LoRaWAN is a Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA) networking protocol designed to wirelessly connect battery operated ‘things’ to the internet in regional, national or global networks, and targets key Internet of Things (IoT) requirements such as bi-directional communication, end-to-end security, mobility and localization services. It is based on LoRa, a proprietary physical radio communication technique that uses spread spectrum modulation derived from chirp spread spectrum (CSS) technology.
Some of the practical use cases of LoRaWAN are:
- Smart Agriculture: LoRaWAN can enable farmers to monitor soil moisture, temperature, humidity, water level, crop growth, livestock health, etc. and optimize irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and animal welfare.
- Smart Buildings: LoRaWAN can enable building owners and managers to monitor and control lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, security, fire safety, occupancy, etc. and improve energy efficiency, comfort, safety, and maintenance.
- Smart Cities: LoRaWAN can enable city authorities and citizens to monitor and manage traffic, parking, waste management, air quality, noise pollution, public lighting, etc. and improve urban mobility, sustainability, livability, and resilience.
- Smart Industry: LoRaWAN can enable industrial operators and workers to monitor and control machinery, equipment, inventory, production processes, safety conditions, etc. and improve productivity, quality, reliability, and safety.
- Smart Logistics: LoRaWAN can enable logistics providers and customers to track and trace goods, vehicles, containers, pallets, etc. and optimize routing, delivery, security, and customer satisfaction.
- Smart Utilities: LoRaWAN can enable utility companies and consumers to monitor and manage water, gas, electricity meters, pipelines, grids, etc. and improve resource efficiency, reliability, and billing.