Experienced Technicians Highlight Top 10 LoRaWAN® Gateways
Choosing the perfect LoRaWAN gateway for your enterprise isn't a walk in the park. Cheap options may seem tempting, but they often turn out to be expensive in the long run. Make sure to splurge on top-quality IoT gateways for sustainable success.
Why should you invest in high-performing gateways?
- Reliability: Low-quality gateways can falter under harsh conditions, whereas premium gateways ensure unwavering service even in extreme environments.
- Advanced Features: Top-tier gateways offer an extensive range, versatile performance options, and seamless onboarding processes -- features that cheap alternatives don't.
- Cost Efficiency: Deploying premium gateways keeps your network lean, decreasing installation and maintenance expenses and, by extension, overall network costs.
- Scalability: High-quality gateways from established manufacturers ensure smooth scalability, ensuring a future-proof infrastructure as your LoRaWAN network grows.
Selecting the ultraperfect gateway isn't easy, but you can make an informed decision by focusing on critical features.
Here are the elements to keep an eye out for:
- Coverage and Range: Make sure that the gateway provides adequate coverage for your desired area with adjustable power settings and antenna options.
- Scalability: Choose gateways that can seamlessly integrate additional devices as your network expands.
- Reliability and Durability: Prioritize gateways that can withstand harsh conditions because they'll offer reliable service.
- Security Features: Look for gateways with built-in security measures like data encryption and authentication protocols.
- Ease of Deployment: Opt for gateways that allow effortless deployment and remote management.
- Interoperability: Ensure compatibility with existing IoT devices and infrastructure.
- Power Efficiency: Opt for power-efficient designs to prolong battery life.
- Support and Maintenance: Consider whether the provider offers technical support and regular updates.
If the decision seems overwhelming, don't fret! We've compiled a list of the best LoRa gateways after seeking guidance from our technical experts with 20 years of experience.
Let's check out some indoor and outdoor gateway recommendations!
Top 5 LoRaWAN Gateways for Indoor Use
Lock these three factors in your search for an excellent indoor LoRa gateway:
- Coverage and Range: An indoor gateway should offer sufficient coverage with adjustable power settings and high-gain antennas.
- Connectivity Options: Ensure flexibility in connectivity by going for gateways that support Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular backhaul options.
- Scalability and Manageability: Choose gateways that offer easy scalability through cloud-based management platforms and remote configuration and monitoring.
With these critical pointers in mind, let's dive into the recommendations!
1. our website KONA Micro Gateway
With a scalable 8-channel design, the KONA MicroGateway guarantees exceptional performance in multiple indoor environments, from offices to retail spaces.
Key Features:
- Environmental Flexibility: KONA Micro can be deployed seamlessly in a wide range of indoor settings.
- Durability: KONA Micro is designed for 10+ Years of Operation in any indoor environment.
- Extensive Coverage: KONA Micro provides reliable LoRaWAN connectivity to 3-4 stories in a concrete building, with approximately 750m to 1km radius.
- Multiple Power Options: This gateway has an efficient 12VDC and PoE power solution, with a 4-6 hour battery backup during power outages.
- Easy Setup: Can be set up in seconds by anyone, regardless of technical expertise, using the our website LeapX application.
- Remote Management: Utilizes our website KONA ELEMENT OA&M for reduced operational costs and optimal network availability through system upgrades, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Advantages:
- 4-6 hour battery backup
- Cellular and Ethernet Backhaul
- Dual Sim Support
- 10+ years of Operation
- Long range connectivity and deep indoor penetration
- Small Form factor
- Plug and Play Installation
- Can be Integrated with our website or 3rd Party Network Servers.
