A Low-power, wide-area networking (LoRaWAN) is a protocol to power Internet Of Things (IoT) over a long distance. It uses radio signal to communicate and design for the small data set devices like sensors & actuators not requiring large bandwiths. The protocol is designed with ability to operate on low power consumption over long range using radio spectrum. In Australia, AU915-928MHZ is used for LoRa communication. There are range of hardware to support network. Advantages of using LoRaWAN are; 1. Open Standard 2. Long Range 3. Low battery power, 4. Security 5. Low cost 6. Flexible Network 7. Deep indoor penetration 8. Community update and maintenance
When talking about LoRa you will come across TTN (The Thing Network), Helium and Meshtastic. Unlike Helium and TTN, Meshtastic works on LoRa full spectrum as per region.
Both Helium and Meshtastic uses LoRa devices while not necessary to use LoRaWAN for Meshtastic devices.
There are range of eco-system in the market that offers LoRaWAN solutions like Dragino,Elsys, Decentlab, Laird Connectivity, Kerlink, Milesight, RAKWireless and SenseCap.
