Set a virtual gateway location with Fake GPS, ideal for indoor or low-signal areas, ensuring accurate LNS data without real GPS.

Fake GPS is a virtual positioning tool that lets gateways use manually entered coordinates when GPS signals are unavailable. By setting the latitude, longitude, and altitude values, the gateway can send this location data to the LNS as if it were obtained from a real GPS.

This is ideal for indoor gateways or areas without GPS coverage, ensuring that location-dependent services still function correctly.

How it Works

• When Fake GPS is enabled, the gateway replaces real GPS data (if available) with the manually entered coordinates.

• These Fake GPS coordinates are included in the gateway’s status messages sent to the LNS.

• The LNS updates the gateway’s location accordingly, allowing location-based services to work even when GPS reception is poor or nonexistent.

Application Scenarios

• Indoor Gateways
  In indoor environments without GPS reception, Fake GPS provides precise virtual coordinates for accurate tracking.

• Areas Without GPS Coverage
  In places such as basements, high-rise buildings, or remote locations, Fake GPS ensures the LNS receives correct location data.

• Fault Diagnosis and Maintenance
  When gateways encounter issues, Fake GPS enables maintenance personnel to identify the exact location of the gateway quickly, improving response time.

Set Up the Fake GPS

1. Log in to the gateway’s Web UI.

2. Navigate to the LoRa > Configuration tab.

3. Set Work mode to Packet forwarder.

4. In the GPS Information section, click Add your GPS info manually to expand the menu.

5. Enable Fake GPS and enter the following values:

   • Latitude

   • Longitude

   • Altitude

6. Click Save changes.

Verify GPS Information

This section covers GPS verification in the LNS with TTN (The Things Network). For other LNS platforms, such as ChirpStack, follow the relevant documentation for detailed instructions.

Check GPS Info in Location

1. In TTN, go to Gateways and select the target gateway.

2. Click Location in the left menu.

3. Set Location Source to Update from status messages, then click Save Changes.

4. Confirm that the GPS coordinates in the details panel match your Fake GPS settings.

Check in Uplink Messages

1. Open the gateway’s detail page and view the Uplink/Downlink status.

2. Open the Receive gateway status uplink message.

3. Check if the antenna_locations field matches the Fake GPS coordinates.

FAQs

1. What happens if the gateway receives real GPS signals after Fake GPS is enabled?
   Once Fake GPS is enabled, the gateway will always use the manually entered coordinates, overriding real GPS data.

2. Can I switch between Fake GPS and real GPS automatically?
   No. You must disable Fake GPS manually to use real GPS data again.

3. Why can’t I see GPS data in my LNS?
   This issue may occur for any of the following reasons:

• The gateway is not connected to the LNS.

• Fake GPS is not enabled in the gateway settings.

• The LNS location settings are incorrect.

Updated November 04, 2025 07:23