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Understanding LoRaWAN Protocol Stack Layers

lorawan protocol stack mac layer rf layer iot network

This stack is an essential part of the Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) communication standard, enabling seamless and secure data transmission over long distances. Each layer in the LoRaWAN protocol stack plays a specific role in managing the network and ensuring efficient communication. From the radio frequency (RF) layer, physical layer, MAC layer to the application layer, understanding the functionalities and architecture of each layer is crucial for implementing and optimizing LoRaWAN based networks.

Introduction

The term “LoRa” stands for Long Range, whereas “LoRaWAN” stands for LoRa Wide Area Network. The technology has been designed to offer wide long range and low energy consumption. This wireless system uses different radio frequency bands for different regions, such as:

  • 902 to 928 MHz band in the US
  • 863-870 MHz/433-434 MHz in Europe
  • 470-510 MHz/779-787 MHz in China

and so on.

LoRa, LoRaWAN protocol stack

LoRaWAN consists of end devices, gateways, and servers. There are two types of frames:

  • Uplink: From end device towards gateway/server.
  • Downlink: From server/gateway towards end device.

LoRa message formats

LoRaWAN Protocol Stack Layers

The LoRaWAN protocol stack consists of the following layers:

RF Layer

It takes care of radio frequency assignment and transmission of baseband information using an RF carrier with the help of an antenna over the air. The different frequency bands are allocated for different regions of the world.

Physical Layer

This layer lies above the RF layer and has many functions. It takes care of preamble, header formation, and CRC for the header and entire frame (as shown in the LoRa message formats image above). The raw data of the frame is later modulated using LoRa CSS/FSK or GFSK before necessary RF conversion for uplink transmission. Coverage, interference, and optimization of RF issues are handled by the physical layer.

MAC Layer

It takes care of MAC management messages between the end device and the server. Moreover, the MAC header, MIC, and other MAC layer fields are used for specific purposes. The MAC layer handles major functions such as energy consumption, security (AES128 Encryption), and mesh topology. The MAC layer also takes care of different classes of end devices:

  • Class-A

  • Class-B

  • Class-C

  • Class-A: Most energy-efficient (must be supported by all end nodes, DL after Tx)

  • Class-B: Efficient with controlled DL (slotted communication synchronized with beacon frames)

  • Class-C: Least efficient (devices listen continuously, DL without latency)

Application Layer

It is designed based on usage, such as healthcare, smart cities, smart farming, smart grids, and so on.

Reference: LoRaWAN specifications published by the LoRa Alliance (https://lora-alliance.org/).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the LoRaWAN protocol stack layers form a cohesive framework that allows devices to communicate effectively in a wide range of environments. By comprehending the role of each layer, network designers and engineers can build robust, scalable, and energy-efficient IoT networks. This layered approach ensures flexibility and adaptability, making LoRaWAN a preferred choice for numerous LPWAN applications.