Q: What is LoRa?
A: LoRa is a long-range wireless transmission technology based on spread spectrum technology, one of several low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) communication technologies, promoted by U.S.-based Semtech. It is widely used in IoT scenarios, such as smart agriculture and smart oil fields, due to its long range, low power consumption, and flexible networking. Common frequency bands include 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 2400 MHz, but laws and operator regulations vary in each country, so the frequency bands used also vary.
Q: Who is the LoRa Alliance?
A: The LoRa Alliance is a not-for-profit organization of multiple companies founded in 2015 with over 400 members. The Alliance’s goal is to drive the adoption and development of LoRa technology, and despite its relatively weak presence, there are a number of large companies involved in a concerted effort to gain a foothold in the low-power WAN market.
Q: Why was the LoRa Alliance formed?
A: The LoRa Alliance was formed to promote the development and adoption of LoRa technology, and although its members are non-profit organisations, the companies participate with the aim of achieving growth in commercial interests. This technology promotion is usually accompanied by commercial motives with a view to gaining a larger share of the market.
Q: How is LoRa related to NB-IoT?
A: LoRa and NB-IoT are two different technologies.NB-IoT was introduced by the global standardisation organisation 3GPP and is largely supported by several international standardisation organisations. In contrast, the rollout of LoRa relies more on the LoRa Alliance and its member companies.
Q: LoRa Technology Semtech Chipsets
A: Semtech builds chipsets for LoRa technology and then builds those chipsets into products offered by a vast network of IoT partners. LoRa technology offers a very compelling combination of ultra-long range, low power consumption and secure data transmission. Public and private networks using this technology can provide greater coverage compared to existing cellular networks. Easier access to existing infrastructure and solutions to serve battery-powered IoT applications.
| LoRa Series | SX1280 | SX1278-Z | SX1278-L | SX1278 Transparent | SX1278-Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 2.4G | 433MHz | 433MHz | 433MHz | 868MHz |
| Receiving Sensitivity | -132dBm | 136dBm±1dBm | 136dBm±1dBm | -148dBm | 136dBm±1dBm |
| Transmission Distance | 1-2km | 5km | 5km | 1-3km | 4km |
| Modulation Method | LoRa Spread Spectrum | LoRa Spread Spectrum | LoRa Spread Spectrum | LoRa Spread Spectrum | LoRa Spread Spectrum |
| Communication Method | SPI | SPI | SPI | Serial | SPI |
| Talla | 21.8*15.9mm | 15*15mm | 15*15mm | 34.3*19.9mm | 21.2*25mm |
Q: LoRa basic network architecture
A: A number of terminal end nodes collect the underlying data, send the data to the gateway base station through (RF technology/LoRaWAN technology), and then send it to the NS (Network Server) through (3g/Ethernet communication technology), and then the NS sends the data to the application terminal (APP).
It can be seen that a LoRaWAN network architecture contains four components: terminal, base station, NS (Network Server), and application server. A star network topology is used between the base station and the endpoints, and due to the long range nature of LoRa, single-hop transmission is used between them. There are 6 typical applications listed in the terminal section (pet tracking, water meter, vending machine, smoke sensor, rubbish bin, gas monitor). You will notice that the terminal node can be sent to multiple base stations at the same time. The base station then does forwarding processing of LoRaWAN protocol data between NS and terminal, carrying LoRaWAN data on LoRa RF transmission and Tcp/IP respectively.
Q: Advantages of LoRa
A: 1.High sensitivity and low power consumption
LoRa’s reception has high sensitivity and low power consumption, and a link budget of up to 136 DBM enables it to communicate over distances of up to 5 kilometers (environmentally relevant). Because of the low power consumption, the battery life is greatly extended.
2. Wide coverage
If the gateway is installed in the location of the existing mobile communication base station, the transmit power 20dBm (100mW). Then in the densely built city ring can cover about 1 kilometer, and in the less dense suburbs, the coverage is even wider.
3. Long communication distance
In the absence of blocking objects, the transmission distance can reach within 8km.
4. Flexible networking
LoRa’s networking is very flexible, and can be one-to-one networking, one-to-many networking, or star networking. It can meet different application scenarios.
Q: Disadvantages of LoRa
A: 1. Spectrum interference. LoRa’s development momentum is very good, with the increase of LoRa devices and network deployment, there will be a certain amount of spectrum interference between each other.
2. The need to build new networks. LoRa in the deployment process, the need to build new signal towers, industrial base stations, and even portable home gateways.