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How MultiTech is Pioneering LoRaWAN® Excellence, Forging Future Connectivity

Jari Haiston in Blogs on April 09, 2024

About Jari Haiston

Jari Haiston is part of the growing digital marketing team at Symmetry Electronics. Jari comes from a background in technical writing and event coordination. In her current role, she specializes in content creation and social media management. Jari's focus as a writer is to create interesting content that is accessible to any audience.
Symmetry Electronics defines how Mutlitech is pioneering LoRaWAN excellence and forging future connectivity.

As one of the founding members of the LoRa Alliance® and an esteemed Symmetry Electronics supplier, MultiTech stands out as a prominent industry leader in LoRaWAN® technology. With over 52 years of experience and a pioneering role in long-range connectivity, MultiTech offers unparalleled expertise in industrial Internet of Things (IIot) design integration, full-scale volume production, and more.

Positioned at the forefront of innovation, MultiTech is driving the future of LoRaWAN solutions in IIoT in the most rugged environments. For developers in search of streamlined tools to design full sensor-to-cloud solutions, MultiTech delivers cutting-edge wireless sensors and embedded modules. These solutions seamlessly bridge LoRaWAN devices to the internet and the cloud.

LoRa® vs LoRaWAN®

Designed for Low Power, Wide Area Networks (LPWAN), LoRa® stands for Long Range and it enables long-distance communication with minimal power consumption. LoRa is a wireless modulation technology that forms the physical layer of communication in a Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN).

LoRaWAN network architecture.
Figure 1: LoRaWAN network architecture. 
Source: LoRa Alliance

LoRaWAN (Figure 1), built upon LoRa, extends this capability to create robust networks for IoT and IIoT devices. Key aspects of LoRaWAN include:

  • Star Topology: LoRaWAN networks consist of gateways that communicate with end devices (sensors, modules, etc.)
  • MAC Layer: The Medium Access Control (MAC) layer manages communication between devices and gateways.
  • Classes of Devices: LoRaWAN supports three classes of devices with varying power consumption and communication schedules.
  • Class A Devices: These devices are the most common in LoRaWAN deployments. They are characterized by their energy-efficient design, with power consumption optimized to extend battery life.
  • Class B Devices: Class B builds upon the capabilities of Class A devices by introducing additional slots for downlink communication.
  • Class C Devices: Class C offers the highest level of responsiveness and bi-directional communication in LoRaWAN. Unlike Class A and B devices, Class C devices keep their receive windows open continuously, except during transmissions.
  • Adaptive Data Rate (ADR): LoRaWAN dynamically adjusts data rates based on signal quality and device capabilities.
  • Security: LoRaWAN ensures secure communication through encryption and authentication.
  • Join Procedure: Devices join LoRaWAN networks using an activation process.
  • Application Integration: LoRaWAN data is typically forwarded to cloud platforms for further processing.

When coupled with LoRa technology, LoRaWAN’s efficient communication protocol and network architecture provides scalable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient solutions for a diverse range of IoT applications.

Key Applications

LoRaWAN has revolutionized numerous industries, showcasing versatility and impact in key applications including:

  • Smart Agriculture: Soil moisture monitoring, crop health assessment, and precision irrigation.
  • Smart Cities: Environmental monitoring, waste management, and smart parking.
  • Healthcare: Remote patient monitoring, asset tracking, and emergency response.
  • Industrial Automation: Predictive maintenance, asset tracking, and supply chain optimization.

Key Features and Benefits

LoRaWAN is a feature-rich communication protocol that features:

  • Impressive Range: Devices boast an exceptional connectivity range of up to 10 miles, penetrating even deep into buildings.
  • Low Power: Engineered for efficiency, LoRaWAN devices exhibit extended lifespans, significantly reducing maintenance costs.
  • Mobile Connectivity: Connections can seamlessly operate between devices in motion, ensuring uninterrupted communication.
  • Security: Data transmitted between LoRaWAN devices is encrypted, guaranteeing the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Standardization: As an accepted standard for industrial IoT communications, LoRaWAN streamlines compatibility, fostering interoperability across diverse devices and platforms.
  • Geolocation-Enabled: Leveraging location data independent of GPS, LoRaWAN gateways facilitate precise geolocation, catering to location-dependent applications with unparalleled accuracy and reliability.

Why Choose LoRaWAN Over Other Solutions?

When considering long-range connectivity solutions, LoRaWAN stands out as a compelling choice for several reasons. In comparison to alternative options like cellular networks, Sigfox, NB-IoT, or satellite, it offers unparalleled advantages.

For example, while cellular networks are adept at handling high-data-rate applications, LoRaWAN surpasses in scenarios requiring low power and low data rates, making it an ideal choice for IoT deployments prioritizing energy efficiency and extended battery life.

In contrast to Sigfox, LoRaWAN offers superior flexibility, scalability, and customization options. Its adaptable nature allows for tailored solutions to meet specific application requirements, ensuring optimal performance and versatility.

Additionally, LoRaWAN outperforms NB-IoT in terms of range and indoor coverage. With its extended reach and robust penetration capabilities, LoRaWAN provides reliable connectivity even in challenging environments, making it well-suited for indoor IoT deployments where signal strength and coverage are crucial.

