Internet of Things & LoRaWAN – Explaining the tech & highlighting the value

March 16, 2021

The Internet of Things, or IoT for short, is a technology designed to enable access to real-time data from a network of physical devices – referred to as “things”. These devices are embedded with software, sensors and other technologies. They range from common objects like door and window contacts, to multi-function sensors that are constantly collecting and transmitting data. This data is typically visualised online with a management and analytics tool that makes the data useful. In domestic, commercial and industrial environments, being able to access and respond to real-time data and alerts from IoT devices provides significant benefits like improved health & safety, compliance, increased productivity, reduced risk, and much more.  

LoRaWAN is the wide area network (WAN) that IoT devices connect to in order to access the internet.  LoRa stands for “long range”; this wireless radio frequency technology allows for battery operated “things” (devices) to wirelessly access the internet with very low power consumption over long distances, making the use of IoT devices in both urban and rural areas possible. 

The LoRaWAN protocol has enabled uses cases for smart cities, smart homes and buildings, smart agriculture, smart metering, smart supply chain, logistics and more. With over 167 million devices connected to networks in 99 countries and growing, LoRa devices are creating a smarter planet. 

 

How does IoT work? 

IoT solutions are made up of four components: Devices, Gateways, Network, and Platform (for management and analytics). 

• Devices and Gateways:

IoT devices are mostly sensors that measure preset metrics. Sensor devices are used to measure and monitor specific data points in an environment and transmit these readings at pre-configured intervals. For example, metrics commonly measured by environmental sensors are temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, motion, occupancy, light, capacity, flow, location (GPS), etc.   

Devices can also be custom built to measure more environment–specific or function–specific data points. 

Gateways are core components of the IoT solution, and are the bridge between the IoT device and the network. They establish the network footprint and enable data transmission from device to platform. Devices use the LoRa protocol to connect to the gateway while the gateway uses high bandwidth connectivity like ethernet, wireless or LTE connections to connect to the management platform. 

 

• Network:

The LoRaWAN® specification is a low power, wide area (LPWA) networking protocol designed to wirelessly connect battery operated ‘things’ to the internet in regional, national or global networks, and it targets key Internet of Things (IoT) requirements such as bi-directional communication, end-to-end security, mobility and localisation services. 

 

• Platform

Visualising the data generated by the IoT devices in the field and being able to manage them remotely is key to the functionality of the overall IoT solution. There are a variety of available platforms in the market and a number of companies have developed their own custom tools. RSAWEB has partnered with ThingsBoard – an open-source IoT platform providing device management, data collection, processing and visualisation, customisation and reporting. 

 

Benefits of RSAWEB’s End-To-End IoT Solution 

• Cost Saving:  

The biggest benefit of our end-to-end IoT solution is cost saving, which it enables by reducing waste, tracking assets, improving production, ensuring quality, adhering to compliance metrics, improving health & safety, and more. 

• Service Tailored for Your Unique Needs: 

With RSAWEB’s IoT solutions you can utilise our LORA network, or GSM based connectivity options. Our model is modular allowing for a ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD) model or a complete solution deployment by RSAWEB.     

• Improved Quality of Life: 

Our IoT solutions are designed for efficiency, ease of use, and convenience – most importantly providing peace of mind and improving your quality of life. 

• Eliminate Human Errors: 

Practical use of IoT devices in everyday life and work environments helps eliminate human error. Using an IoT device to track and monitor tasks and functions ensures quality of service. 

• More Control: 

Access to real-time data and alerting enables rapid response to manage events.  

 

 

 

A quick summary of what IoT is, how it works, and what it can do for your business:  

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the use of devices and sensors connected to the internet, alerting to and measuring specific events and data. These devices send this data over a network to a management and analytics platform (accessible remotely via the internet) which allows the data to be interpreted in a useful way and to remote manage the devices.  

The RSAWEB IoT network uses the LoRa wireless radio frequency for transmission. LoRa is a long range, low–power frequency suitable for use in urban, commercial and industrial environments. RSAWEB also supports GSM–enabled (Cellular) IoT devices.  

IoT devices and solutions provide access to real-time data from data points that were previously unable to be measured; this technology has provided hundreds, if not thousands of uses cases for smart cities, smart homes and buildings, smart agriculture, smart metering, smart supply chain, logistics, and more. With over 167 million devices connected to networks in 99 countries and growing, LoRa devices are creating a Smarter Planet. 

 

Conclusion

If you are interested in finding out more about IoT, and how RSAWEB can help enable your business to gain new and unique insights into your business using this powerful tech habitat – you can find out more here: https://www.rsaweb.co.za/enterprise/internet-of-things-solutions/