1074  LoRaWAN Overview

Prerequisites: LPWAN Introduction | Wireless Propagation Fundamentals

This enables: LoRaWAN Architecture | Sigfox Comparison

1074.1 Chapter Overview

This comprehensive guide covers LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) technology for IoT applications. The content has been organized into focused chapters for easier navigation and learning.

NoteKey Takeaway

In one sentence: LoRaWAN trades bandwidth for range, enabling 10+ km communication on battery power lasting years, ideal for remote sensor deployments.

Remember this rule: Design for kilobytes per day, not megabytes per hour; LoRaWAN excels when you need occasional small messages from far-away places, not real-time streaming or large data transfers.

1074.2 Learning Path

Follow these chapters in order for a complete understanding of LoRaWAN:

1074.2.1 1. LoRaWAN Introduction

Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 15-20 minutes

  • What is LPWAN and why it matters for IoT
  • The challenge LoRaWAN solves that Wi-Fi cannot
  • Basic concepts: LoRa vs LoRaWAN, device classes, spreading factors
  • Use case overview: when to choose LoRaWAN

1074.2.2 2. LoRa Modulation and Spreading Factors

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 20-25 minutes

  • How Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation works
  • Why CSS provides interference immunity
  • Spreading factor trade-offs (SF7-SF12)
  • Battery life calculations
  • Common scenarios to avoid

1074.2.3 3. LoRaWAN vs Other LPWANs

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 15-20 minutes

  • LoRa (physical layer) vs LoRaWAN (network protocol)
  • Comparison with NB-IoT and Sigfox
  • Decision framework for technology selection
  • Scenario-based recommendations

1074.2.4 4. LoRaWAN Network Architecture

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 25-30 minutes

  • Star-of-stars network topology
  • End devices, gateways, network servers, application servers
  • Device classes (A, B, C) in detail
  • Power consumption comparisons
  • Multi-gateway deployments

1074.2.5 5. ADR and Duty Cycle Optimization

Difficulty: Advanced | Time: 25-30 minutes

  • Adaptive Data Rate (ADR) algorithm internals
  • Link margin calculations
  • EU and US duty cycle regulations
  • Message budget calculations
  • ADR tuning for different deployments

1074.2.6 6. Common Pitfalls and Tradeoffs

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 20-25 minutes

  • Duty cycle violations and how to avoid them
  • Payload size constraints across spreading factors
  • ADR misunderstandings
  • Device class selection mistakes
  • OTAA vs ABP activation methods

1074.2.7 7. LoRaWAN Simulation Lab

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 45-60 minutes

  • Hands-on Wokwi ESP32 simulation
  • LoRaWAN packet structure exploration
  • Spreading factor effects demonstration
  • Duty cycle tracking implementation
  • ADR behavior observation

1074.2.8 8. Practice Exercises

Difficulty: Intermediate | Time: 30-45 minutes

  • Range testing and optimization exercises
  • ADR simulation scenarios
  • Device class selection problems
  • Gateway coverage planning
  • Troubleshooting exercises

1074.3 Quick Reference

1074.3.1 LoRaWAN at a Glance

Metric Value
Range 2-15 km (urban), 40+ km (rural)
Data Rate 0.3-50 kbps
Battery Life 5-10+ years
Payload Size 51-222 bytes (SF-dependent)
Frequency 868 MHz (EU), 915 MHz (US), sub-GHz ISM
Devices per Gateway 10,000+
Latency Seconds to minutes (Class A)

1074.3.2 When to Use LoRaWAN

Ideal for: - Large geographic coverage (farms, campuses, cities) - Battery-powered sensors requiring 5-10+ year lifespan - Low data volume applications (sensor readings, alerts) - Remote/rural locations without cellular coverage - Cost-sensitive deployments

NOT suitable for: - Real-time video or high-bandwidth data - Latency-critical applications (<1 second response) - Continuous streaming data - High-mobility applications (vehicles at highway speeds)

1074.3.3 Technology Comparison

Factor LoRaWAN Sigfox NB-IoT Wi-Fi
Range 2-40 km 10-50 km 1-10 km 50-100 m
Data Rate 0.3-50 kbps 100 bps 250 kbps 54-600 Mbps
Battery Life 5-10 years 10-20 years 5-10 years Days-weeks
Network Private or public Public only Carrier Private
Cost Low Low Medium Low

1074.5 What’s Next

Start your LoRaWAN journey with LoRaWAN Introduction, or jump directly to the topic that interests you most.

For advanced protocol details, continue to LoRaWAN Architecture.