi-Fi utilizes the unregulated 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The specific frequency employed by LoRa varies depending on the geographic location of the deployment. For instance, in North America, LoRa operates in the 915 MHz band, while in Europe, it utilizes the 868 MHz band and in India it is 865 MHz to 867 MHz.  

It is crucial to be aware of the legally permitted frequencies for LoRa deployments in each respective location. In terms of its communication range, LoRa can transmit data up to a distance of 10 kilometers in ideal conditions with a clear line of sight.

Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technology can be categorized into two main types. On one hand, there's cellular LPWA, which utilizes mobile networks. Examples of cellular LPWA technologies include Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and Long Term Machine Type Communications (LTE-M). On the other hand, there's non-cellular LPWA like LoRa, which disseminates data by dividing it into encoded packets and transmitting them across various frequency channels and data rates.

What is LoRaWAN? 

LoRaWAN is a network protocol that serves as the bridge between the LoRa signal, which carries sensor data, and the applications that use this data. In simpler terms, LoRa represents the radio signal responsible for transmitting the data, while LoRaWAN is the communication protocol that manages and defines how this data is transmitted across the network.

LoRaWAN offers several valuable advantages, including low power consumption, extensive coverage range, and cost-effective connectivity for devices that don't require high data transfer speeds. It's an excellent choice when cellular connectivity is too expensive or Wi-Fi coverage is unavailable. Some of the most compelling use cases for LoRaWAN include:

Agriculture: LoRaWAN's long-range capabilities provide reliable connectivity for rural applications where high data transfer rates are not necessary, making it ideal for agricultural applications. LoRaWAN sensors for agriculture are used for cattle management, soli monitoring, and temperature monitoring.

Asset Tracking and Logistics: LoRaWAN supports cost-effective location tracking of assets, with optimized battery life, making it a practical choice for asset management and logistics.

Smart Metering: LoRaWAN's sensors have the ability to reach even in underground utility locations makes it a suitable choice for smart metering applications.

Smart Homes: LoRaWAN can penetrate obstacles like walls and supports battery-powered devices with low data consumption, making it an attractive connectivity option for smart home applications.LoRaWAN sensors for smart homes are used for Air quality monitoring, water quality monitoring, and temperature & humidity monitoring. 

Healthcare: The low power consumption, affordability, and reliability of LoRa technology make it suitable for connected health applications. IoT solutions based on LoRa hardware can monitor high-risk patients or systems around the clock, ensuring comprehensive health and medical safety management.LoRaWAN Gateways and sensors enhance production practices, enable efficient tracking and monitoring of shipments, and facilitate the development of cutting-edge medications. 

Industrial Applications: LoRa-enabled devices and sensors play a crucial role in the transformation of industrial IoT operations like mentioned above. They digitize legacy processes and equipment, leading to increased profits, lower costs, and enhanced efficiency. These devices provide real-time data for predictive maintenance, machine health monitoring, reduced downtime, and more.

[lansitec]

Container Tracker

The Container Tracker is a device that integrates GNSS (GPS, Beidou, Glonass), Bluetooth and LoRa technology for accurate outdoor and indoor positioning of assets. It has an IP68 enclosure that provides protection against water and dust ingress. It has a large battery capacity that can support up to 180,000 Bluetooth tracking messages over 30,000 GPS coordinates. It supports tracking up to 100 Bluetooth beacons, and also supports UUID change to avoid interference from other devices.

For More:

[rakwireless]

RaspberryPi 4 Basic Kit is Now Available

The Raspberry Pi 4 Kit is now available Spread the good news or refer it to your friend using our Affiliate Program and get a 5% commission on each kit sold.

Here are the Raspberry Pi 4 Kits we have in store for all of you:

We have three variants and three different options available:

RAK Raspberry Pi 4 Kit is the latest addition to the popular Raspberry Pi series. It offers an excellent increase in processor speed, multimedia performance, memory, and connectivity over the previous generation Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, while maintaining backward compatibility and similar power consumption.

Build your developer gateway for LoRaWAN® with the RAK Raspberry Pi 4 Kit for LoRaWAN®. It includes a Pi 4 (4 GB), a ready-to-use microSD card with Raspbian OS pre-loaded, a case, a power supply, a RAK2287 concentrator, a PiHAT for the concentrator, and a LoRa® antenna.

The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (4 GB) is the best single-board computer for developing your IoT project and launching your first LoRaWAN® gateway.

Become a RAKwireless Affiliate and get your own Raspberry Pi 4 Basic Kit here: https://store.rakwireless.com/collections/raspberry-pi

[ckuehnel]

Solar-Powered LoRa Node

A Modular, Compact, and Versatile IoT Solution https://www.elektormagazine.com/magazine/elektor-354/63204 This article in the newest Elektor Magazine will introduce you to a battery-powered Internet of Things (IoT) node, buffered by a solar cell, with LoRaWAN connectivity. We focus on the power supply and monitoring the different voltages remotely via Bluetooth and LoRa.

[vikassagaar]

The 5G IoT Market size is forecast to reach $40.5 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR 61% from 2022 to 2026.

[g-nicerf]

Data Security and Precision Control: Precision Application of Smart Irrigation Using LoRa Technology and LoRaWAN Gateway

The application characteristics of LoRa modules in smart irrigation technology are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Low Power Consumption: LoRa modules are characterized by extremely low power consumption, enabling devices to operate for extended periods on battery power. This reduces the hassle of frequent battery replacements and enhances the system's lifespan and reliability.

Anti-Interference Capability: LoRa technology has excellent anti-interference capabilities., ensuring stable communication quality even in environments with multiple radio signals.

Long-Distance Transmission: Utilizing low-frequency transmission, spread spectrum technology, and high-sensitivity receivers, LoRa modules can achieve wireless communication over distances ranging from several kilometers to over ten kilometers.

MESH Self-Organizing Network: LoRa modules can establish communication connections through self-organizing networks, eliminating the need for complex infrastructure and network wiring.

Precision Irrigation: LoRa modules offer stable and accurate data transmission, enabling real-time delivery of information such as soil moisture and weather conditions.

High Penetration: LoRa technology boasts strong signal penetration and stability, ensuring reliable signal transmission even in complex environments.