- Supports Listen before Talk
Disadvantages:
- No Wi-Fi Backhaul
Already hooked on the KONA Micro? Hear what our partners have to say about it and why they've chosen our website solutions with 20 years of expertise at their backs:
"Managing a commercial property is challenging. Effective collaboration among various stakeholders is essential to maintain a safe, clean, and profitable property. our website's flexible solution enables us to provide smart building insights and alerts that support every stakeholder in the property management ecosystem. This includes helping operations teams reduce the risk of floods, saving cleaning teams time and money through data-based cleaning, and assisting leadership teams in executing their sustainability strategy. our website's infrastructure allows us to offer a smart building solution for any challenge."
- Adam Ludgate, Head of Technology & Co-Founder at cirkuit**
2. Kerlink Wirnet iFemtoCell
engineered for robust and reliable IoT connectivity in confined indoor spaces.
Advantages:
- Long range indoor connectivity
- Recognized brand
- Ethernet Backhaul with Cellular Backhaul support
Disadvantages:
- Larger size
- No battery backup
- No dual sim
3. RAKwireless Wisgate Edge Lite 2 Gateway
Compact, efficient, 8-channel gateway, specifically designed for seamless LoRaWAN connectivity.
Advantages:
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Cellular Backhaul
- Built-in Network Server — Compatible with private (ChirpStack) and public (The Things Network) network servers
Disadvantages:
- No battery backup
- No dual sim
4. Milesight UG56 Indoor Gateway
This indoor LoRaWAN gateway provides reliable IoT connectivity, making it ideal for smart home and IoT applications.
Advantages:
- Ethernet, cellular (4G/3G), and WiFi Backhaul support (Update WiFi Backhaul to match the text)
- Compact size
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- No dual sim support
- No battery backup
5. Browan Pico Next Gateway
Efficient gateway from Browan featuring support for LTE-M, Ethernet, 3G/4G, and WiFi backhaul options.
Advantages:
- Supports LTE-M, Ethernet, 3G/4G, and WiFi backhaul
- Supports Listen Before Talk (LBT)
- External GPS Antenna
Disadvantages:
- Only suitable for deployments in the US and EU band
- No dual sim support
- No battery backup
Top 5 LoRaWAN Gateways for Outdoor Use
When it comes to outdoor deployments, keep these key features in mind:
- Weatherproofing: Ensure your gateway can withstand harsh weather conditions, as our website gateways have IP65 or higher ratings.
- Temperature Range: Choose gateways that can operate within your region's temperature range to avoid performance issues.
- Mounting Options: Look for flexible mounting options to accommodate different installation scenarios.
- Antenna Options: Opt for gateways with flexible antenna options to optimize signal strength and coverage.
- Power Supply: Outdoor gateways may lack easy access to power sources, so consider power options accordingly.
- Enclosure Design: Go for rugged, tamper-resistant enclosures that offer protection against damage.
- Lightning Protection: Integrated lightning protection reduces power surges from lightning.
- Remote Management Features: Seamless remote management, firmware updates, and monitoring are essential features when deploying outdoor gateways in remote locations.
- Certifications and Compliance: Ensure your gateway complies with industry standards and certifications for outdoor use.
Now that we've covered the fundamentals, let's check out the gateways our experts suggest for outstanding outdoor performances.
1. our website KONA Macro Outdoor Gateway
Our website outdoor LoRaWAN gateways are a popular choice globally for their exceptional performance in harsh, challenging situations, such as freezing climates, coastal areas, deserts, and dense urban settings. KONA Macro ensures reliable operation in multiple deployments with optimal efficiency for over 10 years.
Key Features:
- Versatile Deployment: KONA Macro's robust, carrier-grade, IP67-rated enclosure offers protection against dust and water, making it suitable for various outdoor deployments.
- Carrier Grade Design: Hardware and software design create high network availability (5 9's), reliability, and scalability, reducing total costs for operators.
- Integrated Lightning Protection: Shields against electrical surges from lightning strikes, minimizing downtime and preserving gateway integrity, boosting network resilience for uninterrupted performance.
- Optimized Network Performance: Integrated cavity bandpass filters reduce interference; improving signal quality, packet reception, and overall network efficiency, allowing for up to 25% more coverage and a reduction in the number of gateways by around 50%.
