In this article, we’ll examine LoRaWAN in greater detail and describe what a LoRaWAN network server is, how it operates, and how to pick the best option. To learn more about the LoRaWAN network server, continue reading.
What Is The LoRaWAN Network?
LoRaWAN networks are deployed in a star-of-stars topology. The following components make up a typical LoRaWAN network.
- End Devices – sensors or actuators send Send wireless messages to the gateways using LoRa modulation, or receive wireless messages from the gateways. .
- LoRaWAN Gateways – receive messages from end devices and forward them to the Network Server.
- Network Server – a piece of software running on a server that manages the entire network.
- Application servers – a piece of software running on a server that is responsible for securely processing application data.
- Join Server – a piece of software running on a server that processes join-request messages sent by end devices (In the above figure, the Join Server is not depicted.
A gateway is a device that connects to a network server and communicates with end devices nearby.
End devices in LoRaWAN networks don’t have to peer with particular gateways because the protocol is based on ALOHA. Sending messages from endpoints passes through all nearby gateways.
The Network Server gets these messages. The Network Server only keeps one copy of a message it receives in multiple copies and discards the others. Deduplication of messages is what this is.
DSGW-014 LoRa outdoor gateway can be installed as part of an existing telecommunications tower, individual stand or wall mount.
It has built-in integration with LNS (LoRaWAN network server), developers can make zero code onboarding with private and public network servers like Chirpstack, AWS IoT Core, LORIOT, and Things Stack, directly putting into the use and saving your time.
What Is The LoRaWAN Network Server
The LoRaWAN Network Server is at the core of every LoRaWAN Network that enables connectivity, management, and monitoring of devices, gateways and end-user applications. Its main goals are to guarantee the reliability, scalability, and security of data routing across the network.
The network server has several key roles:
- Authentication And Authorization
The management of user, gateway, device, and integration authentication and authorization by the LoRaWAN network server is necessary to guarantee that only authorized parties are permitted access to the network. This is necessary to keep the network secure.
- Managing Network Sessions
In order for the devices to communicate with one another and the end-user application, it offers the routing, public network management, and security services required. Additionally, it is in charge of maintaining the network’s optimal performance and managing the network topology. The session keys used to encrypt data sent from devices are assigned and managed by the network server.
- Deduplicating Uplink Messages
One message from the device can be delivered to the Network Server through various gateways in accordance with the LoRaWAN network architecture. Due to this, the uplink message is duplicated, and it is the Network Server’s job to eliminate them so that only one message is processed.
- Managing LoRaWAN Network
The network server keeps track of the LoRaWAN network’s performance, allowing the user to control factors like data rate, power, and channel selection to make the best use of available resources.
- Selecting The Best Gateway To Deliver A Downlink To The Device
It entails selecting the gateway that will offer the most effective connection for data transfer and that will be the most dependable for delivering the downlink to the device. By taking into account network parameters like signal strength, available bandwidth, latency, etc., this is accomplished.
- Routing Uplinks And Downlinks Between Devices And Applications Through Different Integrations
It describes the procedure of transferring data between devices, such as sensors, and applications over a LoRaWAN network server. To get data from the device to the application, a process called data routing involves integrating with other networks and protocols, such as REST or MQTT APIs.
What To Consider When Choosing A LoRaWAN Network Server?
When picking a LoRaWAN network server, you should take a few factors into account. You can choose what’s best for your project by carefully considering these factors.
Compatibility
Make sure the server is appropriate for use with the LoRaWAN devices and gateways you intend to employ. LoRaWAN’s specification governs how networks operate. Version 1.0.x of the specification is frequently used.
Think about whether an off-the-shelf solution would be adequate or if you need a highly customizable server to meet your needs.
Integration
In order to avoid switching servers as your network grows, ensure that the server can be easily integrated with other systems, such as databases or cloud platforms.
Integration with the majority of applications and third-party products will be possible thanks to support for WebHooks, HTTP API, and MQTT API.
Scalability
As your network expands, ensure that the server is built to handle heavy traffic and data loads.