Multi-Node Support: LoRa modules support applications with multiple nodes. A single LoRa gateway can connect multiple sensor nodes, forming a complete network system for extensive, multi-point monitoring and management.

Data Security: LoRa modules provide high data security, employing encryption technology to protect data during transmission, preventing data theft or tampering, and ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of agricultural data.

Wide Coverage: LoRa technology can achieve wide coverage, typically ranging from several kilometers to over ten kilometers, without the repeaters.

Module Compatibility: LoRa modules are compatible with various types of sensors and control devices, offering a high level of system integration and facilitating seamless cooperation among different devices.

How the LoRa modules achieve precision irrigation in smart irrigation?

Remote Monitoring: Using LoRa modules, the irrigation system can achieve remote monitoring and control. Users can access real-time environmental data such as soil moisture and temperature from a distance and remotely control irrigation equipment, enabling precision irrigation.

Data Analysis: After the cloud platform receives sensor data, it analyzes and processes the information to promptly understand soil moisture conditions, providing a scientific basis for irrigation decisions.

Remote Control of Equipment: LoRa modules transmit commands to various irrigation nodes through long-distance, low-power wireless communication, controlling valve switches, irrigation times, and irrigation amounts.

Timed Irrigation: The irrigation schedule can be preset, and the LoRa module can be used to control the irrigation equipment to irrigate at the best time.

Feedback Mechanism: After irrigation is completed, the system re-monitors soil conditions and feeds the data back to the central control system.

Functions of the LoRaWAN Gateway LG1301-PF in Smart Irrigation Systems

Features of the LG1301-PF Gateway

LG1301-PF is the LoRaWAN gateway. It can work with any LoRaWAN node which comply Standard LoRaWAN protocol V1.0.

The gateway use linux platform as host.It mainly consists of concentrator ,GPS module ,WIFI and Ethernet. The GPS module send NMEA frames containing time and geographical coordinates data to the host. The GPS module also output one pulse to the sx1301 per second.

The gateway receives the RF data from nodes and sends it to the server. It also receive data from the server and transmit to the nodes. The gateway connects to the server via Ethernet or WiFi.

Support for LoRaWAN Protocol: Adapts to the LoRaWAN protocol, enabling the device to communicate with standard LoRaWAN networks for remote data transmission and management.

UART Interface: Provides a UART interface for convenient data exchange and integration with other devices or sensors.

AES128 Encryption: Uses the AES128 encryption algorithm to ensure the security and privacy of data transmission.

8-Channel Simultaneous Communication: Supports up to 8 channels of communication simultaneously

Configurable Parameters: Users can flexibly configure various parameters according to specific application needs.

Global Positioning System Support: GPS functionality enables precise positioning and tracking of the device.

Remote Transmission: Supports remote data transmission, allowing real-time data transfer and management between the device and the cloud via an internet connection.

Frequency Band Support: Covers multiple frequency bands (such as EU433M, EU868M, KR920M, AS923M, CN780M, CN470M, US915M, AS915M, etc.).

By using NiceRF LoRa gateway devices, sensor equipment in the irrigation field (such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, light sensors, CO2 sensors, etc.) can be connected in real-time. These sensors collect data in real-time and periodically upload it to the cloud platform or local host computer via LoRa modules. This setup enables remote monitoring, fault alarms, equipment management, and provides scientific and reliable data support for adjusting irrigation strategies.

Data Monitoring Function: The sensor equipment monitors data such as air temperature, air humidity, CO2 levels, light intensity, soil moisture, and soil temperature. This data is transmitted through the LoRa gateway to the cloud platform, allowing users to analyze and process the information conveniently.

Remote Control and Adjustment: The LoRa gateway can connect to irrigation equipment, enabling remote control of the irrigation system. By sending commands from the cloud platform to the LoRa gateway, users can adjust irrigation equipment, such as remotely starting or stopping the equipment or adjusting irrigation parameters. This allows for intelligent irrigation based on feedback from soil moisture sensors, providing precise water management, reducing waste, and improving irrigation efficiency.

Anomaly Alarms and Warnings: The LoRa gateway can monitor abnormal conditions in the farmland environment and send alarm messages to users through the cloud platform. For instance, if soil moisture levels are too low or too high, the LoRa gateway can promptly issue an alert, reminding farmers to take appropriate irrigation measures.

Energy Efficiency Optimization: The gateway is designed with low power consumption features. By optimizing energy management and data transmission frequency, it effectively extends the operating time of the equipment, reduces energy costs, and enhances system sustainability.

For details, please click：https://www.nicerf.com/products/ Or click：https://nicerf.en.alibaba.com/productlist.html?spm=a2700.shop_index.88.4.1fec2b006JKUsd For consultation, please contact NiceRF (Email: sales@nicerf.com).

[marketing-technology]

An In-Depth Exploration of IoT Connectivity Technologies and Their Uses

Discover the top IoT connectivity technologies and their applications in this detailed guide. Learn how to select the right technology for your needs.

Imagine a world where everyday objects communicate seamlessly to enhance the efficiency and convenience of our lives. The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized how we interact with technology. By 2030, it's projected there will be over 32.1 billion IoT devices globally, nearly doubling from 15.9 billion in 2023. Examples include smart home appliances that adjust the temperature upon entry and wearable fitness trackers that continuously monitor health. These devices connect and exchange data thanks to IoT networking technologies. Let's explore these technologies further.

What Are IoT Connectivity Technologies?

IoT connectivity technologies encompass the various methods and protocols used to connect IoT devices to the internet or each other. These technologies enable communication, data transfer, and control for IoT devices, with over 29 billion connections anticipated by 2027.

Why Is IoT Connectivity Important?

The choice of IoT connectivity technology significantly impacts the performance, cost, and scalability of your IoT solution. High-speed, ultra-low latency connectivity is crucial for some applications, making 5G or 4G cellular IoT connectivity ideal despite higher costs and power usage. Conversely, simpler deployments might benefit from low-speed connections, which are more cost-effective and require less power.

