LPWAN Gateway Features and Manufacturers

This application note explores the features and functionality of LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) gateways and provides a list of LPWAN gateway manufacturers.

Introduction to LPWAN

LPWAN is a wireless network technology designed for low power consumption, long-range communication, and low bandwidth applications, commonly used in IoT and M2M (Machine-to-Machine) scenarios.

LPWAN technology finds applications in various sectors, including:

• Smart tracking
• Smart grid
• Smart parking
• Smart cities
• Smart agriculture

LPWAN gateways bridge the gap between LPWAN cellular networks and indoor wireless technologies like BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), WiFi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave. They effectively extend the range of these indoor wireless technologies. Popular LPWAN technologies include LoRaWAN, EC-GSM, NB-IoT, LTE-M, Sigfox, NB-Fi, DASH7, and Weightless.

The key benefits of LPWAN are its long range, low power consumption, deep penetration capabilities, and wide coverage area.

LPWAN Gateway Architecture

The figure illustrates a typical LPWAN network architecture. As shown, the LPWAN system comprises:

• LPWAN end devices
• Base Stations
• Gateways
• Access network/Internet
• Cloud servers

LPWAN networks typically employ a star topology, which simplifies implementation and reduces power consumption compared to mesh topologies by avoiding complex routing algorithms.

The gateway provides network connectivity for short-range devices utilizing standards like BLE and Zigbee. It often handles the conversion between LPWAN and short-range device radio technologies, along with their respective protocols.

Gateways typically operate on mains power due to the need to handle a large number of end devices. They are also equipped with encryption algorithms to provide end-to-end security.

For a more in-depth understanding, refer to an LPWAN tutorial that describes the LPWAN network architecture and its components.

LPWAN Gateway Features: Robustel R3000 LG

Robustel, a Chinese manufacturer, offers the R3000 LG LPWAN gateway. Key features include:

• Connectivity with LoRaWAN networks.
• Cloud connectivity through various wired (Ethernet) and wireless mediums (2G, 3G, and 4G).
• Support for different LoRa frequency bands in Europe, China, Australia, North America, and Japan.
• Claimed communication range of 15 Km.
• GPS/GLONASS support.
• Serial interfaces: RS232 and RS485.

The Robustel gateway runs RobustOS software, which supports various LoRaWAN and network protocols.

LPWAN Gateway Manufacturers and Vendors

Here is a list of LPWAN gateway manufacturers and vendors: