Understanding LoRa Technology
LoRa is now a well-known technology, notably used in many connected objects to communicate over LoRaWAN networks, whether operated or private. It is important to distinguish LoRa from LoRaWAN: the former is a proprietary radio technology (owned by Semtech) based on a specific modulation, while the latter is a standardized protocol allowing objects with LoRa technology to communicate with each other, specifically defining the link between gateways and objects. Many misuse the term "LoRa" to refer to LoRaWAN.
Use Beyond LoRaWAN
However, LoRa is not limited to use on a LoRaWAN network. You can very well use this technology for applications that do not require the complex architecture of LoRaWAN. For example, by setting up point-to-point communication, you can have two objects communicating with each other over several kilometers, all with low energy consumption, no subscription, and without additional equipment.
Drawbacks of LoRa Technology
Anyone who has used this technology has encountered its main drawbacks: the two main issues with LoRa are related to the frequency band used, namely the 868 MHz band. Using this free band requires compliance with the current ETSI standard, specifically communicating only 1% of the time (36s per hour). This band is also limited to Europe, with other geographical areas having their own free frequencies (915 MHz in North America, for example). Switching frequencies often requires different hardware and configurations as the standards differ.
Using LoRa on Other Frequency Bands
As mentioned, LoRa technology is based on modulation and is not limited to the 868-915 MHz band. It can be used on 169 MHz, 433 MHz, and even on another globally free frequency band: 2.4 GHz, widely used for Wifi and Bluetooth. Using this frequency not only improves the data rate but also allows up to 10% band usage (compared to 1% at 868 MHz). What about range? It remains quite good. In our tests, we reached up to 8 km, even without setting the range to its maximum (by adjusting the Spreading Factor). As for the cost, this technology remains inexpensive and almost identical to 868 MHz.
Applications of LoRa 2.4GHz
LoRa 2.4 GHz is a technology we master thoroughly and have implemented in several of our projects. It is suitable when you need to send data frequently over long distances. For example, we used it for a weather station on the ground that sends its data directly to the cockpits of nearby ultralight aircraft, with a range of about ten kilometers. Another project where we used this technology is a building ventilation management system; to cover each floor and regularly send the status of sensors, LoRa 2.4 GHz was essential.
Contact us if you need help choosing the radio technology for your project.