LoRaWAN Network Technology for Industrial Relay Control

Introducing LoRaWAN Technology for Relays

LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is an emerging IoT (Internet of Things) technology optimized for enabling reliable, long-range connectivity for low-power devices. This makes LoRaWAN ideal for building wireless relay solutions to connect remote sensors and assets to the internet.

How LoRaWAN Relay Networks Work

The LoRaWAN protocol uses unlicensed radio spectrum in the ISM bands to enable low-powered devices to communicate over distances of 2-5 miles in rural areas and 1-3 miles in urban areas. This long-range connectivity is achieved through the use of LoRa modulation that spreads signals across a wide bandwidth to make them robust to interference.

To build a LoRaWAN network, low-cost gateways are deployed to relay messages between end-nodes and a central network server. These gateways are the key to enabling reliable connectivity for thousands of nodes dispersed across wide geographies. The gateways form a mesh network that uses multiple hops to route sensor data to the central server.

Benefits of Using LoRaWAN Relays

Here are some of the key benefits of using LoRaWAN technology to network remote relays and sensors:

• Long-range connectivity enabling >2 mile non-line-of-sight range in rural areas
• Penetrates obstacles and works indoors - ideal for industrial environments
• Low power operation allowing 10+ year battery life for sensors
• Easy to deploy, low-cost gateways make infrastructure affordable
• Secure bi-directional communication with end-to-end encryption

LoRaWAN for Remote Relay Control Solutions

LoRaWAN technology offers an innovative platform for building Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions involving remote monitoring and control with sensors and relays. The long battery life enables maintenance-free operation while the long-range connectivity allows placing sensors in previously inaccessible locations.

Regulating Temperature with LoRaWAN Relays

For example, a common application is using LoRaWAN devices to regulate temperatures. Low-cost temperature sensors with LoRaWAN connectivity can be paired with remote relay boards. Based on a sensor reading, the relay can turn on a fan, heater or cooler to maintain temperatures in an optimal zone.

This set up enables precise environmental control across facilities or equipment in remote outdoor locations powered by battery/solar. Alerts can also be sent via the LoRaWAN network if a sensor stops reporting or a threshold is crossed. This allows remote troubleshooting so field trips are only needed in case of device failures.

Other LoRaWAN Relay Control Applications

Here are some other industrial use cases where LoRaWAN technology can enable battery-powered remote relay control:

• Water treatment plants - Control valves and dosing pumps
• Irrigation systems - Control water pumps and valves
• Street lights - Control lighting relays
• Remote sirens/alarms - Trigger audio warning relays
• Farm irrigation - Control pumps and manage ponds

Factors to Consider in LoRaWAN Relay Network Design

When architecting a LoRaWAN solution for remote relay control, there are some key considerations for building out the network infrastructure.

Placement of Gateways

The range of the network can be maximized by elevating and optimally placing gateways. Based on the intended sensor locations, gateways should be deployed such that each location can be covered by at least two gateways at different angles to allow alternate network paths.

Network Infrastructure

The communication infrastructure to backhaul data from the LoRaWAN gateway to the central network server can influence network latency. Options include WiFi, Cellular 3G/4G/5G, satellite, or wired connectivity depending on site conditions.

Addressing Power Requirements

Based on the locations of the gateways and availability of power infrastructure, the gateways can be powered by electricity, solar panels, or battery banks. The gateway hardware needs to support the chosen power supply option.

Security Considerations

To secure relay control infrastructure from cyber threats, the underlying LoRaWAN network server and application software needs to support end-to-end encryption with standards like AES-128/256 between sensors and gateways. VPN tunnels can further secure backhaul connectivity.

Testing LoRaWAN Connectivity for Remote Relays

Prior to wide-scale deployment, LoRaWAN infrastructure should be tested to verify sufficient coverage across the intended sensor installation sites. Prototypes of the distance, building penetration capability and maximum data rates can be measured.

Range Testing

By mobility testing LoRaWAN sensors, such as with a vehicle, the network connectivity can be mapped over distance and terrain. This identifies any coverage gaps to address.

Penetration Testing

Sensors can be tested from various indoor locations, with quantification of packet loss rates and RSSI signal strength during obstructed conditions. Any sites with poor penetration may require specialized external or higher gain antennas.

Environmental Testing

Deploying sensors and gateways outdoors requires testing operation under expected environmental conditions like temperature ranges, humidity, water exposure or corrosion issues. The LoRaWAN infrastructure needs to reliably function over years in harsh environments.

By thoroughly testing LoRaWAN relay solutions prior to deployment, the technology can provide reliable and robust long-range connectivity for low power Industrial Internet of Things applications, enabling new sensor control use cases not previously possible.