LoRa gateways, in layman’s terms, are radio molecules. These radio molecules are responsible to act as communication devices in the LoRa network. This takes place between end devices and a LoRaWAN network server (also known as LNS).

The uses of the LoRa gateway are numerous. One of these benefits is the fact that it transmits sensor data from devices to the cloud. 

This is mostly true in places where networks are not as strong, for instance, dense urban areas. They might face some technical glitches or limitations. This is when the LoRa gateway comes into the picture by establishing a network of electrical devices. 

They are used for communication between end-devices and gateways connected. Its data transmission is also very high (wireless range) and it does not consume high energy. This is how it solves the hurdle of battery life. 

UNDERSTANDING THE WORKING OF A LoRa GATEWAY

A mesh network architecture pattern is used to deploy networks. It uses a star-shaped architecture style, this means gateways aren’t appointed with selected nodes. Rather, it is collected by numerous gateways. These gateways are responsible to broadcast the data packet to the server of the network merely without any pre-processing of the data. In fundamental terms, LoRa gateway is a proprietary system that is created by Semtech, a chip manufacturer. These also lessen and curtail the consumption of energy by not listening to messages from other nodes and being in sleep mode for ample time. 

It offers long-range connectivity by connecting devices for as long as 30 miles apart even in dense areas or in rural areas. LoRa gateway also demands very less energy and its battery life is around 10 years long. This way, it lessens the expenses and that goes into the replacement of the battery. 

LoRa gateway works with end-to-end encryption and authentication. It heavily prioritises confidentiality, safety as well as protection. It allows GPS-free tracking and also offers low power advantages and maintains proper communication with devices in motion. This is done with very little to no strain on the consumption of power. 

LoRa gateway supports a large number of messages in a single base station. This way, it easily meets the needs of operators in public networks who are responsible for servicing huge markets. It also lessens the investment that goes into infrastructure purposes and in the replacement of batteries. The role of this network server is to eliminate duplicate data packets. It also helps in checking the integrity of data and making sure with security checks, all of it before sending the actual message to the application server. LNS identifies and selects the right LoRa gateway to forward messages of the following downlink session. 

WHAT IS SWISSCOM LoRaWAN?

Swisscom is considered one of the most endurable as well as inventive companies in Switzerland. It has more than 19,000 employees working under it. It is also functional and active in Italy. 

Swisscom LoRaWAN proposes a fast, sustainable and secure network as well as the greatest bandwidths in Switzerland along with a significant mobile network. The power characteristics that it carries is usually low but that doesn’t take away the fact that it can easily be used for long-range communication purposes. 

It can be used to connect sensors, devices, gateways and even machines for that matter. LoRaWAN gateways are present in the heart of “LoRa star topology”, end-devices as well as the server in the network. LoRa gateways are the centre of communication used for many links. 

SWISSCOM LoRaWAN AND LoRa GATEWAY 

Swisscom LoRaWAN and LoRa gateway do not share a one-to-one relationship, but it’s a fact that it is more often than not confused by many people as being similar. 

The LoRa gateway is a radio modulation technology that is for wireless networks for LAN coming under the category of LPWA. On the other hand, Swisscom LoRaWAN is a protocol or a network that uses LoRa. 

Both LoRa and LoRaWAN come under the classification of non-cellular LPWAN protocol (wireless network of communication). 

CONCLUSION 

The LoRa gateway is a radio modulation technology that is for wireless networks for LAN coming under the category of LPWA.

Swisscom LoRaWAN is a protocol or a network that uses LoRa gateways. LoRa gateways are the centre of communication used for multiple links. It does everything in authority to reduce cost and expenses and works for the longest of ranges. 

The Swisscom LoRaWAN has many characteristics, benefits and advantages, as spoken of above. Modulation, Capacity, Battery, Security, Sustainability, Long-range, Low Power, etc.