Top 5 IoT Connectivity Technologies and Their Applications

Cellular Networks Cellular networks, essential in daily life for phones and tablets, provide wide coverage, reliability, and enhanced security. They are ideal for mobile IoT systems and serve as alternatives to LPWAN technologies like Sigfox and LoRaWAN.

Use Cases:

Point of Sale and Kiosks: Enables vending machines and kiosks to operate without Wi-Fi, expanding retail opportunities.

Delivery Tracking: Provides real-time shipment tracking across diverse environments, including remote or mobile scenarios.

High Data Rate Cellular (3G/4G/LTE/5G) With high Mbps speeds, these networks suit data-intensive IoT applications, mobile devices, and real-time video streaming. They support "massive IoT" deployments, connecting thousands of devices across large areas.

Use Cases:

Fleet Management: Real-time tracking optimizes operations, enhancing route planning and fuel efficiency.

Health Monitoring: Continuous health data transmission from wearables to healthcare providers ensures prompt intervention.

Ethernet Ethernet offers a reliable, low-latency wired connection, ideal where infrastructure is in place. It provides stable performance unaffected by physical barriers, suitable for stationary IoT devices.

Use Cases:

Security Cameras: Ensures uninterrupted video surveillance in homes or businesses.

Game Systems: Minimizes latency for gamers seeking reliable network performance.

Stationary Medical Devices: Facilitates real-time data transmission from medical equipment to centralized systems.

Wi-Fi Common in homes and offices, Wi-Fi supports secure, high-bandwidth connectivity within a limited range. It's ideal for localized IoT ecosystems where devices are confined to a specific area.

Use Cases:

Smart Gadgets: Integrates smart devices like TVs and appliances into home networks.

Digital Signage: Enables content updates and management in commercial settings.

Bluetooth Bluetooth excels in connecting small, battery-powered devices within short ranges, typically up to 30 feet. It offers low energy consumption, widely used in consumer electronics and small-scale IoT deployments.

Use Cases:

Smartwatches/Fitness Trackers: Syncs health data to smartphones, facilitating mobile monitoring.

Bluetooth Low Energy Sensors: Collects and transmits data from sensors in homes or small businesses.

These technologies cater to diverse IoT needs, each offering unique advantages in range, bandwidth, power efficiency, and scalability. The right choice depends on specific application requirements and environmental considerations.

Essential Requirements for Your IoT Connectivity Solution

Each use case has specific requirements translating into particular technology needs:

Technical Requirements: Consider data speed, latency, range, power consumption, and network coverage. High-speed applications might require advanced cellular technologies, while low-power long-range deployments might favor LPWAN solutions.

Commercial Requirements: Costs include initial setup and ongoing operational expenses. Technologies with lower power needs and simpler infrastructure can reduce costs, ideal for large-scale deployments.

Ecosystem Requirements: Compatibility with existing systems, availability of support and development resources, and integration with future technologies are crucial considerations.

Factors to Consider When Choosing IoT Connectivity Technology

Selecting the most suitable connectivity technology involves a careful assessment of each deployment’s characteristics. This strategic decision affects the immediate performance and cost-efficiency of your service and its long-term scalability and future-proofing.

Conclusion

The field of IoT connectivity technologies holds great promise. The IoT ecosystem evolves daily with advancements in low-power protocols, wireless networks, and emerging technologies. Significant advancements in connectivity technology, such as the implementation of 5G networks, will offer extremely low latency and fast speeds, facilitating seamless communication and new possibilities for real-time applications.

[govindhtech]

LoRa Fusion present Superior Smartphones Connectivity 5G

In the future of connectivity, smartphones will take off thanks to the integration of LoRA Fusion components

The current state of smartphone connection could be on the cusp of undergoing a significant upheaval. The Long The spectrum (LoRA) technology, which is well-known for its low-power communication capabilities across long distances, is on the verge of being incorporated into smartphones. This will open up a world of fascinating possibilities and revolutionize the linked world. This possible first-mover advantage might represent a significant step forward for the smartphone industry, despite the fact that exact specifics and development schedules are still in the process of being developed.

LoRA Fusion is what exactly?

The LoRA Fusion technology is a cutting-edge innovation that brings together the benefits of cellular networks with the advantages of LoRA. LoRA is superior than cellular networks in terms of long-range communication and low power consumption, whereas cellular networks provide high bandwidth and connections that are dependable.

LoRA Fusion enables customers to access a one-of-a-kind set of advantages by combining these capabilities, which are as follows:

Extended Network Reach: LoRA is able to transcend the restrictions of cellular coverage, making it possible to have dependable access even in places that are underserved or situated in distant areas. Individuals who often travel to rural regions, operate in settings that are geographically isolated, or depend on emergency communication services in circumstances that are not urban will find this to be of great use.

LoRA’s low power consumption greatly minimizes the amount of battery drain that occurs when compared to typical cellular connections, which results in an enhanced battery life. Those users who need their smartphones to have a longer battery life on a single charge may find this to be a very important feature, particularly in circumstances where access to charging stations may be restricted.

Potential for a large Range of Applications: LoRA Fusion enables a large variety of applications that go beyond what is considered to be fundamental communication. The company is able to facilitate a seamless integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which enables users to remotely monitor and interact with smart homes, smartphones and tablets, as well as business machinery. This is possible throughout locations where wireless coverage is impeded.

A Benefit of Being the First Mover : The smartphone maker who is the first to effectively incorporate LoRA Fusion technology has the potential to acquire a major competitive edge among their competitors. This innovative approach would appeal to consumers who are knowledgeable about technology and are searching for enhanced connection options and cutting-edge features respectively. Additionally, early adopters might use LoRA Fusion to build unique apps and services, further distinguishing themselves as leaders in the ever-changing mobile industry when they do so.

Chances as well as challenges for Success

Despite contrast to being true that the adoption of LoRA Fusion into smartphones encounters an extensive amount of potential, there are some obstacles which need to be navigated.

These consist of a few of them:

Integration of Hardware

Adapting smartphone designs to incorporate LoRA technology may need the installation of extra hardware components, which may have an effect on the device’s dimensions, weight, and maybe even its price.

Standardization and Adoption

The establishment of industry-wide standards and the guarantee of comprehensive network coverage for LoRA will be essential to the success of the initiative.

