In this guide, we will understand what LoRa and LoRaWAN are and how they compare to each other.
- Both are crucial for enabling efficient, low-power, wide-area network solutions for various IoT applications.
- LoRa is the underlying radio technology that enables long-range communication
- LoRaWAN is the protocol that manages how devices using LoRa communicate over a network.
How LoRa and LoRaWAN related?
LoRa and LoRaWAN are closely related. They are often confused by new users.
- LoRa is at Physical layer. This is just about radio: How to encode / decode radio to digital bits.
- LoRaWAN uses LoRa below and is at Data Link/ MAC layer. In this layer, LoRaWAN has addresses.
This is the standard OSI Model for networking. Yes, we do not have 5 other layers in LoRa / LoRaWAN.
- LoRa is at Physical layer for radio signal.
- LoRaWAN is at Data Link layer. That is why we have addressing in LoRaWAN.
LoRa vs. LoRaWAN?
The below table compares the differences between LoRa and LoRaWAN.
- LoRa – The long range radio
- LoRa is the radio for long-range and low-power wireless communication.
- The radio employs a spread spectrum modulation technique derived from chirp spread spectrum (CSS) technology.
- Point-to-point communication
The traffic is between LoRa nodes. You have to define the communication topology on your own.
- For small-scale or DIY projects
- No compability.
LoRa devices usually do not work together due to custom defined protocols.
- No built-in feature.
You need to code it your own.
- LoRaWAN – The protocol on top of LoRa
- LoRaWAN is a communication protocol built on top of LoRa radio.
- The protocol defines the network architecture, communication protocols, and system components for the operation of the networks.
- Star communication.
The traffic is between LoRaWAN nodes to LoRaWAN gateways and to LoRaWAN server.
- For small-scale to large scale commercial projects
- Great compatibility.
LoRaWAN gateways, nodes and servers from any vendors can work together.
- Built-in security, uplink/downlink packet format, Adaptive data rate, confirmed packets…
LoRaWAN for long-range projects
We would prefer LoRaWAN in most cases
- Mass-scale: If you want to deploy a lot of gateways and nodes, go for LoRaWAN.
- Standard: If you want your gateways / nodes / servers to be compatible with other vendors, go for LoRaWAN.
- Feature: If you want built-in security and features, go for LoRaWAN.
Want to test LoRaWAN?
Subscribe Easy LoRaWAN Cloud to try this guide on your LoRaWAN gateways and nodes.
We will help you to get started and troubleshooting.
Thanks for the guides?
If this guide saves your days, you can give us a cup of coffee.
This is one-time donation.
Thank you for supporting us.
Will RAK7289v2 gateway work with Dragino LHT65N?
Yes, sure.
RAK7289v2 gateway is a LoRaWAN gateway.
Dragino LHT65N is a LoRaWAN node.
They work with each other as they use the same standard LoRaWAN.
And they work with our Easy LoRaWAN Cloud too.
https://iotthinks.com/easylorawan-cloud/