Does LoRa require a Gateway? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Lord of nothing
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2019, 04:06:35 pm
content: HiDoes LoRa require a Gateway?I am interested in play around with that Module its cheap:https://www.delock.de/produkte/S_12593/merkmale.htmlIt says the Data are encrypt. Hmm who can decrypt it?The point is by Law the output Power is limited that mean I can receive the Data with what ever Antenna I want and that mean I can put a hight Gain Antenna onto a "receiver". When I understand it right its just a one way communication?Thanks

author: Dave_PT
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2019, 08:34:52 am
content: Start reading this, it seems a good start.https://www.instructables.com/id/Introducing-LoRa-

author: StillTrying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2019, 11:22:32 am
content: Quote from: Lord of nothing on August 11, 2019, 04:06:35 pmI asked a similar question a short while ago, after readinghttps://www.mouser.com/ds/2/761/sx1276-1278113.pdfI thinkI know the answer.

author: devan
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2019, 04:22:54 pm
content: So there are two aspects of LoRa:LoRa, the chirp-based RF modulation schemeLoRaWAN, a communication stack that encompasses rules for framing packets at the link layer, managing power levels, authenticating devices and encrypting dataYou can use LoRa and ignore LoRaWAN and invent your own rules for when to send packets, how to frame them, and how to validate them. Then you just match spreading factors between your transmitter and receiver and you're good to go, no gateway required.However, you may want to interoperate with all of the LoRaWAN stuff out there - like being able to make use of other people's receivers (gateways) with better line of sight, plus the ability to get your data routed over the internet to your server, instead of building out all of that infrastructure yourself. Or maybe you don't want to build your own network stack.In that case, you do need a gateway associated with the LoRaWAN network operator of your choosing. The Things Network has some good documentation on the LoRaWAN side of things:https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/docs/network/architecture.html

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 13, 2019, 07:04:32 am
content: Thanks, LoRaWAN seems to me very close toNB-IoT

author: Dave_PT
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2019, 08:26:39 am
content: Quote from: zucca on August 13, 2019, 07:04:32 amKind of...But I think that NB-IoT will be a game changer to a real network of IoT.LoRaWAN use LoRa modulation and (I think) the SEMTECH is the only one that produce the radios (they invented the LoRa). So anyone depends of SEMTECH wills, delays, etc...

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 13, 2019, 09:46:54 am
content: Quote from: Dave_PT on August 13, 2019, 08:26:39 amI am wondering if the new NB-IoT devices will get an IPv6 assigned.Scary.

author: julianhigginson
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2019, 02:49:15 am
content: Nb-Iot requires an account with a Telco, plus a simcard for each device.. and you have to be in cellular radio coverage range for your telco.. It's absolutely amazing, but does require that level of commitment to data connectivity.LoraWAN is much lower barrier to entry, in that any gateway connecting to the right server (see the things network, TTN) will relay your devices data to the right place, and send data back to your device. So you can use someone else's gateway if that exists, or you setup your own gateway...There's different power consumption and data size and transmit time limitations for both too, but the basic network subscription is the biggest thing to consider first.

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2019, 08:00:42 am
content: Then there is SigFox. It kinda solves both problems mentioned. Unlike LoRa there's multiple manufacturers of ICs. Unlike NB-IoT, node does not require SIM with telco account, it (BOM) is way cheaper as well. Disclaimer: anyway for hobby I advise LoRa with 1-channel DIY gateway.

author: borjam
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 05, 2019, 10:11:50 am
content: If I am not wrong, Microchip also manufactures LoRa ICs.And Sigfox requires an account with Sigfox.

author: Dave_PT
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2019, 12:11:48 pm
content: I think that all the LoRa chips are from SEMTECH (and some chinese guys that figure out how to produce some clones - hopeRF).Microchip, ST, Murata, etc..., have some Lora modules, but all of them are based on a SEMTECH IC.Sigfox is paid and a little bit "obscure", on my point of vision.

author: Lord of nothing
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2019, 12:54:27 pm
content: a 1:1 Clone or a functional Clone?

author: Dave_PT
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2019, 12:59:12 pm
content: I have no experience with hope-RF, but it seems a king of functional clone of the SEMTECH IC's.Just look through the hope-RF and SEMTECH datasheet. In addition to the initial pages, the document is the same.I never understood the relationship between hope-RF and SEMTECH ...

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2019, 05:59:11 pm
content: Quote from: Dave_PT on November 05, 2019, 12:59:12 pmHope-RF: LoRa module manufacturerSemtech: LoRa semiconductor manufacturer

author: Dave_PT
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2019, 06:10:36 pm
content: Quote from: ogden on November 05, 2019, 05:59:11 pmRightThey have some RF chips for, but in this particular case of LoRa, they only make modules.The IC markings are custom for hope-RF...