Semtech, supplier of high performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, announced this week a picocell gateway dongle incorporating Semtech’s LoRa devices and wireless RF technology (LoRa Technology) that includes Linux utilities and Microsoft Windows support and availability of a free, non-commercial LoRaWAN network server demonstration platform.
The tools will assist low power wide area (LPWAN) network applications developers who want to rapidly prototype and demonstrate their Internet of Things (IoT) product ideas based on LoRa technology.
Semtech’s LoRa wireless RF technology is a widely adopted long-range, low-power solution for IoT that gives telecom companies, IoT application makers and system integrators the feature set necessary to deploy low-cost, interoperable IoT networks, gateways, sensors, module products, and IoT services worldwide. IoT networks based on the LoRaWAN specification have been deployed in over 60 countries.
The Semtech LoRa-based picocell gateway dongle can easily connect via a USB port to a Linux or Windows based processor, which are most commonly used by LoRaWAN gateway developers. The Windows GUI streamlines the network connection without an additional board. This tool is expected to accelerate adoption of IoT technology into next-generation smart applications.
Beyond the initial prototype phase, several LoRa Alliance members offer compatible commercial, production-grade network servers and picocell gateway products. The device is currently available with Linux support, and Windows support will be available by early next year.
As more verticals look for IoT solutions, this free, non-commercial LoRaWAN network server is an opportunity for companies to explore innovative use cases and have a secure area to evaluate their LoRa-based applications. Users will be able to test key capabilities, including on-boarding gateways, view sensor data log and network activity, and forward data to an application server for visualization and processing compliant with the LoRaWAN 1.0.2 specification. Semtech’s free demonstration network server is available now and already in use by developers.
“With the rapidly increasing market adoption of Semtech’s LoRa Technology, providing new development tools for free or at a low cost is important to our customers as it lowers the barriers to initial engagement and evaluation,” said Vivek Mohan, director of Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “Semtech’s dedication to the LoRaWAN open protocol and LoRa Technology is expected to ensure the growth of LPWAN sensor applications and success for Semtech’s ecosystem partners.”
