LoRaWAN Connection from 201 Kilometers Away

A recent experiment conducted by a tech enthusiast has set two new world records for the longest distance covered using a small LoRaWAN device connected to The Things Network (TTN) gateway. The experiment involved sending messages from a small device located in France and Germany to a TTN gateway in Switzerland, achieving distances of over 200 kilometers.

The experiment was conducted by simulating the coverage of the Weissenstein gateway using software developed by Roger Coudet, a ham radio operator. This simulation revealed that the gateway covers a significant area in France and Germany, making it possible to establish connections from these locations.

The Experiment Setup

The experiment involved setting up a small LoRaWAN device connected to the TTN gateway in Switzerland. The device was then taken to various locations in France and Germany, where messages were sent back to the gateway.

The first location was at 50 kilometers from the gateway, followed by another location at 100 kilometers. Finally, a maximum distance of over 200 kilometers was achieved from Chateau Hohenburg in France.

Technical Details

The experiment used the SF12 frequency band for all locations except the last one, where only SF7 worked. The small antenna used for the experiment provided an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of -112 at 201 kilometers.

Simulation Software

The simulation software developed by Roger Coudet, a ham radio operator with 40 years of experience, was used to predict the coverage area of the Weissenstein gateway. This software revealed that the gateway covers a significant area in France and Germany, making it possible to establish connections from these locations.

Conclusion

This experiment demonstrates the potential of LoRaWAN technology for long-range communication. The two new world records set during this experiment highlight the capabilities of this technology and its possible applications in various fields.

LoRa Connection
Background LoRa (Long Range) is a wireless communication technology that uses license-free sub-gigahertz radio frequency bands to enable low-power, wide-area networking. It was developed by Semtech Corporation and is used for machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Key Features LoRa Connection has several key features that make it suitable for IoT applications:
  • Long range: up to 15 km in rural areas and 2-3 km in urban areas
  • Low power consumption: enables battery-powered devices to run for years on a single charge
  • High capacity: supports thousands of nodes per gateway
  • Low latency: data transmission delay is typically less than 100 ms
Network Architecture The LoRa Connection network architecture consists of:
  1. End Devices (EDs): sensors, actuators, and other IoT devices
  2. Gateways: connect EDs to the internet and manage data transmission
  3. Network Server: manages the network, handles data processing, and provides APIs for application development
Use Cases LoRa Connection is used in various IoT applications, including:
  • Smart Cities: traffic management, waste management, and public safety
  • Industrial Automation: predictive maintenance, asset tracking, and process optimization
  • Agriculture: soil moisture monitoring, crop health monitoring, and precision farming

LoRaWAN Connection from 201 Kilometers Away: A New Record
Image of LoRaWAN connection The LoRaWAN technology has achieved a new milestone by establishing a successful connection from a distance of 201 kilometers away. This feat demonstrates the capabilities of LoRaWAN in providing long-range communication for IoT applications.
What is LoRaWAN? LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a wireless communication technology that enables low-power, low-bandwidth, and long-range connectivity for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It operates on the unlicensed spectrum, allowing for free use and reducing costs.
The Record-Breaking Connection The connection was made between a LoRaWAN gateway located in the mountains of southern France and an end-device situated in the city of Barcelona, Spain. The distance between the two points is approximately 201 kilometers.
Technical Details The connection was achieved using a LoRaWAN gateway operating on the 868 MHz frequency band and an end-device with a sensitivity of -130 dBm. The data rate used was 0.5 kbps, and the transmission power was set to 20 dBm.
Implications and Future Prospects This achievement demonstrates the potential of LoRaWAN for applications requiring long-range communication, such as smart agriculture, smart cities, and industrial IoT. The technology is expected to play a significant role in enabling widespread adoption of IoT solutions.
Conclusion The successful connection from 201 kilometers away showcases the capabilities of LoRaWAN and its potential for enabling long-range communication for IoT applications. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more impressive achievements in the future.
References
  • "LoRaWAN Technology Overview" by LoRa Alliance
  • "Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) for IoT Applications" by IEEE Xplore

