LoRaWAN Glossary
A comprehensive guide to LoRaWAN and IoT terminology.
ADR
Adaptive Data Rate - A mechanism that allows the network server to optimize data rate and transmission power for each device based on signal quality.
Class A
The most common LoRaWAN device class. Devices initiate communication and can only receive downlinks in two short windows after each uplink.
Class B
Devices that can receive scheduled downlinks at predetermined times using beacons for synchronization.
Class C
Devices with continuous receive windows, allowing immediate downlinks but requiring constant power.
Downlink
A message sent from the network server to an end device, typically containing commands or configuration updates.
End Device
A LoRaWAN sensor or actuator that communicates with the network through gateways.
Gateway
A device that receives LoRaWAN signals from end devices and forwards them to the network server via IP.
Join Procedure
The process by which a device authenticates and establishes a secure session with the network.
LoRa
Long Range - The physical layer modulation technique that enables long-range, low-power wireless communication.
LoRaWAN
Long Range Wide Area Network - The network protocol built on top of LoRa that defines the communication between devices and the network.
LPWAN
Low Power Wide Area Network - A category of wireless technologies designed for long-range, low-bandwidth, battery-powered IoT applications.
Network Server
The central component that manages the LoRaWAN network, handling device authentication, message routing, and network optimization.
OTAA
Over-The-Air Activation - A secure join procedure where devices dynamically negotiate session keys with the network.
Spreading Factor
A parameter that determines the data rate and range trade-off. Higher SF means longer range but slower data rate.
Uplink
A message sent from an end device to the network server, typically containing sensor data.