LoRaWAN™ is a technology that allows wireless data communication over large distances with very low power. The transmiters, sometimes as small as the size of a matchbox, can functions for multiple years on a single battery. Using built-in sensors, the LoRaWAN technology can play a vital role in smart cities, but as well for companies and private users. Real-time stockmanagement, track & trace of vehicles or containers, up until securing real-estate or other property.
LoRaWAN has a lot of advantages like the low cost and scalability. Some of the possibilities listed below.
Smart parking:
LoRaWAN technology allows local government, as wel as management companies of parking infrastructure to measure the number of free spaces, down to a single parking spot. It’s also possible to monitor the number of parking sessions or the average duration or the general usage of an area.
Fire- or entrance detection:
Remote monitoring of sensors, even in remote areas. For example detection with sensors in the middle of a forest. There is no need for external power or an internet connection, the system works autonomously and sends alarms in real-time. When using a data connection over the mobile phone network, your connection can be stopped using a so called jammer. This will not be possible using LoRaWAN, because the signal you send doesn’t need a confirmation from the receiving side in order to function.
Track & trace of vehicles:
Follow cars, trucks, or other devices in real time and even receive diagnostic details. This kind of setup can be applied for logistic companies, employers that want a real-time view over the fleet of mobile employees in order to plan more efficient, but even for leasing companies that want to follow-up the state of their vehicles.
Waste management:
Local governments or private enterprises can monitor the level of waste in containers. Only when a certain level has been reached, a team will be sent out for collection. This saves time and thus money, and gives the opportunity to deploy the employees more efficiently.
Smart lighting:
Street lights will be dimmed or made brighter, based upon the current measurements. Rain asks for bright light, whilst during night the lights can be dimmed as long as there is no one passing by.
Internet of Things for humans:
The Internet of Things has as purpose to make life easier and safer. This becomes very visible when it is being used to assist elderly or disabled people that live alone. It’s possible to use sensors to measure the level of activity in the house. A fall-detector is a vital part of this setup. Using this technology, more people will be able to live independantly , whilst being shure someone watches their back.
Environmental monitoring:
Using several sensors, spread over a wide area, air qualty or other parameters can be measured in real-time.
Indoor climate monitoring:
Monitoring of temperature and humidity in musea or rooms where art is being stored. But these sensors can also be deployed in agriculture or a wide range of other economic branches.
Monitoring of fluid levels:
This can be the real-time measurement of water level in a river or canal, but as well the fluid level in an underground tank. No onsite visits are needed to keep track.