Application Development

It is necessary to encourage developers to design engaging and user-friendly apps that use the unique features of LoRA Fusion in order to be successful in driving user adoption.

In spite of these obstacles, there is no denying the potential advantages that LoRA Fusion might bring about. The integration of cellular and LoRA technologies in mobile devices has the potential to revolutionize the concept of connection, provide users with more control, and open the door to the development of innovative new applications that can be used in a wide range of sectors. It is possible that the first smartphone maker to adopt LoRA Fusion will be at the forefront of determining the future of mobile communication. This is because the technology will evolve and these issues will be overcome.

Discover LoRa Fusion 8 Key Features:

image credit to jooby

Internet of Things (IoT) networks use game-changing LoRa (Long Range) wireless communication protocol. Utility, medical, agricultural, urban infrastructure, and environmental quality monitoring industries use it. Let’s examine the top eight LoRa technology features that have shaped its widespread adoption and remarkable use.

1.Long-range of Lora Fusion

LoRa technology is named for its seamless device operation over long distances. Its impressive ability to transmit data across several kilometers in open spaces ensures uninterrupted communication even in remote areas. LoRa can transmit data up to 15 km in open spaces.

2. LoRa Uses little power

LoRa technology excels in low-power devices, making it a popular solution for battery-powered IoT devices. LoRa technology has a 5–10-year battery life due to its low power consumption, reducing maintenance and improving system efficiency. This is especially useful when hundreds or thousands of sensors must work seamlessly and battery life must be optimized.

3. LoRa Cost-effective fix

When deploying an IoT network, device cost and infrastructure deployment are crucial. Fortunately, LoRa solutions are affordable. Compared to other wireless technologies, LoRa network setup is simple and inexpensive. LoRa-enabled devices are also affordable due to low manufacturing and purchasing costs. These factors make LoRa technology suitable for many IoT projects, including large-scale deployments.

4. LoRa Scalability

Scalability is important in IoT networks because investors expect them to add devices and expand coverage. LoRa technology scales quickly and easily. LoRa technology underpins the LoRaWAN protocol. It connects unlimited sensors, meters, and other devices. LoRa networks scale smoothly and efficiently thanks to this protocol-based system, which simplifies infrastructure expansion and device management in large-scale IoT projects.

5. LoRa Security

LoRa technology protects sensitive data and data transmission with a fully featured security suite. The AES-128 protocol encrypts data and strengthens communications, protecting LoRa networks from unauthorized access and tampering. LoRaWAN also authenticates devices to prevent unauthorized access to the IoT network.

6. LoRa Communication both ways

LoRa allows sensors to receive commands and send data to the network during two-way communication between devices and gateways. Devices can receive instructions and relay critical data bidirectionally, which is essential for real-time control and monitoring projects.

7. LoRa Geolocation services

Well-known LoRa geolocation eliminates the need for GPS hardware to track and position devices. LoRaWAN networks precisely locate devices using TDoA. This remarkable feature is used in asset tracking, logistics, and geofencing.

8. LoRa Compatibility

After careful consideration of open standards, LoRa protocols ensure device compatibility and efficient interaction with LoRaWAN networks. A diverse market of IoT-compatible products has grown due to this open approach. Finally, LoRa technology gives customers network flexibility.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

[chandni0867]

1 Channel Industrial IoT Long Range Wireless Ultrasound Vibration Sensor

The Industrial IoT Ultrasound Vibration Sensor from NCD – a high-performance solution engineered explicitly for industry-leading predictive maintenance applications. Integrated with a wireless mesh networking architecture, it delivers an impressive range of up to 2 miles. The sensor employs a high-precision, dual-channel 16-bit ADC, capturing vibration data at user-specified intervals and wirelessly transmitting the recorded data to remote modems and gateways.

For More:

[lansitec]

Smart Helmet Tracker with Sensors for Construction Accident Prevention

Construction-specific smart helmets use a variety of sensors, including temperature sensors, GPS, gyroscopes, accelerometers, and more. These sensors keep an eye on the wearer's vital signs, head movements, and surroundings all the time. In order to enable proactive accident prevention, the gathered data is processed in real time to deliver quick insights and early alerts. Lansitec Helmet Sensor is designed based on GNSS, Bluetooth5.0 and LoRa technology. It supports indoor and outdoor tracking. It supports various features which contribute to easy management in industrial settings.

For More:

[elcereza]

GPIOs do LoRaMesh da Radioenge: Portas digitais

Aprenda como usar as GPIOs do módulo LoRaMesh da Radioenge

As GPIOs do LoRaMesh da Radioenge possibilita que possamos fazer aplicações de automação com um uso reduzido de hardware, dedicando apenas ao circuito de chaveamento (se necessário) e de alimentação. No total temos no LoRaMesh 8 GPIOs sendo todas configuráveis como entrada ou saída digital e duas como leitura analógica. Porém neste post vamos apenas abordar as portas digitais. Por qual motivo…

[ckuehnel]

Indoor Environment Monitor HRU-3601

With the HRU-3601, Heltec Automation offers a cost-effective environmental monitor for measuring temperature and relative humidity (HRU-3601A) or TVOC (HRU-3601B). A Sensirion SHT-3x is used to measure in the HRU-3601A, and an SGP30 is used in the HRU-3601B. Heltec Automation bietet mit dem HRU-3601 einen preisgünstigen Umweltmonitor zur Messung von Temperatur und relative Luftfeuchtigkeit…

[macnman-techno]

What is the LoRaWAN? Where is it used, and what is the cost?

Certainly, here's the information presented in different words:

LoRaWAN, which stands for Long Range Wide Area Network, is a wireless communication technology tailor-made for the Internet of Things (IoT). It's renowned for its capacity to transmit data over extensive distances while consuming minimal power, rendering it an excellent fit for diverse IoT applications.

Key points about LoRaWAN:

Technology: LoRaWAN employs LoRa modulation, a technology that enables long-range data transmission. It operates within unlicensed radio frequency bands, often in the sub-GHz range. LoRa's modulation technique ensures excellent signal reach and the ability to penetrate obstacles effectively.

Range: LoRaWAN can achieve impressive communication distances, spanning several kilometers in open environments. This makes it ideal for scenarios where devices must transmit data across substantial distances. However, actual range may fluctuate based on factors like topography and interference.

Power Efficiency: LoRaWAN devices are designed with power efficiency in mind, allowing them to operate on battery power for extended periods—sometimes years—before requiring replacement or recharging.

Network Architecture: LoRaWAN networks typically adopt a star-of-stars topology. IoT devices communicate with gateways, which relay the data to a central network server. This server processes and delivers the data for use in various applications.

Use Cases: LoRaWAN finds application in numerous IoT scenarios, including smart cities (for tasks like smart metering and waste management), agriculture (for monitoring soil conditions and crop health), industrial IoT (for asset tracking and predictive maintenance), and environmental monitoring (for measuring air quality and pollution levels), among others.

Cost: The cost associated with implementing a LoRaWAN network can vary widely, depending on factors such as the number of devices, required range, and the network infrastructure's complexity. Generally, LoRaWAN is seen as a cost-effective solution because it allows for large-scale IoT network deployments without the need for substantial infrastructure investments. The cost of LoRaWAN devices can also vary but is typically designed to be affordable, particularly for applications requiring numerous sensors.

LoRaWAN's popularity stems from its capacity for long-range communication, energy efficiency, and suitability for a diverse range of IoT applications. Its cost-effectiveness and adaptability make it a practical choice for organizations and industries seeking to implement IoT solutions to monitor and manage various aspects of their operations

[orizoncontrols]

SENSORI DI CO2 SMART A CELLE SOLARI

Negli ultimi anni, in particolare dopo la crisi COVID-19, c'è stata una crescente attenzione da parte degli organismi di regolamentazione ambientale sul miglioramento della qualità dell'aria interna e sull'implementazione di standard più elevati.Questa attenzione è diventata cruciale per molte aziende e per il pubblico in generale, considerando che le persone trascorrono circa il 90% del loro tempo al chiuso. Inoltre, la ricerca scientifica ha stabilito una chiara connessione tra livelli elevati di alcuni inquinanti ed effetti negativi sulla salute, in particolare tra le popolazioni vulnerabili come gli anziani, i bambini e le persone con patologie respiratorie o cardiovascolari croniche. Gli indicatori chiave per misurare la qualità dell'aria e valutare i potenziali rischi per la salute includono la concentrazione di anidride carbonica (CO2), insieme ai livelli di temperatura e umidità.Di conseguenza, vi è una crescente domanda di dispositivi intelligenti in grado di monitorare, valutare e gestire le condizioni dell'aria interna. Tuttavia, il mercato attuale offre molteplici soluzioni che si basano su batterie usa e getta con un tempo di utilizzo limitato, che richiedono una manutenzione frequente. Studi recenti prevedono un aumento sostanziale della domanda globale di batterie da 185 GWh nel 2020 a oltre 2.000 GWh entro il 2030. Ciò rappresenta un'ulteriore preoccupazione per quanto riguarda le emissioni di gas serra e i danni ambientali causati dalla crescente domanda di batterie.MClimate CO2 Display LoRaWAN affronta queste sfide sfruttando la tecnologia LoRaWAN dei dispositivi intelligenti e integrando un display alimentato da pannello solare. Questa soluzione innovativa consente una misurazione precisa dei livelli di CO2, offrendo agli utenti informazioni essenziali per garantire un ambiente interno sano e confortevole, ma dà anche la priorità all'efficienza energetica, si allinea alle politiche ecologiche e non richiede manutenzione.Il dispositivo fornisce una soluzione utilizzando un modulo di rilevamento NDIR a bassa potenza con un intervallo di rilevamento di 400-5000 ppm con calibrazione ABC abilitata per impostazione predefinita, misurazione affidabile di temperatura e umidità, sensore di rilevamento del movimento e molte altre tecnologie innovative intelligenti per ottenere risultati eccellenti."In MClimate, ci dedichiamo a soluzioni per edifici intelligenti che siano sostenibili, efficaci e facili da usare, rendendo il CO2 Display LoRaWAN una testimonianza del nostro impegno", ha affermato Violeta Mitsova, co-fondatrice e CCO di MClimate. "Con la riuscita risoluzione dei problemi di connettività degli edifici grazie alla tecnologia LoRaWAN, combinata con l'integrazione delle celle solari di Epishine, abbiamo sviluppato un dispositivo IoT intelligente che non richiede la sostituzione della batteria, può sopravvivere senza luce per 14 giorni e non necessita di nessun altro tipo di manutenzione . Ciò consente agli utenti finali di monitorare la qualità dell'aria e agire in modo tempestivo sulle metriche visualizzate e i proprietari di immobili offrono risorse più rispettose dell'ambiente."Per avere informazioni in merito alla fornitura e installazione di soluzioni per il monitoraggio dell'aria in ambienti chiusi, domestici e professionali, non esitare a contattarci.Orizon S.r.l. - Domotica San Donà di Piave - System Integrators per l'automazione dei sistemi intelligenti domotici, multimediali e professionali come il Building Management System, connessi all'IOT. Fonte: SBM Read the full article

[thetechanalyst]

Amazon opens up the Sidewalk network to developers for free in the US to galvanise the IoT market

On 28th of March 2023, Amazon announced its Sidewalk network project launched in early 2020, now covers 90% of the US population and is open to developers to test, build and create new IoT applications. AWS also announced Sidewalk networks integration with AWS IoT core, enabling Sidewalk-enabled partner devices to easily provision, onboard, and monitor Sidewalk devices at scale. The service is currently available only in the US and developers can use the AWS IoT core for Amazon Sidewalk for free using the AWS Free Tier(details here)

A few companies working with Amazon have also announced the launch of sidewalk-enabled devices which includes:

New Cosmos: Natural gas alarm 

Primax: Woody, a smart door lock 

Netvox: environmental sensor

Meshify’s: Moisture sensor

Browan: Motion and carbon monoxide sensor

OnAsset Intelligence: Sentinel 200 Asset tracker

Is Amazon Sidewalk just a connectivity network platform?

