1099  LoRaWAN: Topic Review

1099.1 Learning Objectives

By the end of this review, you will be able to:

  • Summarize LoRaWAN Architecture: Recall star-of-stars topology and network server roles
  • Compare Device Classes: Understand A, B, C trade-offs for latency vs battery life
  • Apply Security Features: Implement OTAA activation and AES-128 encryption
  • Plan Deployments: Design sensor networks using TTN or private LoRaWAN servers
  • Evaluate Alternatives: Compare LoRaWAN with NB-IoT and LTE-M for specific applications
  • Take Next Steps: Set up TTN accounts and build first LoRaWAN sensor nodes

1099.2 Prerequisites

Required Chapters:

This Quick Review Covers:

Topic Key Points
LoRa PHY Chirp spread spectrum, SF
LoRaWAN MAC Device classes A/B/C
Network Gateways, network server
Security AES-128, session keys

Interactive Tool:

Estimated Time: 60 minutes (all sections) or 15 minutes per focused chapter

What is this chapter? Topic-based review consolidating LoRaWAN concepts, organized into focused sections.

When to use:

  • After studying LoRaWAN fundamentals
  • When reviewing specific topics
  • Before comprehensive assessment

Topics Organized:

Topic Key Concepts Chapter
Physical Layer LoRa modulation, spreading factors Physical Layer Review
Architecture Star-of-stars, gateways Architecture & Classes Review
Device Classes Class A, B, C trade-offs Architecture & Classes Review
Security AES-128, session keys Security & ADR Review
ADR Adaptive data rate Security & ADR Review
Deployment Gateway planning, TTN Deployment Review

Prerequisites:

Recommended Path:

  1. Review fundamentals chapters first
  2. Study topics here by section
  3. Complete Quiz Bank

1099.3 LoRaWAN Topic Review: Index

This comprehensive review is organized into four focused chapters. Study them in order or jump to specific topics as needed.

1099.3.1 Review Chapters

%%{init: {'theme': 'base', 'themeVariables': { 'primaryColor': '#2C3E50', 'primaryTextColor': '#fff', 'primaryBorderColor': '#16A085', 'lineColor': '#16A085', 'secondaryColor': '#E67E22', 'tertiaryColor': '#7F8C8D'}}}%%
graph LR
    subgraph "LoRaWAN Topic Review Path"
        PHY["1. Physical Layer<br/>SF, Bandwidth, CSS"]
        ARCH["2. Architecture & Classes<br/>Topology, A/B/C"]
        SEC["3. Security & ADR<br/>Keys, Optimization"]
        DEPLOY["4. Deployment<br/>Regional, TTN, Debug"]
    end

    PHY --> ARCH
    ARCH --> SEC
    SEC --> DEPLOY

    style PHY fill:#27AE60,color:#fff
    style ARCH fill:#16A085,color:#fff
    style SEC fill:#E67E22,color:#fff
    style DEPLOY fill:#2C3E50,color:#fff

Figure 1099.1: LoRaWAN Topic Review Learning Path

{fig-alt=“LoRaWAN topic review learning path showing four sequential chapters: Physical Layer covering spreading factors and chirp spread spectrum, Architecture and Classes covering network topology and device classes A/B/C, Security and ADR covering encryption keys and adaptive data rate, and Deployment covering regional parameters, The Things Network, and troubleshooting.”}

1099.3.2 Chapter 1: Physical Layer and Modulation

Physical Layer Review (~15 minutes)

Topic What You’ll Learn
Quick Reference Essential LoRaWAN parameters table
LoRa vs LoRaWAN Physical vs MAC layer distinction
Spreading Factors SF7-SF12 trade-offs for range, speed, battery
Bandwidth Options 125/250/500 kHz selection
Link Budget Sensitivity and path loss calculations

1099.3.3 Chapter 2: Network Architecture and Device Classes

Architecture & Classes Review (~15 minutes)

Topic What You’ll Learn
Star-of-Stars Topology Gateways, network server, application server
Gateway Role Transparent relay function
Network Server Functions Deduplication, ADR, MAC commands
Device Classes Class A, B, C comparison
Class Selection Decision tree for choosing classes

1099.3.4 Chapter 3: Security Architecture and Adaptive Data Rate

Security & ADR Review (~15 minutes)

Topic What You’ll Learn
Security Layers Application, network, physical layer protection
Key Hierarchy Root keys to session keys
OTAA vs ABP Activation method comparison
Frame Counters Replay attack prevention
ADR Operation Automatic SF and power optimization

1099.3.5 Chapter 4: Deployment, Regional Parameters, and Troubleshooting

Deployment Review (~20 minutes)

Topic What You’ll Learn
Regional Parameters EU868, US915, duty cycle compliance
Gateway Planning Coverage and capacity calculations
Application Scenarios Use case selection matrix
The Things Network TTN architecture and quick start
Troubleshooting Debug decision tree

1099.4 Quick Knowledge Check

Before diving into the detailed chapters, test your baseline knowledge:

Question 1: What is the primary trade-off when using higher spreading factors (SF) in LoRa?

Explanation: B. Higher SF improves sensitivity and range but increases time-on-air, lowering throughput. Review details in Physical Layer Review.

Question 2: Which LoRaWAN device class generally enables the lowest downlink latency (at the cost of power)?

Explanation: C. Class C devices keep receive windows open almost continuously for immediate downlink. Review details in Architecture & Classes Review.

Question 3: What is a major security advantage of OTAA over ABP activation?

Explanation: B. OTAA performs a join to derive fresh session keys, whereas ABP relies on static pre-provisioned keys. Review details in Security & ADR Review.

Question 4: In which situation is ADR (Adaptive Data Rate) often disabled?

Explanation: B. ADR assumes stable link conditions; mobility causes chosen settings to lag behind reality. Review details in Security & ADR Review.

1099.5 Summary

LoRaWAN is a powerful LPWAN protocol that enables long-range, low-power IoT communication. Key takeaways:

  • 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
  • Compare with NB-IoT/LTE-M for cellular alternatives

1099.6 What’s Next

Recommended Study Path:

  1. Start with: Physical Layer Review - Understand LoRa modulation
  2. Continue to: Architecture & Classes Review - Network design
  3. Then study: Security & ADR Review - Secure deployments
  4. Complete with: Deployment Review - Real-world planning

After Completing Review:

  • Test Knowledge: LoRaWAN Quiz Bank - Practice questions
  • Compare Technologies: Sigfox, NB-IoT
  • Hands-On: Set up a free TTN account and build your first LoRaWAN sensor node

Prerequisites:

Deep Dives:

Comparisons:

Hands-On: