LoRaWAN Packet Forwarder: Role and Functionality Explained

A LoRaWAN packet forwarder is a crucial piece of software that runs on a LoRaWAN gateway. It acts as an intermediary between your LoRa end devices (sensors, trackers, etc.) and the Network Server (NS). Think of it as a post office sorting and forwarding mail between your local devices and the central network.

This page will explore the functions of a packet forwarder in LoRaWAN and mention some popular options from various vendors and developers.

LoRaWAN Packet Forwarder: The Middleman

The LoRaWAN packet forwarder is software that resides on the LoRaWAN gateway. It sits squarely between the LoRa end devices and the Network Server (NS).

Here’s a breakdown of its key functions:

• Uplink Transmission: It allows LoRa packets to be transmitted from end nodes to the network server. Essentially, it takes data from your sensors and sends it on its way. In general, it forwards packets received by the concentrator (i.e. LoRa module) to NS through a UDP/IP link.
• Downlink Reception: It allows LoRa packets to be received from the network server and sent to the end nodes. This means it emits packets that are sent by the NS, allowing the network to communicate back to the end devices.

There are two primary types of packet forwarders:

• Single Channel: More basic versions, often used for experimentation or simple deployments.
• Multichannel: Fully compliant with LoRaWAN specifications, offering better performance and scalability.

The figure above illustrates the position of the LoRaWAN packet forwarder within the overall architecture, highlighting its role between end devices (like LoRa sensors) and the Network Server (NS).

Popular LoRaWAN Packet Forwarder Vendors and Developers

Here’s a list of popular vendors/developers that provide packet forwarders:

These packet forwarders can usually be downloaded from platforms like GitHub.