Amazon Sidewalk communication network is one of the 3 core components of the Sidewalk Device-To-Cloud (DTC) platform which includes:

Sidewalk connectivity network: The Sidewalk network is built and operated by crowdsourcing participating customers who enable the Sidewalk network using consumer bridge devices such as the Amazon Echo and Ring devices.

Sidewalk end-devices: Includes Amazon Ring devices and third-party end-devices that are embedded with Sidewalk radio chipsets running the proprietary network protocol and security certificates required to communicate on the Sidewalk network. 

Sidewalk Network Server: The Sidewalk network server verifies and routes the data packets from end devices to the application servers. 

The #Sidewalk platform is a Device-to-Cloud platform that is built on a crowdsourced, shared #IoT network that connects Sidewalk end devices with enterprise applications using the #AWS IoT Core. The AWS IoT core also offers developers application-level services and security among other functionalities. The application servers hosting the end devices and applications can either use AWS or third-party cloud application services.  

How does Amazon monetise the Sidewalk platform when the Sidewalk network Is free?

By integrating the Sidewalk connectivity network, with the AWS cloud services, Amazon monetizes the data sent by Sidewalk-enabled devices to the AWS cloud. As enterprises use the crowd-sourced network to connect their devices, enterprise customers are charged a small fee every time a Sidewalk device transmits data to the sidewalk network server located in the AWS IoT core. In the near term, the revenues from data alone will be negligible as most of the Sidewalk end devices at the most transmit data a dozen times per day adding to a few Kbs of data per month. 

However, over time as sidewalk-enabled devices generate millions of data packets that are routed via the AWS IoT core rules engine, this will help grow its opportunity pipeline for its cloud application services. Amazon Sidewalk will help drive enterprise demand and adoption of its cloud applications especially to manage (sort and query) through large volumes of small data packets sent by end devices. AWS will gain the most value as enterprises start to build applications to leverage its consumer and industrial IoT analytics services, especially advanced analytics services (machine learning and AI services) generating new revenue streams.

Overview of the Amazon Sidewalk network technology

Amazon Sidewalk Network is a Multi-Radio Access Network(#MRAN) wireless connectivity platform used to build a crowd-sourced, community-owned, Neighbourhood Area Network (NAN). The network is powered by mostly consumer Sidewalk bridge devices that use a small fraction of the customer's internet bandwidth (~80Kbps) and share it with other sidewalk customers to create a low-bandwidth, low-power #NAN.

Amazon customers who had already set up a sidewalk gateway device (Echo Or Ring devices) at the time of the launch in early 2020, an over-the-air (#OTA) update automatically connected the edge gateway to the network. Echo or Ring customers have the option to turn off the Sidewalk network feature at any time. This OTA update route to create the Sidewalk network without customers’ prior consent is unlikely to be used in European countries with strict laws protecting customer privacy.  

In return for the customer's participation, Amazon manages the network to create a city-wide network which end-users can use for free to connect their third-party sidewalk-enabled devices. The Sidewalk network is available for free to other enterprises to offer consumer and enterprise IoT solutions using Sidewalk-enabled 3rd party devices.

The Sidewalk network is built through the integration of 3 wireless connectivity technologies-

Long Range Communication: Proprietary Sub-Ghz (915 MHz ISM band) LPWAN developed on Chirp spread spectrum (CSS/LoRa) radio PHY. The LoRa Phy technology is also used in the LoRaWAN protocol, the #LPWANtechnology managed by the #LoRa Alliance. The LoRa technology is the bearer technology used for long-range communication. 

Medium Range Communication: Sub-Ghz(902-928 MHz) Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) technology. This is a legacy wireless technology used in various smart home security applications such as motions sensors, contact sensors and garage door openers. 

Short Range Communication: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Phy(Bluetooth Low Energy or #BLE) operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. 

Identifying potential growth opportunities for the Sidewalk platform

Anchored on the Sidewalk communication network, the key strength of the Sidewalk platform is the complete integrated device-to-cloud stack. The Sidewalk platform helps enterprises easily onboard Sidewalk devices at scale and the low-cost pricing of AWS cloud services helps solution vendors reduce the overall solution TCO. A glance at the AWS IoT core price calculator will provide an indication of the cost of running devices using the Sidewalk platform. 

Growth Prospects for Sidewalk Network: The Sidewalk network is currently available in the US only and covers over 90% of the population coverage. Amazon has made public its plans to expand its network footprint to other regions worldwide in the coming years. However, the success of the Sidewalk network in the US will set the pace of its network footprint growth in other regions. 

Since the Sidewalk network relies on Amazon #Echo and #Ring customers, One of the recurring challenges for Amazon will be to ensure Amazon Echo and Ring customers participating in the Sidewalk programme remain high and to reduce churn. 

Amazon will also need to ensure customer participation in the Sidewalk network programme remains high to ensure sufficient network redundancies are in place, in case some customers decide to turn off their Sidewalk feature from their devices. The only way Amazon can ensure the Sidewalk network continues to thrive is by ensuring participating Echo and Ring customers see immediate and recurring value in the form of new digital devices and services. 

In early 2022, to address potential opportunities in the enterprise IoT market, Amazon Ring announced its #Sidewalk Bridge Pro, a ruggedised outdoor gateway. The weatherproof, enterprise-grade gateway will help Amazon expand its network coverage to public spaces such as parks, city centres, universities, businesses, and other places which are not covered by consumer echo and ring bridge devices. The Sidewalk Bridge Pro is designed to be deployed by businesses and municipalities to complement the residential network coverage.

The Sidewalk Bridge Pro will help expand the Sidewalk network by enabling:

On-demand network availability for enterprises that have an immediate demand for campus networks and are willing to host the network infrastructure.

Will help expand network coverage from existing population coverage to wider regional coverage. 

The outdoor gateway devices will also help add necessary network redundancies in residential places where Amazon Ring and Echo customer participation is low or the network requires densification. 

The success of the Sidewalk network will depend on the growth in the device and solution ecosystem in the US before it launches the service in other regions. The future regional network roll-out will also depend on regional privacy laws and the residential penetration of Amazon Echo and Ring bridge devices used to build the network. The Sidewalks regional network which includes LoRa and FSK technologies will operate on different sub-GHz frequency bands

Based on Amazon’s Sidewalk bridge shipment data, regional network footprint growth will likely be as follows. 

