1105 LoRaWAN: Comprehensive Review
This review chapter helps you apply LoRaWAN knowledge through interactive tools and assessments. Here’s what you need to remember:
The Three Key Trade-offs:
| Decision | Trade-off |
|---|---|
| Higher Spreading Factor (SF) | Longer range BUT slower data rate and more battery use |
| More Frequent Transmissions | Fresher data BUT shorter battery life |
| Lower TX Power | Longer battery BUT shorter range |
Quick Reference - Spreading Factors:
| SF | Range (Urban) | Data Rate | Battery Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| SF7 | ~2 km | 5.5 kbps | Best |
| SF9 | ~5 km | 1.8 kbps | Moderate |
| SF12 | ~15 km | 0.3 kbps | Worst (24x more than SF7) |
When to Use LoRaWAN: - Battery-powered sensors lasting years - Small data packets (< 200 bytes) - Updates every few minutes to hours - Long range without cellular coverage
When NOT to Use LoRaWAN: - Real-time data (latency can be seconds) - Large data transfers (images, audio) - High update frequency (> 1/minute violates duty cycle)
Use the calculators in the review sections below to find optimal settings for your deployment.
1105.1 Learning Objectives
By the end of this comprehensive review, you will be able to:
- Calculate Link Budgets: Compute LoRaWAN range based on spreading factor and environment
- Optimize Spreading Factors: Select SF7-SF12 based on range, data rate, and battery trade-offs
- Compare LPWAN Technologies: Evaluate LoRaWAN against Sigfox and NB-IoT for specific scenarios
- Plan Network Coverage: Design gateway placement for urban, suburban, and rural deployments
- Analyze Sensitivity Trade-offs: Understand the relationship between sensitivity and data rate
- Test Protocol Knowledge: Validate understanding through interactive calculators and assessments
1105.2 Prerequisites
Before using this comprehensive review, ensure you have completed:
Required Chapters: - LoRaWAN Overview - Core concepts and architecture - LoRaWAN Architecture - Network components and topology - Networking Fundamentals - Basic networking concepts
Recommended Background: - LPWAN Introduction - Context for low-power wide-area networks - IoT Protocols Overview - Protocol landscape
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours for complete review (all sections)
1105.3 Review Sections
This comprehensive review is organized into focused sections. Work through them in order or jump to specific topics as needed.
1105.3.1 Section 1: Architecture and Device Classes
LoRaWAN Review: Architecture and Device Classes
- LoRaWAN network topology overview
- Device class comparison (A, B, C)
- Protocol parameters quick reference
- Visual reference gallery
Time: ~15 minutes
1105.3.2 Section 2: Configuration Pitfalls
LoRaWAN Review: Configuration Pitfalls
- Common misconception: “Always use SF12”
- ADR convergence timing issues
- RX2 parameter configuration
- Battery drain troubleshooting
- Class selection for downlink latency
Time: ~20 minutes
1105.3.3 Section 3: Calculators and Tools
LoRaWAN Review: Calculators and Tools
- Coverage and range calculator
- Power consumption and airtime calculator
- LoRaWAN vs Cellular IoT comparison
- Network planning and gateway calculator
- Worked examples with step-by-step solutions
Time: ~25 minutes
1105.3.4 Section 4: Real-World Scenarios Part 1
LoRaWAN Review: Real-World Scenarios Part 1
- Smart agriculture battery life optimization
- Network scalability and collision management
- Industrial control class selection
Time: ~20 minutes
1105.3.5 Section 5: Real-World Scenarios Part 2
LoRaWAN Review: Real-World Scenarios Part 2
- EU868 duty cycle compliance
- Dense network collision analysis
- Regional configuration (EU868 vs US915)
Time: ~20 minutes
1105.3.6 Section 6: Security and Activation
LoRaWAN Review: Security and Activation
- OTAA vs ABP activation comparison
- Frame counter vulnerability and solutions
- MIC validation troubleshooting
- Security best practices
Time: ~15 minutes
1105.5 Key Takeaways
LoRaWAN is a powerful LPWAN protocol that enables long-range, low-power IoT communication:
- LoRa = Physical layer modulation, LoRaWAN = MAC layer protocol
- Star-of-stars topology with gateways relaying to network servers
- Three device classes (A, B, C) for different latency/power requirements
- Spreading factors (SF7-SF12) trade range for data rate
- OTAA provides secure, scalable device activation
- AES-128 encryption with end-to-end security
- Ideal for battery-powered sensors in agriculture, smart cities, asset tracking
1105.7 What’s Next
After completing this review, explore other LPWAN technologies:
- Next Chapter: Sigfox - Compare with the simplest LPWAN operator service
- Then: NB-IoT & LTE-M - Understand cellular IoT alternatives
- Protocol Comparison: Continue to MQTT for application-layer messaging protocols