LoRaWAN asset tracking explained
Trackpac have launched LoRaWAN asset tracking on the helium network, but you may be new to LoRaWAN, let’s explain why we use it and showcase some of its best features that help power your business decisions.
What is LoRaWAN?
LoRaWAN is a type of wireless communication technology that is used for transmitting data over long distances. It is a Low-power, long-Range Wide Area Network that operates in the unlicensed radio spectrum, making it well-suited for use in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. LoRaWAN networks use a star topology, with gateways serving as the central hub for communicating with the devices on the network. The technology is designed to be simple and scalable, allowing for easy deployment and management of large numbers of devices.
Why is LoRaWAN better for IOT devices than wifi or bluetooth?
LoRaWAN has several advantages over technologies like WiFi and Bluetooth for use in IoT applications. One of the key benefits of LoRaWAN is its long range and low power consumption, which makes it well-suited for use in applications where devices need to operate for extended periods of time without access to a power source. Additionally, LoRaWAN is a secure and reliable technology, with built-in encryption and robust communication protocols that ensure that data is transmitted accurately and without interference. Finally, LoRaWAN is scalable and flexible, making it easy to deploy and manage large numbers of devices on a single network. These factors make LoRaWAN an attractive choice for many IoT applications.
What sort of range can LoRaWAN devices get?
LoRaWAN devices can have a range of up to several miles in urban areas and up to several dozen miles in rural areas, depending on factors such as the environment, the type of antenna used, and the power output of the device. The range of LoRaWAN devices can be improved by using larger antennas and higher power output, but there are limits to how far a LoRaWAN signal can travel due to factors such as interference and signal attenuation. Additionally, LoRaWAN devices are designed to operate in a low-power mode, which can help extend their battery life but may also reduce their range.
What sort of battery life can i expect from LoRaWAN sensors?
Most LoRaWAN sensors are designed with the expected battery lifespans of years or more. We have experience of asset trackers live in the field for 1–3 years without needing batteries changed.
Why is LoRaWAN good for asset tracking?
LoRaWAN is a good technology for asset tracking because it offers a long range and low power consumption, which are both important for tracking assets. Because LoRaWAN uses a low frequency band, it can transmit signals over long distances, which is useful for tracking assets that may be located far away from other types of coverage. Additionally, LoRaWAN is designed to be energy efficient, which means that the devices used for tracking assets can operate for long periods of time without needing to be recharged or replaced. This is especially important for tracking assets that may be in remote or hard-to-reach locations.
How does tracking assets help businesses?
Tracking assets can help in a number of ways. For example, it can help businesses to keep track of their inventory and equipment, ensuring that they always have the right assets in the right place at the right time. This can help to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of downtime or other disruptions. In addition, tracking assets can help to improve security and prevent theft or unauthorized use of valuable assets. By providing real-time information about the location and status of assets, tracking can also help businesses to respond quickly to any issues or changes that may arise.
How can movement data be used by businesses for planning?
Movement data, which is information about the location and movement of assets or individuals, can be used by businesses for planning in a number of ways. For example, businesses can use movement data to better understand the flow of goods, people, or vehicles within their operations, which can help them to identify bottlenecks or areas where improvements can be made. Movement data can also be used to predict future demand or patterns of movement, which can help businesses to make more informed decisions about how to allocate their resources. Additionally, movement data can be used to improve the accuracy of planning and scheduling, which can help businesses to optimise their operations and improve efficiency.
What is the Helium network?
The Helium Network is the world’s largest and fastest growing contiguous open source wireless network in history. With nearly 1,000,000 gateways users can cheaply and quickly use LoRaWAN sensors without needing to setup gateways.
Helium moves LoRaWAN from something only used on site with fixed access to one allowing truly global access for sensors, allowing users to focus on the use rather than the coverage.
Helium is an open source network, how is my data protected over the air?
LoRaWAN uses secure key pairs to encrypt the data transmitted between devices and the network, meaning only the destination and revelvant key pair can access the data. This means anyone snooping into the traffic wont be able to decode it.
How can device updates be managed with LoRaWAN?
One of the features of LoRaWAN is called “FUOTA” (Firmware Upgrade Over-The-Air), this allows for the remote updating of the firmware on LoRaWAN devices. This means that the devices can be updated with new features and capabilities without requiring physical access to the device. FUOTA is particularly useful for devices that are located in remote or hard-to-reach locations, as it allows for easy and efficient maintenance and updates without the need for on-site visits.
How can you track assets using LoRaWAN?
Helium’s global network can provide a cost-effective, reliable, and low-power solution for tracking a wide range of assets. It can help asset owners and managers to monitor the location, condition, and movements of their assets in real-time, enabling them to make more informed decisions and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations.
What is Trackpac?
Trackpac is an easy to use asset tracking app built on LoRaWAN enabled hardware that uses the Helium network.
Users can get going in seconds by setting up an account and scanning the QR code on the tracker. They can then setup geofences and get alerts when a tracker enters or exits an area, get notifications on low battery and track anything easily in seconds.
Find out more here: https://trackpac.io
How much does Trackpac cost?
$40 per year, per tracker. No hidden costs. Purchase a track and sign up for a subscription, its that easy!
Find out more here: https://trackpac.io
How can I access my data with Trackpac?
We offer a mobile app, web app and API to help you intergrate our systems however you think best for your business. We can provide customisations and additional changes to help you get going with asset tracking.
