Benefits of LoRaWAN Technology

As we covered earlier, wireless sensors automatically collect the data you need to ensure proper temperature and/or humidity maintenance. To ensure accurate and ongoing monitoring, these wireless sensors can be configured to transmit data as often as required to meet your particular cold chain needs. Because they only transmit as needed, they’re extremely power-conscious and can last for years on one set of standard AA batteries ensuring a minimal amount of maintenance on your part. With a combination of wireless sensors along with a LoRaWAN gateway and network, you can create an entire network to cover multiple cold chain locations. This network can be easily configured and monitored using a smartphone, tablet, or any other device that fits your needs.

A LoRaWAN gateway receives data from, and sends data to, your wireless sensors. Once the gateway receives data from the sensors via LoRaWAN, it uses high-bandwidth networks (such as Wi-Fi or cellular) to transfer that sensor data over IP to the cloud. A single gateway can serve thousands of sensors and, by combining these wireless sensors with an associated gateway (and LoRaWAN network), you can create a low-cost, easy, automatic plug-n-play system. Install the batteries, plug in the cables, and your system is up and running.

To receive your sensor’s temperature and humidity readings in your application, you will need a central network service to manage your devices and securely route the data after it is received by the gateway. In the selection of the right network server, the following considerations play a role:

1. Outperforms other technologies in harsh cold chain environments Signals penetrate well through thick walls

2. Long range functionality Up to 10km (outdoor)

3. Low power use Devices can last years on a single battery

4. Low bandwidth

5. Secure 128-bit end-to-end encryption