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how to connect rak gateways to chirpstack v4 via mqtt

Learn how to connect your RAK LoRaWAN® gateway to ChirpStack v4 via MQTT in Packet Forwarder mode, including setup, registration, configuration, and troubleshooting.

Prerequisites

Before configuring the connection, make sure the following conditions are met:

  • A deployed ChirpStack v4 Network Server

  • Open the following ports on your ChirpStack server:

    • MQTT 1883 for LoRaWAN packet forwarding

    • HTTP 8080 for ChirpStack Web UI access  

  •  A RAK Gateway with internet access 

  •  Gateway running WisGateOS 2 version 2.2.x or above

Register the Gateway in ChirpStack v4

This section provides step-by-step instructions for registering a RAK gateway in ChirpStack v4. For detailed instructions, refer to: How to Register a RAK Gateway in ChirpStack v4

Configure the Gateway

  1. Log in to the gateway's Web UI.
WisGateOS 2 web UI log-in page
Figure 1: WisGateOS 2 web UI log-in page
  1. Go to LoRa > Configuration, and set the Work Mode to Packet forwarder.
Packet forwarder Work Mode
Figure 2: Packet forwarder Work Mode

  1. In the Protocol field, click the dropdown, then configure the following parameters:

  • Protocol: Select LoRa Gateway MQTT Bridge.
  • MQTT Protocol: Select MQTT ChirpStack 4.x (Protobuf).
  • MQTT Broker Address: Enter the public IP address of your ChirpStack server, for example: 18.156.176.220
  • MQTT Broker Port: 1883
Packet forwarder Work Mode
Figure 3: Packet forwarder Work Mode
  1. Click Save changes to apply the configuration.

Verify Gateway Status

Return to the ChirpStack Web UI and check the gateway status. If the configuration is correct, the status should change to Online within a few minutes.

ChirpStack Web UI Gateway Status
Figure 4: ChirpStack Web UI Gateway Status

Troubleshooting

ISSUE POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
Gateway Offline

- Wrong MQTT settings

- Incorrect broker IP

- Port not open

 Verify MQTT protocol and check server IP/port reachability.
Wrong Gateway EUI Find it in the gateway’s Web UI under Dashboard > Overview, or on the enclosure label marked GWEUI.
Region mismatch Check chirpstack.toml and ensure the region is listed in enabled_regions.
Gateway not connected to the Internet Ensure the gateway can reach the internet or the server IP.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a private IP for the ChirpStack v4 server address?
    Yes, if both server and gateway are on the same LAN.
  2. What if my gateway firmware is older than WisGateOS 2.2.x?
    Update to the latest WisGateOS 2 firmware before proceeding. You can check your current version and perform the upgrade via the gateway’s Web UI under System > Firmware. For detailed steps and download links, refer to the official upgrade guide: WisGateOS 2 Firmware Upgrade Documentation.
Changelog
  • Version 1.1 - Added UTM links
    • Date Published: 09/01/2025
  • Version 1 - How to Connect RAK Gateways to ChirpStack v4 via MQTT
    • Date Published: 08/07/2025


 

Updated