Outdoor Smart Tech Connectivity Using LoRa and LoRaWAN
If you’re researching wireless technology for smart home devices, especially outdoors you’ve likely seen the term LoRaWAN. It’s often mentioned alongside LoRa, but the two aren’t the same.
LoRa Vs LoRaWAN: What’s the Difference
- LoRa (short for Long Range) is the radio technology, it’s the physical layer. Its the way the signal travels through the air.
- LoRaWAN is the network protocol that sits on top of LoRa. It defines how data is sent and received, how devices connect to gateways, how messages are encrypted, and how the network is managed.
| Term | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| LoRa | Radio signal technology (like FM/AM) | The wireless signal from a sensor |
| LoRaWAN | Protocol that controls the network | The rules for how devices talk to a central hub or each other |
Some companies use LoRa without LoRaWAN by building their own protocols on top of LoRa. Others use full LoRaWAN compliance to integrate into open networks.
How LoRa works
LoRa is a wireless communication technology designed for low power, long distance data transmission. It’s commonly used in smart homes, agriculture, and industrial monitoring, especially where devices need to send small amounts of data over long distances without relying on Wi-Fi or mobile networks.
LoRa works by using a modulation technique called chirp spread spectrum, which spreads the signal across a wide frequency range. This makes it resistant to interference and allows it to maintain reliable communication over long distances, even through walls or in rural areas.
Devices that use LoRa typically send data to a LoRa gateway, which collects the signals and forwards them to a central server or cloud platform via the internet. The gateway doesn’t process the data, it just acts as a bridge. This setup is known as a LoRaWAN network (LoRa Wide Area Network).
One of the main advantages of LoRa is its energy efficiency. Because the data packets are small and the radio signal is optimised for range rather than speed, battery powered devices like sensors can run for years on a single charge. This makes LoRa ideal for remote or hard to access smart devices.
Typical frequency bands used by LoRa:
- 868 MHz in Europe
- 915 MHz in North America
Data rates are low (around 50 kbps), but that’s fine for smart home devices like outdoor motion sensors, gate contacts, or temperature monitors.
How LoRaWAN Works
- Devices (like smart sensors) use LoRa to send small bits of data, such as status updates, alerts.
- Data is sent to a local LoRaWAN gateway, which then forwards (via internet) the data to a LoRaWAN cloud server
- The server routes it to the appropriate application, like a smart home dashboard or app.
- Communication is usually asynchronous and uplink dominant (sensors report in, rather than being constantly controlled).
Pros of LoRaWAN for Smart Homes
- Long Range: Up to 5 km in suburbs, 10+ km in open rural areas. Much greater than WiFi or Zigbee (other popular smart home wireless technologies).
- Low Power Consumption: Ideal for battery powered devices. Many LoRa devices last 5 years or longer on a single set of batteries.
- Penetrates Walls and Underground: Strong signal performance even through brick, concrete, or into basements and garages.
- Private Networks: You can run a LoRaWAN network privately, without relying on third-party cloud services.
- Scalable: One gateway can handle hundreds or thousands of devices.
Cons of LoRaWAN for Smart Homes
- Low Bandwidth: Not suitable for cameras, video doorbells, or audio. Only small data packets, ideal for sensors, but not rich media.
- Can be Complex Setup: Running a full LoRaWAN system with gateways and servers can be overkill for home users. However there are brands that design specifically for home users with much easier to use options.
- Limited Direct Control: Devices often send data one-way and aren’t designed for rapid real-time two-way control.
Where It Makes Sense in the Smart Home
- Outdoor sensors: door / window, water leak, weather, garden, temperature.
- Remote locations: sheds, garden offices, garages, gates, driveways.
- Battery powered devices that you don’t want to change batteries often.
- Large properties: farms, multi building homes, or estates.
Brands and Suppliers Using LoRa or LoRaWAN
YoLink
- YoLink uses LoRa (not full LoRaWAN) with its own secure protocol.
- Produces long range smart home sensors, plugs, and controls.
- Requires a YoLink Hub. Relies on cloud based servers to function, but Control D2D technology allows limited devices to function without internet
- Great for residential users wanting plug and play long range (1/4 mile) solutions.
Kerlink / Tektelic / Laird
- Industrial-grade LoRaWAN gateways and sensors.
- More commonly used in agriculture or smart cities, but can be used in large smart home projects.
Dragino / Seeed Studio
- Offer DIY LoRaWAN sensors and development boards for makers and hobbyists.
- Suitable for custom smart home projects.
Final Thoughts
LoRaWAN offers a strong, low power, long-range alternative to Wi-Fi and Zigbee in the smart home space, especially when it comes to outdoor or hard to reach areas. While not designed for high bandwidth tasks like video, it’s perfect for smart sensors and alerts.
If you’re looking for a system that’s ready to go, YoLink offers one of the best implementations of LoRa for smart home use no coding, no server setup, just reliable long range devices.
LoRa (Long Range) Products
