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:

LPWAN Manufacturers	Description with features
Waviot	A leader in NB-Fi LPWAN network solutions, providing modems, base stations, cloud servers, sensors, meters, and more.
Volansys	Model: CENTAURI 200 IoT Gateway. Features: Supports multiple radio interfaces (BLE, WiFi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, and LTE), USB, CAN, Ethernet, RS232, RS485, etc.
Robustel	Offers LoRaWAN gateways with features described above.
DPTechnics	Provides LoRaWAN gateways and related solutions.
Laird Connectivity	Offers LoRaWAN modules, gateways, and sensors.
MATCHX	Offers long-range LoRaWAN gateways supporting AU (Australia) frequencies.