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how to use auto add device on rak lorawan® gateways

Learn how to use the Auto Add Device feature on RAK LoRaWAN gateways to simplify OTAA deployment and automatically register new IoT devices. 

This guide walks through enabling the feature in Built-in Network Server mode, setting up applications, and configuring devices for seamless large-scale IoT onboarding. 

How It Works

When a LoRaWAN device sends a valid Join Request, the gateway will automatically register the device, provided that Auto Add Device is enabled in the corresponding application.

The registration process follows these steps:

  • The gateway checks if Auto Add Device is enabled for the matched application.

  • It verifies that the AppEUI and AppKey match the device’s request.

  • It uses the device’s reported DevEUI to create a new device entry.

Once the Join is successful, the device will automatically appear under Configuration > Applications > [Your Application] > End devices.

Prerequisites

  • Ensure the gateway is running in Built-in Network Server mode.

  • Prepare the necessary device information, including AppEUI and AppKey.

Configure Your Gateway

  1. Log in to the gateway's web UI.

Web UI Login for WisGateOS 2
Figure 1: Web UI Login for WisGateOS 2

  1. Navigate to the LoRa > Applications tab.

  2. To add a new application, click Add application or add one now.

LoRa Applications tab on WisGateOS 2
Figure 2: LoRa Applications tab on WisGateOS 2

  1. Set the following parameters:

Application Parameters Fields on WIsGateOS 2
Figure 3: Application Parameters Fields on WIsGateOS 2

  • Application Name: A unique name for the application.

  • Application Description: (Optional) Additional information about the application.

  • Application Type: Select Unified Application Key. All devices under this application will share the same AppKey.

  • Auto Add Device: Enable this option. Devices with matching AppEUI and AppKey will be automatically registered upon joining.

  • Application Key: A 128-bit key used for device authentication (required when using Unified Application Key).

  • Application EUI: Must match the AppEUI configured on the end device. This is required when Auto Add Device is enabled.

Additional configuration options can be tailored to meet project needs.

  1. Click Save application.

Application Successfully Added on WisGateOS 2
Figure 4: Application Successfully Added on WisGateOS 2

Configure Your Device

To enable automatic registration via Auto Add Device, your LoRaWAN end device must meet the following requirements:

  • Activation Mode: OTAA (Over-the-Air Activation)

  • DevEUI: A globally unique device identifier

  • AppEUI: Must match the Application EUI set in the gateway application

  • AppKey: Must match the Application Key set in the gateway application

Once a Join Request is sent and matches the AppEUI and AppKey, the gateway will automatically register the device under the application.

End Device Connected to the Created Application
Figure 5: End Device Connected to the Created Application

Troubleshooting

ISSUE

POSSIBLE CAUSE

SOLUTION
Device not registered after Join Auto Add Device is disabled Enable it in the application settings
AppEUI/AppKey mismatch Ensure both values match on the device and in the application.
Devices use ABP Only OTAA devices are supported
Join Request never received Check frequency and TX power compatibility with the gateway.

FAQs

  1. What types of devices can use Auto Add Device?
    Any LoRaWAN end device that utilizes OTAA (Over-the-Air Activation). 

  2. Is ABP supported?
    No. Auto Add Device requires OTAA, as registration is initiated by the Join Request.

  3. Can I use separate AppKeys for each device?
    No. Auto Add Device only functions when the application is set to Unified Application Key mode, where all devices share the same AppKey.

  4. Will a device be added more than once?
    No. The system uses the DevEUI as a globally unique identifier, preventing duplicate entries automatically.

  5. Can auto-added devices be edited later?
    Yes. You can modify parameters by navigating to Configuration > Applications > [Your Application] > [Your Device] > Configuration

Glossary

TERM

DESCRIPTION
AppKey A 128-bit root key used to authenticate a device and derive session keys during activation in LoRaWAN networks, typically in Over-The-Air Activation (OTAA).
AppEUI A 64-bit identifier representing the application or service associated with the device, used during the activation process.
DevEUI A globally unique 64-bit identifier assigned to each LoRaWAN device, used by the network to identify and track devices.
Join Request A LoRaWAN MAC-layer message sent by a device to request joining a network using OTAA. It contains the DevEUI, AppEUI, and other parameters necessary for activation.

 

Changelog
  • Version 1 - How to Use Auto Add Device on RAK LoRaWAN® Gateways
    • Date Published: 10/30/2025


 






 

 

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