How to build a private Lora network?

LoRa is a wide-area network technology ideal for the Internet of Things since it offers an extended range with less power consumption. Telecom companies are deploying LoRa networks, but as LoRa uses the open spectrum, you may also build your network. LoRaWAN is a good option for the system architecture of IoT devices since it permits a wide variety of communication networks and uses little power. There are two versions of LoRaWAN, referred to as private or public networks, based on the characteristics of the LoRa network. An introduction to LoRaWAN private networks, their deployment, and the benefits such a network provides to applications for smart cities or IoT devices are covered in this article.

Private LoRaWAN Networks

In contrast to the public LoRaWAN, shared by many users and offered by telecom carriers, a private LoRaWAN network is created for a specific user and their IoT sensors within a unique network architecture. Companies may link their facility devices internally within buildings with the LoRaWAN private network without the requirement for internet access. In such a LoRa network, the user installs his LoRaWAN gateways, architecture, and several nodes inside the private network. Large businesses frequently utilize LoRaWAN private networks because:

You place the network where you want it.
You create the network when you want it.
You do not have to share with other users, so you have total control over traffic.
You are not bound by network operator limits, such as an application requiring many downlinks.

How is the private LoRaWAN network configured?

Private LoRaWAN networks operate without the assistance of any telecommunications services. In these networks, customers can utilize their LoRaWAN gateways to talk directly to the network’s nodes. So, without the need for the internet, these private LoRaWAN networks may also link devices within an intimate environment.

Nodes connected in a star topology would internally build a centralized LoRaWAN network utilizing Lora gateway communication. Depending on the situation, LoRaWAN gateways may be indoor or outdoor. Like Wi-Fi routers, they should be expertly put at a height and location where they can cover the required area. Network servers that additionally activate or authorize networked devices administer these gateways after that. A network server is an essential component of the system. They handle numerous gateways, Uplink, and Downlink payloads, authorize nodes and actuators, and guarantee that data is sent correctly without duplication from various in-range gateways. A gateway can act as the network server in a tiny private LoRaWAN network with one antenna to provide data to an application.

LoRaWAN protocol is used for communication between gateways and nodes, whereas MQTT, web sockets, and web services can be used for communication between gateways and network servers.

How much does it cost to create a private LoRaWAN network?

Investment is needed to build a private network, including nodes, actuators, gateways, network servers, and even web application development costs. These fees often vary greatly depending on the necessary number of nodes and the specific gateway requirements. Instead of high development & subscription expenses for many products, a comprehensive solution like Thingpark business all-in-one would be a terrific package deal for just €550.

There will be additional costs for various LoRaWAN devices and lora gateway, network servers, and IoT device platforms. On the other hand, there are several entrances with a range of prices depending on their features and whether they are used indoors or outside. It would be necessary to have an IoT device platform and a network server to use such off-the-shelf gateways.

What are the benefits of a private network over a public network?

Depending on the location where they are used, LoRaWAN networks can have either private or public configurations. Here is a summary of a few crucial distinctions between the two categories of networks and some applications for each.

For a particular application inside the network architecture of a specific company, a private LoRaWAN network would provide security and control.
A reputable telecom network provider offers a dependable network infrastructure that can be used on a subscription basis as needed rather than making more enormous in-house hardware expenditures. This company also provides a public LoRaWAN network.
Given that all data is controlled internally, a LoRaWAN private network considerably lowers the danger of eavesdropping or potential data breaches.
A public LoRaWAN network provides community access to all users in its vast network.
LoRaWAN private networks would give customers total network control for necessary changes and modifications.

Conclusion

LoRaWAN was developed for use by sensors and applications that frequently—perhaps just once a day—need to send and receive tiny quantities of data across vast distances. Its networks can be private (where network components like gateways and servers are within the user’s control) or public (relying on antennas from telecommunications companies). Users may control their network infrastructure and fleet of IoT sensors for the private network. Many businesses that interact with the building’s IT infrastructure choose private networks, even though France and other European nations often offer a high-quality public network. The business can link its internal system to a private network without accessing the internet.