Look for a server that can easily scale up to meet the demands of your network. Architecture should enable horizontal scaling, which enables almost linear dependency between load and processing resources. Consequently, achieve theoretically infinite and unrestricted growth capabilities.
Power Consumption
One of the most important factors to take into account for any IoT solution is device power consumption management, especially if you intend to deploy a sizable end device network.
If you want to avoid paying for battery replacement and infrastructure support for your devices, it’s critical to select a LoRaWAN network server that is optimized for power efficiency.
A LoRaWAN end device should ideally support Adaptive Data Rate (ADR) settings to prolong battery life and enhance RF conditions.
Using this feature, the network server is able to regulate the data rate based on the SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) received by each device.
Cost
Set a budget for the amount you are willing to spend on a LoRaWAN network server and compare prices for various products.
Keep in mind that there might be extra fees for upkeep, assistance, and upgrades.
To ensure that Network Server costs work for you even with a large number of devices and gateways, it may be useful for you to model your P&L at scale.
Security
Find a server that provides safe authentication, encryption, and access control. Standard options will include:
- 128-bit AES encryption of devices payload
- TLS termination of HTTP and MQTT integrations
Make sure the server is additionally updated frequently with the newest security patches. You can protect exchanged messages from potential attacks and unauthorized access by taking these steps.
Support
The server needs to have adequate support, including documentation, troubleshooting, and training, so make sure your IoT provider provides it.
To judge the caliber of the assistance given, it can be helpful to look for user reviews and endorsements. You don’t want to be left in the dark with cutting-edge technology and no explanation.
Best LoRaWAN Network Servers
The LoRaWAN Network Server is a crucial component of any deployment of sensors using a LoRaWAN network to communicate.
The Network Server is in charge of managing the LoRaWAN Gateway, authorizing the sensors, and facilitating data transfers (uplink and downlink) between the sensors and the applications.
ChirpStack (LORA SERVER)
The software that Broccar created, LORASERVER, is now known as ChirpStack. It is a cost-effective solution, but it also calls for a certain level of knowledge.
The situation is not straightforward, and you are in charge of overseeing your network’s daily operations. However, it is a choice for tech companies with LoRaWAN-specific IT specialists.
The Things Network – TTN – The Things Stack
By providing a free, public Network Server, The Things Network has aided in the spread of LoRaWAN technology.
The idea is to create a global, open LoRaWAN network. In this community, everyone accepts that anyone can use their own infrastructure (Gateways).
As long as all nearby sensors are permitted to use your Gateways to connect to outside applications, this Network Server is free to use.
It is a well-liked offer, particularly for makers (prototypes of sensors) or during preliminary tests prior to a formal deployment.
It is not advised to use The Things Network for commercial purposes! The network’s various nodes’ availability is in fact not guaranteed.
The Things Industries – TTI
The Things Network’s (TTN) commercial product line is called The Things Industries.
This is a private environment, similar to TTN, where your network components are not accessible to other members of the The Things Network community.
It’s a straightforward idea. TTN is initially trialed without cost. If you like the service, you sign up for The Things Industries’ paid subscription.
Private Vs. Public LoRaWAN Network
Anyone can create a LoRaWAN network and become an operator; this is especially helpful if you need to cover a limited area, like a single factory or campus.
Naturally, it becomes more challenging to cover a larger geographic area, so you might be better off joining a reputable operator with more extensive coverage.
As an alternative, you might want to join a community network and let others use your local coverage while you take advantage of the coverage offered by others elsewhere.
Due to the fact that numerous users share the network server, what you have constructed using the steps outlined above is a public network. An internet connection is also necessary.
IoT sensors are required for both a public and private LoRaWAN network. However, the network infrastructure must also be private. A personal LoRaWAN gateway and network server should therefore be present.
To adequately cover the sensor/end node positions, you can situate the gateways either indoors or outdoors.
Install gateways at a suitable height to cover the widest possible area since they function similarly to Wi-Fi routers.
