LoRa is a remote network project for the Internet of Things. It is a radio modulation method based on spread spectrum modulation technology, which is derived from CSS (chirp spread spectrum) technology. WAN stands for Wide Area Network. LoRaWAN defines a software communication protocol and system architecture. Ongoing development of the LoRaWAN protocol is governed by the open, non-profit LoRa Alliance, of which SemTech is a founding member.
LoRa and LoRaWAN together define a low-power, wide-area (LPWA) networking protocol designed to wirelessly connect battery-operated devices to the Internet in regional, national, or global networks. They address key IoT needs such as two-way communication, end-to-end security, mobility and localized services. The data rate of LoRaWAN is 0.3kb/s ~ 50kb/s/channel. The low-power, low-bit-rate IoT use case distinguishes this type of network from wireless wide-area networks designed to connect users or businesses, which involve more data and more power consumption.
Over the past few years, LoRa and LoRaWAN have progressed from innovation to mainstream maturity and to mass adoption. LoRaWAN networks are deployed in 181 countries, supporting 166 public network operators, using more than 2.3 million gateways, and deploying as many as 240 million endpoints.
LoRa Edge is an ultra-low-power platform for GNSS management applications that integrates a long-range LoRa transceiver, a multi-constellation scanner, and a passive Wi-Fi AP MAC address scanner. The LoRa Edge platform completes positioning through the cloud rather than on the device itself, significantly reducing power consumption. At the same time, LoRaCloud provides component services that work with LoRa edge chipsets, giving customers the opportunity to benefit from Semtech's low-power chip-to-cloud positioning solutions. By dividing the workload between the device and the cloud, the device can achieve long battery life that was not possible before.
Back to the LoRa Cloud Locator, this is a SaaS (software as a service) that uses Semtech's LoRa cloud modem and geolocation service. This new service gives customers the opportunity to experience first-hand devices powered by LoRa Edge and evaluate the accuracy and power consumption capabilities of the LoRa Edge platform, which provides an ultra-low-power and low-cost solution for indoor/outdoor tracking use cases .the LoRa Cloud Locator has built-in serverless technology and provides customers with a simple end-to-end experience to evaluate LoRa Edge implemented in trackers in various ecosystems (private or public LoRaWAN networks).
As Karthik puts it: “Location tracking is one of the most common use cases in industry verticals. Whether it’s tracking wheelchairs in hospitals, shopping carts in retail, pallets in supply chains, cattle and sheep in agriculture, or pets at home, Location tracking is everywhere. Semtech’s LoRa Cloud Locator is the fastest way users can buy a LoRa Edge tracker, configure it into the app, and see its location on a map.”.the LoRa Cloud Locator is designed for trackers using Semtech's LoRa Edge LR series chips. Once configured, coupled with Semtech's LoRa wireless RF technology transmitted to the cloud, customers can view the tracker's location on a map within 15 minutes.
