A deep dive into Gateways
Description:
Here at Tether our devices use two communication networks. LoRaWAN and Sigfox. We offer a different base-station for each communication type.
While these Gateway’s function similarly they’re are some key differences.
Lora:
LoRa gateways can be likened to communication towers in a network system. These gateways facilitate the exchange of data between various devices such as Tether’s Hotdrops and a central server known as the LoRaWAN network server.
Think of a LoRa gateway as an advanced receptionist, diligently collecting, sorting, and directing messages from various devices. The gateway's built-in software ensures seamless management and transmission of this data.
To ensure that data is relayed to its destination, the gateway connects to the LoRaWAN network server through communication channels via 4g or Ethernet. This connection mirrors the high-speed broadband we use in our professional settings, allowing efficient data transfer to the Tether Platform.
While the data transfer rate might seem moderate, it's a deliberate design choice. This is to ensure that devices consume minimal energy and can communicate over extensive ranges.
Sigfox:
Imagine a building where sensors are deployed to measure elements like air quality, humidity or temperature fluctuations. These sensors are crucial for understanding the changing environment and continuously collect invaluable data.
The Sigfox Gateway stands as a centralized communication hub. Think of it as a sophisticated data relay station. It's designed to gather readings from these environmental sensors and ensure that this data doesn't remain isolated.
For areas that don't have direct access to the public Sigfox network, the Sigfox Gateway is indispensable. It creates a dedicated network coverage within these areas, ensuring that environmental data is captured in real-time and without interruption.
This gateway boasts a commendable range, effectively gathering data from sensors as far as 3 km away, depending on the site conditions. Once the data is captured, it’s swiftly uploaded to a cloud-based repository. This consolidated data can then be accessed via the Tether Platform.
The Sigfox Gateway is a vital tool to bridge the communication gap between dispersed environmental sensors and the digital platforms where the data is analyzed.
Sigfox devices and Lora devices work a little differently.
Lora devices only send messages to its assigned Gateway. Think of this like a whisper.
Similarly, Sigfox devices also try to send messages to Gateways. Though, this is more of a yell. Hoping to be picked up by anything or anyone on the Sigfox network. Having a gateway nearby can help pick up these Yells in areas that lack the Sigfox network infrastructure. \
How to check if I need a Sigfox Gateway?:
Before you purchase an SigFox device, check that there is Sigfox network signal available at address where the device will be installed here.
The coverage map can be a little bit confusing. As long as deep indoors can receive some amount of signal, our Tether EnviroQ’s will function. I.e.
Deep Indoors = Limited = OK
Deep Indoors = Average = OK
Deep Indoors = Good = OK
Deep Indoors = No Coverage = Contact the team
If there is no signal, you may need a gateway to provide the signal. Reach out to the team and we can discuss.