In the United States, more and more outdoor fans, emergency communication users and technique developer begin to look into LoRa devices. One commonly seen question is: Do LoRa device require Internet or cellular network?
This article help you understand LoRa device, Mesh network, Meshtastic network and off-grid communication based on technology principle and actual applications.
Do LoRa Device Require Internet?
The answer is: No.
LoRa (Long Range) is a kind of low power consumption wide area communication technology with its core features:
- In dependent of Wi-Fi or cellular net work.
- Support Peer-to-peer (P2P) communication.
- Able to build decentralized Mesh network.
These features mean LoRa devices still can keep normal communication even in areas with no cell phone signal like National Park, desert & mountainous area, remote countryside and emergency rescue under natural hazards.
How Does A LoRa Device Achieve Communication?
LoRa devices transfer data packet via radio. 915 MHz is the normal frequency in the United States. 2 mainly-used communication methods:
1. Peer-to-Peer communication
Messages directly transmitted between 2 devices. This is suitable for simple applications like remote monitoring & control, GPS tracking, texting messages.
2. Mesh Network
Mesh network is built by multi LoRa devices and each device (also called node) can be used as a repeater to reach a long range communication. This advantage make LoRa popular in outdoor and off-grid communication.
Meshtastic Net Work: High Grade Application of LoRa
Meshtastic device & network is a hot LoRa application among user group in the United States.
Meshtastic is an open-source communication platform based on LoRa with features of:
- Automatic Mesh network set up
- Supports encrypted communication
- Message transmission via mobile phone (Bluetooth)
- Totally support off-grid communication
Only a couple of LoRa devices can set up a communication system without internet.
Core Value of LoRa Devices in Off-Grid Communication
LoRa devices is nearly the optimal choice for off-grid communication requirements. Reasons listed as below:
1. Long Range Communication
Effective communication distance of LoRa devices can reach several kilometers or even longer under ideal conditions.
2. Ultra Low Power Consumption
Devices can operate for days and weeks which is very suitable to use with battery or solar power supply.
3. High Reliability
Mesh network automatically adjust routes and path even some nodes are out of service.
4. Complete Independence
There is no need of any telecom operators or infrastructure.
Typical Application Scenarios of LoRa Devices
In the United States, LoRa devices widely used for:
- Outdoor camping & hiking communication
- Drone data package transmission
- Emergency communication under natural hazard
- Remote monitoring & surveillance
- Decentralized communication network experiment.
Combination of LoRa + Meshtastic has become basic assets of outdoor fans especially in national parks or mountainous area.
Suggestions of LoRa Devices Power Supply
Power supply is an essential part in off-grid environments. Normally seen power supply solutions of LoRa devices:
- 10000, 20000 mAh high capacity rechargeable battery.
- Solar power supply system
- Magnetic wireless charging
Stable power supply system is the guarantee that keep a long-time steady operation of Mesh Network.
In A Conclusion
Let’s went back to the initial question: Do LoRa Devices Require Internet? Obviously, the answer is: No
Because of that, LoRa device is more of:
- Core technology of off-grid communication
- Foundation of Meshtastic network.
- Essential Mesh network deployment part.
If you are looking for reliable, low-cost, off-grid communication solution, then LoRa device is the best choice.