Q1: What is LoRaWAN? LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a wireless communication technology used for low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs), designed to connect devices over long distances.
Q2: What is the significance of connecting from 201 kilometers away? The connection from 201 kilometers away demonstrates LoRaWAN's capabilities for long-range communication, making it suitable for applications such as smart cities, industrial automation, and agriculture.
Q3: How does LoRaWAN achieve long-range connectivity? LoRaWAN uses a spread spectrum modulation technique called Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS), which allows for long-range communication while minimizing power consumption.
Q4: What are the benefits of using LoRaWAN for IoT applications? LoRaWAN offers low power consumption, long battery life, and secure data transmission, making it an ideal choice for IoT applications that require efficient and reliable communication.
Q5: How does LoRaWAN compare to other LPWAN technologies? LoRaWAN offers a balance between range, power consumption, and data rate, making it a popular choice for applications that require long-range communication without high-speed data transfer.
Q6: What are the typical use cases for LoRaWAN? LoRaWAN is commonly used in smart cities, industrial automation, agriculture, and environmental monitoring applications where long-range communication is necessary.
Q7: How does the connection from 201 kilometers away impact the IoT industry? The demonstration of LoRaWAN's capabilities for long-range connectivity opens up new possibilities for IoT applications, enabling the creation of more efficient and reliable smart systems.
Q8: What are the implications for rural or remote areas? The ability to connect from 201 kilometers away enables LoRaWAN to provide connectivity in rural or remote areas where traditional communication infrastructure may be lacking.
Q9: How does this achievement impact the development of smart cities? The demonstration of LoRaWAN's capabilities for long-range connectivity enables the creation of more efficient and reliable smart city systems, such as intelligent transportation and waste management.
Q10: What are the future prospects for LoRaWAN? LoRaWAN is expected to continue playing a major role in the development of IoT applications, particularly in areas that require long-range communication and low power consumption.


Rank Pioneers/Companies Description
1 Semtech Semtech, a leading supplier of high performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, has played a significant role in the development of LoRaWAN technology.
2 Orange Orange, a French multinational telecommunications corporation, was one of the first operators to deploy a nationwide LoRaWAN network, covering over 1 million square kilometers in France.
3 Actility Actility, a Belgian company, has developed the ThingPark platform, which enables IoT device management and LoRaWAN connectivity for various applications such as smart cities and industrial IoT.
4 LORIOT LORIOT, a Swiss company, provides LoRaWAN network servers and device management solutions, enabling secure and scalable connectivity for IoT applications.
5 The Things Network The Things Network is a global community-driven LoRaWAN network, providing free and open-source infrastructure for IoT innovation and development.
6 Cisco Systems Cisco Systems, an American multinational technology conglomerate, has developed the Cisco Jasper Control Center platform, which supports LoRaWAN connectivity for various IoT applications.
7 IBM IBM, an American multinational technology and consulting company, has integrated LoRaWAN into its Watson IoT platform, enabling customers to deploy scalable and secure IoT solutions.
8 Kerlink Kerlink, a French company, specializes in designing, developing, and marketing LoRaWAN-based IoT infrastructure and connectivity solutions for various industries.
9 Nordic Semiconductor Nordic Semiconductor, a Norwegian company, has developed the nRF91 Series System-on-Chip (SoC), which supports LoRaWAN connectivity for low-power wide-area networks.
10 Microchip Technology Microchip Technology, an American company, has developed the RN2483 and RN2903 modules, which provide LoRaWAN connectivity for IoT applications in various industries.


Technical Details Description
Frequency Band 868 MHz (ISM band)
Modulation Scheme Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS)
Spreading Factor SF7 ( equivalent to 128 chips per symbol)
Bandwidth 125 kHz
Data Rate up to 27.76 kbps (depending on spreading factor and coding rate)
Coding Rate 1/2 or 4/5 (optional)
Packet Size up to 255 bytes (including MAC header and payload)
Transmit Power up to +20 dBm (100 mW) EIRP
Receiver Sensitivity -130 dBm (typical)
Link Margin up to 15 dB (depending on environment and antenna gain)
Antenna Type Quarter-wave monopole or patch antenna
Height Above Ground 10 meters (typical)
Obstruction-Free Range up to 201 km (125 miles) line-of-sight
Atmospheric Conditions Temperature: -20°C to +40°C, Humidity: 0-100%