LoRaWAN gateways
LoRaWAN gateway, LoRaWAN IOT gateway, mini LoRaWAN gateway, outdoor LoRaWAN gateway, LoRaWAN industrial gateway from 5G Mobile CCTV
A LoRaWAN gateway is the base station at the heart of a long-range IoT network. It listens on multiple channels for the low-power radio signals sent by nearby LoRaWAN sensors, then forwards that data over the internet to a network server for processing. One well-sited gateway can serve many sensors spread across kilometres of farm, estate or industrial land.
We supply indoor and outdoor LoRaWAN gateways, including multi-channel and Helium-capable models, so you can build private or public network coverage to suit the site. 5G Mobile CCTV provides the gateway hardware; you then connect it to your chosen LoRaWAN network server to bring your sensor estate online.
How to choose a LoRaWAN gateway
- Match the gateway to the environment: outdoor IP-rated units suit masts, poles and rooftops, while indoor gateways suit sheds, offices and yards with mains and shelter.
- Check the channel count and concentrator, as an 8-channel gateway handles far more simultaneous sensor traffic than a low-cost single-channel unit and is the sensible baseline for real deployments.
- Confirm the backhaul options you need, whether Ethernet, WiFi or a 4G/5G SIM, since a rural gateway often needs cellular backhaul where there is no wired broadband.
- Decide which network server the gateway will talk to, such as The Things Network, a private ChirpStack instance or a Helium-compatible setup, and confirm the gateway supports it.
- Plan siting for height and line of sight, because a gateway mounted high with a good antenna dramatically extends range and the number of sensors it can reliably reach.
Frequently asked questions
What does a LoRaWAN gateway actually do?
A LoRaWAN gateway receives long-range radio messages from many nearby LoRaWAN sensors and forwards them over the internet to a network server. It does not process the data itself; it is the bridge between low-power field sensors and your software, letting one base station serve sensors spread across a wide area.
How many sensors can a single LoRaWAN gateway support?
A typical 8-channel LoRaWAN gateway can serve hundreds to thousands of sensors, depending on how often each one reports and how much data it sends. Sensors that transmit small readings a few times an hour place little load, so most farm and estate deployments run comfortably on one or two well-placed gateways.
What is the range of a LoRaWAN gateway?
Range depends heavily on siting. In open rural conditions a well-mounted LoRaWAN gateway can reach sensors several kilometres away, sometimes 10km or more. In built-up or wooded areas the practical range falls considerably, so mounting the gateway high with a good antenna makes a large difference.
Do I need an indoor or outdoor LoRaWAN gateway?
Choose an outdoor, IP-rated gateway when you can mount it high on a mast, pole or rooftop for the best range, which suits most rural sites. An indoor gateway is fine where a sheltered, mains-powered spot with a window or nearby aerial gives adequate coverage for the sensors you need.
Can a LoRaWAN gateway use 4G or 5G for backhaul?
Yes. Many gateways accept a SIM and use 4G or 5G for backhaul, which is essential on rural sites with no wired broadband. Others use Ethernet or WiFi. Confirm the backhaul option before buying, and ensure you have adequate mobile signal at the gateway location for a stable connection.