Rest of North America: Canada

Europe: Western Europe followed by Eastern Europe

APAC: India, East Asia and the rest of South East Asia. No presence in China. 

Rest of the world: Latin America and MEA.

As the Amazon Sidewalk network operates as a single network, when regional networks outside of the US are rolled out, Amazon can offer a roaming-free global network as long as the device's radio hardware is capable of switching to regional Sub-GHz frequency bands.

Growth Prospects for Amazon Sidewalk Devices and Applications

Amazon's Sidewalk platform strategy is focused on driving device makers’ adoption of the platform to develop sidewalk-enabled devices for enterprises and consumer applications. Amazon has announced its partnership with hardware communication module vendors including #Nordic Semiconductor, #Silicon Labs, #Semtech, Texas Instruments and #Quectel. 

As the Sidewalk radio hardware matures, one of the developments to watch out for will be a single SKU global radio hardware that enterprises can embed in their devices. This would help global device OEMs and solution providers drastically reduce their design costs of having to modify their devices to operate in each region. This would also have value for enabling application verticals such as asset tracking that requires seamless connectivity across different regions. 

The Sidewalk platform operates on 3 business models to target consumer and enterprise markets:  

Business to consumer: Consumer IoT(Smart Home)

Ring acquired by Amazon in 2018 provides consumer home security and smart home devices. The sidewalk network supports Amazon Echo and Ring customers to connect Ring devices including doorbells, outdoor cameras, outdoor lights, and Alarm systems that are beyond the range of the home Wi-Fi network and other Personal Area Networks (PANs). The Sidewalk network's extended range capabilities will also help Ring offer new consumer devices such as pet trackers, asset trackers, outdoor irrigation systems, motion sensors and other connected devices. 

Business to Business to Consumer :Consumer IoT(Smart home, asset track and trace)

The sidewalk platform is open to other enterprises that want to develop IoT devices and services for end consumers. Some examples of enterprises using the Sidewalk platform to offer consumer IoT services are as follows.

Tile, a leading consumer track and trace solution provider is one of the early adopters of the Sidewalk platform. 

Speciality insurer HSB has also announced its IoT subsidiary, Meshify will connect its proprietary water leak sensors for homeowners through the Amazon Sidewalk platform. 

Careband, a wearable device for elderly care, has announced plans to test the Sidewalk platform to offer services to its CareBand customers. 

Amazon announced the Fetch pet tracker in early 2020 and has since been developing its cloud-geolocation service to enable more consumer asset track and trace use cases.

Business to Business: Enterprise IoT: (Smart City, Industrial IoT, Asset visibility) 

Amazon Sidewalk offers system integrators and solution providers a fully integrated DTC platform to cost-efficiently test, build and operate enterprise IoT applications and services. Utilities and city municipalities deploying smart city applications such as streetlights, water meters, parking sensors, air quality sensors, and other environmental monitoring sensors will benefit from an integrated DTC platform service in reducing its solution time to market and cost. Enterprises benefit from Amazon’s vast partner network which includes software partners, hardware partners, service and consulting partners, system integrators, and distributor partners. The AWS Partner Network has more than 100,000 partners from more than 150 countries, with almost 1/3rd or 30,000 partners based in the US. 

In 2022, Amazon announced a collaboration with Arizona state university and Thingy to connect environmental sensors such as sunlight sensors, air quality indicators, and moisture sensors in places like commercial centres, parks, and wilderness areas. 

Asset Visibility(Location tracking and condition monitoring): Asset track and trace applications have been a key vertical use case for the sidewalk network. Amazon has been partnering with solution vendors to develop its platform capabilities to offer more seamless and accurate geolocation services. In November 2022, Semtech announced a strategic agreement with AWS to license its LoRa cloud geolocation services to help AWS IoT core offer indoor and outdoor geolocation capability. 

On March 28, 2023, Amazon announced its Sidewalk solution partner, #OnAssetintelligence, introduce its Sentinel 200, a Sidewalk-enabled asset tracker for logistics use cases. The Sentinel 200, is a multi-year battery life device with temperature, humidity, light, shock and motion sensors that provide timely and granular data on the location, status and chain-of-custody of shipments and assets moving through the global supply chain. 

The sidewalk platform in its current form lacks several key network requirements to succeed in the B2B segment. One of the key network capabilities missing today is the Sidewalk Networks ability to guarantee network quality of service (QoS). However, The Sidewalk platform with its free communication network offers enterprises an opportunity to test proofs-of-concept at a minimal cost and examine the financial feasibility of digital transformation programmes. 

Analyst view: “A rising tide lifts all boats…but those unable to change and adapt will fail”

With Sidewalk, Amazon integrates device-to-cloud data management capabilities with a communication network to offer simplicity to the enterprise's digital transformation programs. Device-to-cloud platforms that integrate multi-RAN technologies is a solution to reduce technology complexity. That said, the success of the Sidewalk platform will depend on how quickly the technology's adopted by device makers and enterprises to develop innovative new applications and services. 

A cautionary tale: Sigfox, an early pioneer of the low-cost Device to Cloud platform using a proprietary LPWA network technology.

To give credit where it's due, #Sigfox was an early pioneer and strong advocate of a low-cost device-to-cloud (DTC) platform to address the market demand for massive IoT applications. Sigfox believed for enterprises to adopt massive IoT applications which may require deploying 100sK or millions of battery-operated sensor devices, it's crucial to drastically simplify the process and cost of transporting data from the device to the cloud. Sigfox was an advocate of the need for very low network TCO to encourage enterprise digital transformation.

To achieve this, Sigfox built its own DTC platform from the ground up based on its proprietary LPWA network also called Sigfox. Sigfox built and operated its cloud services located in Toulouse, France and only in 2021 had migrated its Sigfox network server to Google IoT core(which also shut down in 2022).

