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How To Choose the Right Gateway for Your IoT Deployment

Choosing the right gateway for your LoRaWAN network is crucial for ensuring reliable performance and meeting the specific needs of your deployment. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to identify the most suitable gateway from RAKwireless' extensive lineup.

Define the Deployment Environment

Determine Channel Capacity Needs

  • 8 Channels (Full-Duplex): Allows bidirectional, simultaneous data transfer (transmission and reception) on all channels, ideal for continuous data applications with frequent data transmit requirements and/or a large number of end devices per gateway. The WisGate Edge Ultra Full-Duplex 8-channel variant provides superior performance in these conditions.
  • 8 Channels (Half-Duplex): Allows only one direction of data transfer at a time (transmission or reception) on all channels. A more cost-effective solution for basic setups with less frequent data traffic and lower end device density. The WisGate Edge Lite 2 8-channel gateway is a great fit for these requirements.
  • 16 Channels (Half-Duplex): Allows only one direction of data transfer at a time (transmission or reception) on all channels, but with twice the channels. Recommended for larger networks needing higher capacity to handle increased data volume like smart city applications. The WisGate Edge Pro 16-channel variant supports these requirements.

Select Backhaul Connectivity Options

  • Ethernet: Offers high-speed and reliable wired connections. Comes standard in most gateways.
  • Wi-Fi: Provides flexibility in placement, especially for indoor gateways like the WisGate Edge Lite 2 without the hassles of network cabling.
  • 4G/LTE: Enables connectivity in remote areas without wired internet or WiFi coverage, available on outdoor gateways such as the WisGate Edge Pro.

Choose Power Supply Options

  • PoE (Power over Ethernet): Simplifies installation by combining power and data in a single cable, available in gateways like the WisGate Edge Pro using Power over Ethernet (PoE) injectors.
  • DC Power: Provides stable and continuous power for permanent installations with access to typical wall outlets or dedicated power lines. Comes standard in most gateways.
  • Battery/Solar Power: Ideal for off-grid setups in locations without access to reliable power delivery. The RAK9155 Battery Plus solution provides both battery power and solar recharge capabilities for compatible outdoor gateway models.

Identify Frequency Band Compatibility

Ensure the gateway supports the frequency band specific to your region. Common LoRaWAN frequency bands are:

  • EU868, IN865, RU864: Common in Europe and parts of Asia.
  • US915, AU915, KR920, AS923: Used in North America, Australia, and several Asian regions.
  • CN470: For deployments in China.

Check RAKwireless documentation to confirm regional compatibility and refer to this article on LoRaWAN Frequency Plans by Country to ensure you choose an appropriate antenna for your geographic location.

RAKwireless offers gateways for all of the above frequencies and more.

Evaluate Deployment and Management Requirements

  • Private Network Server: Operating your gateways using the Built-in LoRaWAN Network Server included in most RAKwireless gateways allows you to capture and forward end device data while retaining control of the network server infrastructure you're using.
  • Public Network Server: Utilizing supported cloud LNS services such as The Things Network (TTN), Chirpstack, AWS IoT Core, and others allows the convenience of offloading network server infrastructure maintenance while ensuring network stability and function.
  • Remote Gateway Management: WisDM, RAKwireless' remote gateway management solution compatible with all WisGate gateways allows for managing large-scale or distributed deployments from a centralized console. WisDM enables you to quickly and effectively make changes to existing gateways and deploy new ones without needing physical proximity to the devices.

Additional Features to Consider

  • Antenna Options: Gateways with external antennas, like the WisGate Edge Pro, provide greater range and flexibility for overcoming obstacles.
  • RF Filters: For environments with significant radio interference, select gateways equipped with built-in advanced filtering capabilities to maintain signal quality such as the WisGate Edge Ultra.
  • Multi-Radio Support: Some gateways include support for additional technologies like Bluetooth or LoRa 2.4G for diverse IoT applications. Consider whether these additional capabilities are required for your unique use-case.

By following this guide, you can confidently choose the WisGate gateway that aligns with your IoT project’s needs. For a comprehensive list of RAKwireless gateways and their detailed specifications, explore our official Documentation Center and Webstore.

Updated