Unlike satellite-based solutions that often rely on expensive infrastructure, LoRaWAN offers a cost-effective alternative for long-range connectivity. By leveraging terrestrial networks and gateways, LoRaWAN minimizes infrastructure costs while delivering dependable connectivity over vast distances, making it an attractive option for IoT deployments with budget constraints.

MultiTech LoRaWAN Solutions

MultiTech’s diverse portfolio includes a comprehensive portfolio of LoRaWAN solutions to meet a diverse range of needs and environments.

Explore the MultiTech family of LoRaWAN Wireless IoT sensors. Offering long-range, cost-effective, and durable solutions for IoT, these sensors ensure extended battery life and seamless integration with an open architecture design.

With an optional web-based console for provisioning, monitoring, and configuration, MultiTech sensors deliver critical asset information in real-time. From temperature and humidity sensors to leak detection, movement, push buttons, proximity, and industrial sensors, each model conveniently integrates with MultiTech LoRaWAN gateways for enhanced functionality.

The MultiTech Conduit® AP 300 Series provides developers with the ultimate access point for LoRaWAN connectivity. With enhanced compute performance and optional cellular 4G LTE Backhaul, this gateway delivers superior indoor wireless connectivity.

Seamlessly connect thousands of sensors across various industries, remotely manage deployments with DeviceHQ®, and optimize your building management system with embedded LoRaWAN network server and BACnet integration.

MultiTech Conduit® MTCDT Series is the go-to programmable LoRa gateway solution for industrial IoT. With carrier-approved connectivity options and remote management through DeviceHQ, streamline deployment and optimize asset management. Enjoy seamless integration with a wide range of assets and cost-effective global connectivity options for simplified IoT application management.

The MultiTech Conduit® IP67 Base Station is a ruggedized IoT gateway solution for outdoor LoRa network deployments. With superior durability and scalability, this gateway supports LoRaWAN applications in any environment, providing reliable connectivity to thousands of end nodes.

Bundled for easy deployment, it includes a Conduit with a LoRa mCard™, IP67 enclosure, and high-gain LoRa antenna, ensuring expanded network coverage and simplified installation. Backed by features such as PoE capability and a cloud-based management platform, the Conduit IP67 Base Station offers seamless connectivity and cost-effective support for M2M and IoT applications.

MultiTech's xDot® Essential and Advanced LoRaWAN Certified Modules offer reliable connectivity for smart cities, agriculture, and industrial automation. Featuring AES-128 encryption for cybersecurity and identical pin compatibility for easy integration, the xDot ensures seamless deployment and customization. Trusted by enterprises worldwide, the xDot is the optimal choice for long-term IoT deployments, offering performance and value in one solution.

MultiTech LoRaWAN Real-World Use Cases

MultiTech leverages a multitude of real-world use cases and applications that attest to the reliability of their connectivity solutions. The following examples demonstrate how MultiTech’s cutting-edge solutions address real-world challenges with efficiency and effectiveness.

Smart Parking

Using MultiTech xDot solutions, PNI Corporation was able to surmount the challenge of finding high-performance LoRa modules to incorporate into their smart parking management solution. Their goal was to provide accurate, real-time vehicle detection and locate available parking spots. The integration of xDot within their PlacePod smart parking sensors enabled the transmission of real-time parking data over long-range, low-bit rate connectivity to industrial equipment.

Modern town and communication network concept. Abstract smart parking concept.

Smart Lab

Tulane University’s National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) faced the critical challenge of safeguarding invaluable specimens within laboratory refrigeration systems. To address this, they sought a solution that provided accurate temperature monitoring, customizable alerts, and remote access. After evaluating various systems, TNPRC opted for the CORIS Monitoring System, which met all their requirements at a cost-effective price point.

Utilizing MultiTech’s Conduit AP and xDot devices, CORIS implemented a wireless monitoring system that ensured accurate data collection and transmission across TNPRC's campus, providing comprehensive protection for the stored contents while streamlining operations.

Medical Science Laboratory: Portrait of female scientist looking under microscope to analyze test sample.

Smart Soil Management

Optimizing water usage in agriculture is crucial for global food production and continuously faces challenges due to limited resources. Claassen Farms was able to utilize xDot solutions in Sensoterra sensors to track soil moisture and weather requirements. This smart soil management innovation has improved irrigation management despite rural connectivity challenges, ensuring efficient water use and crop success.


Close-up on a farmer using an app on a tablet computer to track the productivity of his soil for harvesting - agriculture concepts.

What Does the Future Hold for Connectivity?

As a trailblazer with over five decades of experience in LoRaWAN technology, MultiTech is uniquely positioned to anticipate the future of connectivity through their continuous innovation in wireless connectivity. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of their products through successful real-world applications, MultiTech underscores their commitment to enhancing efficiency, reliability, and operational excellence through various sectors. With an ongoing dedication to innovation, MultiTech is poised to realize and shape the vast potential of connectivity on a global scale, particularly in the realms of IoT and IIoT.

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Jari Haiston in Blogs on April 09, 2024

About Jari Haiston

Jari Haiston is part of the growing digital marketing team at Symmetry Electronics. Jari comes from a background in technical writing and event coordination. In her current role, she specializes in content creation and social media management. Jari's focus as a writer is to create interesting content that is accessible to any audience.

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