LoRaWAN sensors
Indoor, outdoor, industrial enviroment LoRaWAN sensors from 5G Mobile CCTV
LoRaWAN sensors are battery-powered end devices that measure something in the field and report it wirelessly over long distances to a gateway. Because they use low-power LoRa radio, a single coin-cell or battery pack can last years, and readings travel kilometres from remote spots that have no power or broadband. They are the data-gathering layer of any LoRaWAN network.
The range covers temperature, humidity, water leak, door and open-close, level, soil moisture, GPS tracking and much more, letting you monitor buildings, tanks, livestock housing, gates and equipment from one dashboard. 5G Mobile CCTV supplies the sensor hardware; each sensor pairs with a LoRaWAN gateway on site to deliver its readings to your network server.
How to choose LoRaWAN sensors
- Start from what you need to measure, whether that is temperature, humidity, water leak, level, soil moisture, door state or GPS position, and pick sensors purpose-built for that reading.
- Check battery life and replaceability, as a good LoRaWAN sensor often runs for several years, but reporting frequency and cold weather both shorten it, so match the interval to your real needs.
- Confirm ingress protection and operating temperature, since outdoor, tank and livestock-housing sensors must withstand moisture, dust and frost that indoor units are not rated for.
- Ensure the sensor is within range of a gateway, because even a long-range LoRaWAN sensor needs a base station to receive it, so plan sensor placement around your gateway coverage.
- Match the frequency band and network, choosing EU868 hardware for the UK and confirming the sensor works with your chosen network server such as The Things Network or a private setup.
Frequently asked questions
What is a LoRaWAN sensor used for?
A LoRaWAN sensor is a battery-powered device that measures something, such as temperature, humidity, water leak, level, soil moisture, door state or GPS position, and reports it wirelessly over long range to a gateway. It lets you monitor remote buildings, tanks, gates and equipment that have no mains power or broadband.
How long does a LoRaWAN sensor battery last?
Many LoRaWAN sensors run for several years on a single battery, because LoRa radio uses very little power. Actual life depends on how often the sensor reports, how much data it sends and the temperature, with frequent reporting and hard frost both shortening it. Longer reporting intervals extend battery life considerably.
How far can a LoRaWAN sensor transmit to a gateway?
In open rural conditions a LoRaWAN sensor can reach a well-sited gateway several kilometres away, sometimes 10km or more. In built-up or wooded areas the practical distance is much shorter. Mounting the gateway high with a good antenna is the single biggest factor in how far your sensors reach.
Do LoRaWAN sensors need a gateway to work?
Yes. Every LoRaWAN sensor reports to a gateway, which forwards the data to your network server. A sensor cannot reach the internet on its own, so you need at least one gateway within range on site. One gateway can serve many sensors, so the per-sensor cost stays low.
Which LoRaWAN sensor frequency should I use in the UK?
In the UK and across Europe, use LoRaWAN sensors on the EU868 band, which is the licence-exempt frequency plan for the region. Sensors sold for other regions, such as US915, are not suitable here, so always confirm the device is EU868 and compatible with your chosen network server before buying.