What is LoRaWAN?

LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a communication protocol designed for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. In GlacierGrid’s case, IoT refers to a system of devices (sensors) that measure temperature and humidity and transfer the results to the customer without needing any human interaction. These temperature sensors can communicate with users and each other over long distances. The LoRaWAN technology uses a wireless standard called Long-Range Radio (LoRa) and is designed to work in both urban and rural environments.

Why is LoRaWAN Useful?

LoRaWAN is a low-cost and low-power solution for IoT devices to communicate with the cloud. Devices using LoRaWAN only send small amounts of data at once, incurring very small data costs and making the devices very power efficient. This means that LoRaWAN devices can be powered by and last 10 to 15 years on a single battery, allowing them to be small and convenient to install in difficult-to-reach locations.

As implied by its name, LoRaWAN’s communication capabilities span very long-range distances. For its world record, LoRaWAN was recorded to stay connected for up to 476 miles. Its long-range connectivity allows IoT devices to communicate over distances that Bluetooth (BLE) and Wi-Fi are unable to maintain. While not a world record holder, GlacierGrid LoRaWAN devices still maintain an impressive average connection distance of around 1200 feet.

In addition, LoRaWAN signals can penetrate dense materials better than BLE and Wi-Fi, making it the most suitable form of connection from inside refrigerators and behind thick walls. It is this exact capability that makes GlacierGrid devices industry leaders in refrigeration monitoring connectivity reliability.

Finally, LoRaWAN also supports a large number of connected devices, making it possible to connect thousands of IoT devices to the network without worrying about bandwidth or devices dropping off the network.

Cold Chain Monitoring

LoRaWAN can be used to monitor temperature in cold storage facilities and refrigerators, sending real-time data that can penetrate through walls to ensure perishable goods are kept within the required temperature range.