Chirps are great for low power wide area networks (LPWAN) because they occupy a single dimension.

Let’s start with a real-world analogy: it is difficult to get lost in a one-dimensional space. For instance, if you walk along a coastline or a river it is fairly easy to find your way back. Similarly, it is possible to set up an appointment with a friend in a one-dimensional space (in a loose manner) such as “Let’s meet on Main Street near the restaurants.” If you’re both walking along Main Street near the restaurants at roughly same time, you will

Figure 1: LoRaWAN networks are everywhere

The answer is simple: Everywhere.

Whether public, private, mobile, or even satellite, the ubiquity of LoRaWAN-based networks and the solutions they support is growing rapidly, driven by the rapid pace of innovation across the LoRaWAN ecosystem.

Introduction

To effectively deploy a LoRa®-based Internet of Things (IoT) solution, you will either need access to an existing LoRaWAN® network, or will have to install your own. Conveniently, you have the option to register your LoRa-based devices with either a public or private network.

LoRa®-based devices connected to a LoRaWAN network operate in the unlicensed radio band known as the ISM band. While a LoRaWAN network can be deployed anywhere in the world, there are different regulatory requirements depending on the location of the deployment.

Welcome to the LoRa Developer Crossword Corner.

Last time we took a look at LoRa® and LoRaWAN® fundamentals. This time, we’re going to dig a little deeper and take a look at Adaptive Data Rate and Blind ADR in LoRa devices. Before trying your hand at our puzzle, we suggest reading two of our newest technical papers: Understanding the LoRa Adaptive Data Rate and LoRaWAN Mobile Applications: An Introduction to Blind ADR.

Have fun, and good luck!

Complete the puzzle: LoRa Adaptive Data Rate

LoRa® is a registered trademark or service mark of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates.

Like any other low power wide area network (LPWAN), the LoRaWAN® specification was developed to allow multiple end devices (nodes) to communicate with a server, which can then distribute information. As such, one of the key elements of the network structure is the software implemented in every end node, allowing the node to communicate with the server. In this paper, we will review the various types of LoRaWAN stacks currently available.

With the continued maturation of low power wide area networks (LPWANs) and the Internet of Things (IoT), here are my predictions for the coming year:

There are a number of differentiators for LoRa® devices and the LoRaWAN® protocol that have helped in its widespread adoption, including long range connectivity, battery lifetime, security, network architecture, and network capacity. However, there is one particular feature that will drive LoRaWAN adoption for years to come. Technical challenges or limitations (range, capacity, battery lifetime, etc.) are no longer a barrier to Internet of Things (IoT) adoption. The remaining challenges of the IoT are system integration, digital transformation, return-on-investment (ROI), service level agreements (SLA), and ensuring interoperability across an ecosystem.