Sigfox launched its device-to-cloud platform services at around $1-$7 per annum per device. The cost varied depending on the volume of end-point connections but included regional sigfox connectivity service and sigfox cloud services. Sigfox as a disruptive technology faced severe criticism for its extremely low device-to-cloud connectivity pricing strategy and lack of financial viability to continue operating several of its large nationwide and citywide networks in Europe and the US respectively. 

Sigfox witnessed some early success in smart home, smart metering and asset tracking use cases connecting almost 20 million end-points on its network within a span of 5 years. However, due several factors including financial difficulties due to slow revenue growth and the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic led to Sigfox filing for bankruptcy in early 2022. 

Sigfox assets were subsequently acquired by Unabiz, a Sigfox network operator and system integrator. Unabiz in collaboration with over 60 Sigfox network operators is managing the sigfox technology and developing integrated solutions for enterprise Digital transformation. 

Amazon Sidewalk in many ways has a similar business model to Sigfox. Similar to Sigfox, the Amazon sidewalk platform offers very low-cost device-to-cloud connectivity, but with several strengths to ensure longer-term sustainability of the business. 

By crowd-sourcing the network, majority of the network infrastructure costs required to build and operate the Sidewalk network (except for the Sidewalk Network server) are borne by its Amazon Echo and Ring customers. 

The sidewalk network integrates 3 established network technologies ie. LoRa, FSK and BLE. These technologies are backed by a global ecosystem of hardware and solution vendors.

The sidewalk platform has a strong anchor business use case in its successful smart home business. Amazon Ring uses the Sidewalk network to expand its connectivity coverage for security sensors, lights, cameras and other sensor devices in the periphery of the customer's home and beyond. 

The total cost of ownership (TCO) for solutions built on the Sidewalk platform will be a fraction of similar existing solutions using cellular or other LPWAN solutions in the market. The cost of BLE and LoRa connectivity hardware is sub $1 at scale. With free connectivity and the cost of the device to cloud platform service at a few 10s of US$ cents per device per annum, the Sidewalk platform drastically helps reduce the TCO for digital products and services. 

AWS partner network consists of over 100,000 partners globally consisting of solution developers, system integrators, hardware partners, consultants and distributors.

The Sidewalk platform is integrated with the AWS IoT core which has over 200 services including machine learning and advanced analytics services.

Will Sidewalk complement or compete with other LoraWAN operators in the US?

There are several existing LoRaWAN service providers in the US including:

Public network operators: #Comcast #MachineQ, Senet and more recently Everynet.

Community networks: LoRiot, Things network and #Helium. 

Private networks: #Senet, Comcast, Link Labs, and other enterprise customers.

Senet and Everynet two established LoRaWAN operators have deployed regional network infrastructure and offer it to enterprises in a Network as a Service (NaaS) model. Amazon Sidewalk network will compete with public network service providers but will potentially complement system integrators, solution vendors and other enterprise private networks. As the Sidewalk network footprint grows, it will become difficult for these public network operators to justify their connectivity costs compared to a free network. That said, Amazon Sidewalk which uses LoRa for long-range connectivity could benefit from partnering with LoRaWAN-managed network operators such as Senet and Everynet to densify its city-wide network and expand its geographical network footprint, especially in rural and industrial areas. 

Nova Labs, Helium Network is one of the largest community-owned LoRaWAN networks in the US(coverage map-https://explorer.helium.com/iot/cities) and will directly compete with Amazon's Sidewalk Network. The Helium network has nearly a million hotspots running the LoRaWAN and is available in over 163 countries. Helium operates its LoRaWAN by rewarding its hotspot owners with blockchain-powered tokens that are generated for transferring device data to the cloud. Today Helium network has nearly 100 device makers and solution providers using the Helium network to offer IoT solutions. 

System integrators such as Comcast MachineQ will benefit from leveraging the Sidewalk network by minimizing its network infrastructure costs and using its resources to develop vertical IoT applications and services for end customers. 

Will Amazon Sidewalk complement or compete with Telcos Cellular LPWAN services in the US? 

AT&T, #Verizon and #tmobile : Cellular LPWA network (#LTEM & #NBIoT) with nationwide coverage since early 2018. Teclos in the US has been monetizing its NB-IoT and LTE-M networks by offering connectivity services and several end-to-end solutions for enterprise customers. Today, Telcos cellular LPWAN connectivity services vary from $12-$36/device/annum and are calculated based on the end device’s data usage. Telcos have struggled to monetize their LPWA network infrastructure with connectivity service alone and have developed a three-pronged monetization strategy. Telcos in the US today offer enterprises a choice of IoT connectivity and/or software platform and/or end-to-end IoT solutions built through an ecosystem of hardware and solution partners. 

Amazon Sidewalk will directly compete with telcos’ LTE-M and NB-IoT networks and their consumer smart home(B2C and B2B2C) offerings with the Sidewalk network. Furthermore, with Sidewalk Bridge Pro, Amazon will also be able to target enterprise IoT(B2B) applications such as smart buildings, smart parking, environmental monitoring etc where telcos offer connectivity services and/or end-to-end solutions.

That said, a heterogeneous network architecture that integrates cellular networks and the Sidewalk network will further augment the Sidewalk platform in addressing a broad range of enterprise IoT solution requirements. Cellular LPWA network's nationwide coverage will also help the sidewalk platform address applications such as outdoor asset-tracking requiring broader geographical coverage, lower latency and frequent data transmissions.

Will Amazon Sidewalk complement or compete with Mesh networking technologies used in smart city applications in the US?

Mesh networking technologies based on IEEE 802.15.4(#Zigbee, #Thread) and #Zwave are two dominant connectivity technologies used in smart home applications. Proprietary LPWAN technologies such as LoRa and Sigfox are more energy efficient and hence have gained market share in the smart home market replacing mesh technologies to connect battery-operated sensor devices. The extended range of capabilities of LPWAN technologies has an advantage over Wi-Fi and mesh network technologies that require additional gateway or bridge devices to extend the network range to basements or the periphery of the homes. 

Mesh networking technologies also have a growing market share in several smart city applications such as smart metering, parking and smart street lighting. These applications’ network requirements are currently addressed through the deployment of private networks. The sidewalk network is likely to have little to no impact in these segments until it can guarantee network QoS which is a critical application and business requirement

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