how to connect rak gateways to chirpstack v3 via udp

This guide explains how to connect a RAK gateway to ChirpStack v3 using Packet Forwarder mode over the Semtech UDP GWMP protocol.

Prerequisites

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

  • A deployed ChirpStack v3 Network Server with Gateway Bridge configured for Semtech UDP
  • Open the following ports on your ChirpStack server:
    • UDP 1700 for LoRaWAN packet forwarding
    • HTTP 8080 for ChirpStack Web UI access  
  • RAK Gateway with internet access.

Register the Gateway in ChirpStack v3

This section provides step-by-step instructions for registering a RAK gateway in ChirpStack v3. For detailed instructions, refer to: How to Register a RAK Gateway in ChirpStack v3.

Configure the Gateway

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

    图形用户界面, 文本, 应用程序 描述已自动生成
  2. Go to LoRa > Configuration, and set Work Mode to Packet forwarder.

  3. In the Protocol field, click the dropdown. Then configure the following parameters.

  • Protocol: Select Semtech UDP GWMP (default).
  • Server address: Enter the public IP address of your ChirpStack server, for example: 18.156.176.220
  • Server port up / Server port down: 1700
  1. Click Save changes to apply the configuration.

Verify Gateway Status

Once everything is set up correctly, your gateway will appear in the ChirpStack web interface under Gateways, with the Last seen field updating to a recent timestamp (e.g., “a few seconds ago”).

图形用户界面, 文本, 应用程序, 电子邮件

描述已自动生成

Troubleshooting

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Gateway not showing as online
  • Wrong server IP/port configured on gateway
  • Firewall blocks UDP 1700
  • Verify ChirpStack server IP/port is reachable from gateway
  • Ensure UDP port 1700 is open in firewall/security group
  GatewayEUI mismatch
  • Check gateway EUI in WebUI > Dashboard > Overview
  • Make sure the same EUI is used when registering the gateway in ChirpStack
  ChirpStack Gateway Bridge not bound to UDP 1700
  • Open /etc/chirpstack-gateway-bridge/chirpstack-gateway-bridge.toml
  • Confirm backend type is semtech_udp and listening on :1700
  Region mismatch Check chirpstack-network-server.toml and ensure the [network_server.band] parameter matches the hardware band of your gateway
ChirpStack Web UI not accessible Port 8080 blocked
  • Allow port 8080 through firewall/security group
  • Access via http://<your-server-ip>:8080

FAQs

1. Where can I find my Gateway EUI?
It's printed on the device labeled as “GWEUI”, or available in the WisGate Web UI under Dashboard > Overview.

2. Can I use a private IP for a server address?
Yes, but only if the gateway and server are on the same LAN. Use a public IP for Internet-based deployment.

 


Changelog
  • Version 1 - How to Connect RAK Gateways to ChirpStack v3 via UDP
    • Date Published: 11/01/2025

Updated