Network

At Heliotics we use Low Power Wide Area Networks like LoRaWAN and NB-IoT. The main advantages of these networks are their durability and signal quality. Average size of data transported ranges from few bytes to a few hundred bytes per message. As a results, devices can operate with extended battery life, lasting up to 10 years. High signal penetration through objects like walls, steel and basements is the reason for the signal range of 5-20 km per gateway.

What is LoRaWAN

LoRaWAN stands for Long Range Wide Area Network. It is designed specificaly for low-power wide area network (LPWA) wireless networks that use LoRa. LoRaWAN is radio frequency network with stable coverage up to 5km in urban areas and 20km in open land. Low energy consumption for data transmission leads to lifetime up to 10 years for one sensor.

How LoRaWAN works

Sensors that are used to monitor objects or space collect data regularly (hourly, daily, weekly) or when conditions are met and alert is triggered. These data are sent to the nearest LoRaWAN gateway. From here is data sent to cloud service, from where it is used for visualization in mobile or desktop application for end user.

LoRaWAN-schema-At-present-time-three-alternative-networks-are-being-established-in.png

LoRaWAN Gateways

LoRaWAN gateways are bridges between IoT devices and cloud service where date is processed. A single gateway can cover 2-5 km in urban areas and 10-20 km in rural areas. Unlike other networks, with a few gateways you can create network that can cover required area.

LORA GATEWAY.png

LoRaWAN Advantages

Low power consumption (5-10 year of battery life)
Long-range communication without requiring a SIM card
High penetration through obstacles like walls or basements