What is a lora gateway and what does it do?

What is a lora gateway and what does it do?

LoRa gateway, also called LoRa base station, is a gateway device that uses LoRa wireless modulation technology to achieve long-distance data transmission.

The gateway is a LoRa device connected to the Internet. It can monitor multiple different LoRa channels and forward data packets between the network backhaul and the terminal node device. You can think of it as the cellular towers of the 3G and 4G networks we use.

LoRa gateway

The LoRa gateway is designed for long-distance star architecture and used in the LoRaWAN system. They are multi-channel, multi-modulation transceiver, multi-channel simultaneous demodulation, and even multi-signal demodulation on the same channel due to the characteristics of LoRa. The gateway uses an RF device that is different from the terminal node and has a higher capacity. It acts as a transparent bridge to relay messages between the terminal device and the central network server. The gateway is connected to the network server through a standard IP connection, and the terminal device uses single-hop wireless communication to one or more gateways.

The communication of all terminal nodes is generally two-way, but it also supports operations such as multicast functions, software upgrades, wireless transmission or other mass release of messages, which reduces wireless communication time. Depending on the required capacity and installation location (home or tower), there are different gateway versions.

Features of LoRa gateways on the market

Coverage: The coverage distance of a single LoRa gateway is generally in the range of 3-5km, and it can reach 15km in wide areas.

Low power consumption: The rechargeable battery power supply system can last for many years or even more than ten years.

High capacity: LoRa gateway can ensure the access of a large number of terminals due to the characteristics of the terminal without connection;

Low cost: The cost of communication network is extremely low, and it is suitable for narrowband transmission of data.

Safety factor: high safety factor.