LoRa and Mesh network are 2 widely-used wireless communication technology for IoT projects. To know which one meets your demands and requirements, you should know the differences in framework, performance and application scenarios of LoRa and Mest Network.
Mesh network is a decentralized network structure which has features of self-organizing, self-healing and multiple hop transmission. LoRa is more of a network based on physical technology, LoRaWAN is a commonly-seen protocol. Ultra long distance transmission and low power consumption are main advantages of LoRa. Below parts will guide you to know details of LoRa and Mesh network. 

Structure of Mesh & LoRa Network

Mesh network is made up of multi nodes like router and sensor module, and each node can be used as a communicator or repeater. Unlike traditional network that all the devices connect to just one point, in a Mesh network, Every node connects to each other to form a mesh structure.

LoRa is a star topology network structure, end nodes like sensor directly communicates with 1 or multi gateway. After that, gateway transfer data to cloud servers via cable or cellular network. Each LoRAWAN node does not communicate to each other.

Mesh & LoRa Working Principle

Mesh network: Data can be transferred from a node to another node, reach the destination through multiple hop transmission. If there is malfunctions in some paths, automatically seek other available paths to continue transmitting and guarantee communication.

LoRa network: End nodes send a few data like temperature, humidity, location out with a ultra low power consumption. The signal can penetrates buildings to reach gateway. In most case, nodes are in deep sleep mode. When need to send some messages or share a location, wake them up.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros of Mesh Network

1. Large coverage: Multiple nodes hop transmission cover a wider area than single node communication distance.
2. High reliability & self-healing: Network is stable and reliable without single point of failure.
3. Low delay: Data transmission is very fast with slow delay. Easily meet applications demands prompt response.

Cons of Mesh Network

In a Mesh network, the nodes are usually a little bit expensive since they need to be used as communicator and repeater.

Pros of LoRa Network

1. Ultra long distance communication: Transmission distance could reach 2 to 10 kilometers in city and it would be much longer in open areas.
2. Low power consumption: Battery powered nodes are able to work for years.
3. Large scale connection: One gateway can connect to thousands of end nodes.
4. Low cost: Network deployment does not cost more because of frequency bands.

Cons of LoRa Network

Data transmission rate is very slow and the delay could be seconds which is not suitable for real time control and large scale data transmission.

Mesh & LoRa Network Typical Applications

Mesh network can be found in intelligent housing system, commercial illumination control, industrial surveillance. It is very suitable for mid-short distance applications with dense nodes and frequent communication.

As for LoRa, it is widely used for smart agriculture, environment monitoring, smart city. It’s applications don’t need too many nodes and data transmission is also periodical.