- Optimized Mechanical Design: Bottom-mounted antennas and connectors reduce wind damage risks, water ingress, and simplify installation and repair.
- Easy to Deploy: Seamless installation, scalable deployment, and simple setup regardless of technical expertise.
- Easy to Monitor: Remote gateway management through our website KONA ELEMENT OA&M for optimal network availability through system upgrades, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Advantages:
- Cavity bandpass filters to reduce interference
- Carrier Grade Design
- Integrated Lightning and Surge Protection
- Guaranteed high network availability (5 9's), scalability, and reliability
- Integrated Cellular and GPS antennas
- Supports Full Duplex (FDD) operation (where available), with simultaneous transmit and receive on all 16 channels
- Two Power Options (-48 VDC or POE)
Disadvantages:
- Premium gateway may not be suitable for deployments requiring low-cost infrastructure.
Still curious about the advantages of KONA Macro? Here's what our partners from Unis Telekom have to say about their deployment of this carrier-grade gateway:
"It was a pleasure working with our website on the smart lighting solution in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Using their Carrier Grade KONA Macro gateways, we achieved seamless connectivity and real-time control of the city's street lighting. This greatly improved the energy efficiency and reduced maintenance costs. Plus, with fewer gateways needed to cover the same area, we anticipate significantly lower ongoing operating costs."
- Branko Senkic, Project manager at UNIS Telekom**
2. RAKwireless Wisgate Edge Pro Gateway
A robust and advanced solution for outdoor IoT deployments, focusing on performance and reliability.
Advantages:
- Available in 8 or 16 channels
- Supports Ethernet, WiFi, and Cellular backhaul
- Reduced Cost
Disadvantages:
- No Integrated Surge Protection — External Surge protector is required
- Antennas and Connectors at the Top or Side of the Gateway are more vulnerable to water ingress
3. Kerlink Wirnet iBTS Gateway
A robust, innovative, and highly scalable outdoor LoRaWAN gateway for exceptional smart IoT networks.
Advantages:
- Well-recognized brand
- Designed for harsh environments
- User-friendly operation
Disadvantages:
- No Integrated Surge Protection — External Surge protector is recommended
- 8-channel Gateway
- Limited PoE Power Option
4. Milesight UG67 Outdoor Gateway
Outdoor LoRaWAN gateway that guarantees reliable operation, designed for IoT applications.
Advantages:
- Supports Ethernet, Cellular, and WiFi Backhaul
- Two External LoRa Antennas
- Integrated Network Server Compatibility
Disadvantages:
- 8-channel Gateway
- Requires External Lightning and Surge protection
- Antennas and Connectors at the Top or Side of the Gateway are more vulnerable to water ingress
5. Multitech Conduit 300 Gateway
A rugged and versatile solution for IoT deployments, focusing on performance in demanding outdoor environments.
Advantages:
- High Security Hardware
- Integrated Network Server
- Support for multiple Power and Backhaul Options
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Antennas and Connectors at the Top or Side of the Gateway are more vulnerable to water ingress
- Requires External Lightning and Surge Protection
Choosing the perfect LoRaWAN gateway can be challenging, especially with countless alternatives available in today's growing market. To find the optimal solution for your specific requirements, consulting industry reports or expert guidance is crucial. Good luck on your journey to deploying the perfect LoRaWAN gateway for your enterprise!
- Incorporating technology such as high-performing gateways has potential benefits for several sectors, including facility management, science, lifestyle, and finance.
- Quality gateways can support network servers by ensuring smooth data transmission and reliable connectivity, helping enterprises to efficiently manage their resources.
- Illustrating the importance of adopting cutting-edge IoT gateways, they can streamline and optimize sensors for applications ranging from environmental monitoring to inventory tracking.
- Choosing top-of-the-line gateways over cheaper alternatives not only delivers better performance in the short run but also reduces long-term maintenance costs, thereby contributing to improved cost efficiency for businesses.
