According to Machina Research, by the end of 2020, the Internet of Things (IoT) was expected to have over 1.5 billion connected devices. A significant portion—about one-third—of these devices would rely heavily on geographic data, with 60% of applications likely incorporating location-based information. As IoT applications continue to evolve, there is a growing demand for precise positioning, especially in asset tracking and real-time monitoring.
One of the unique aspects of LoRa technology is its ability to provide geographic location data without significantly increasing the bill of materials or power consumption. This makes it ideal for low-power, long-range IoT applications. LoRa-based geolocation works both indoors and outdoors, with accuracy depending on factors like terrain and the density of base stations.
The principle behind LoRa positioning relies on time difference of arrival (TDoA). As a narrowband wireless technology, LoRa uses synchronized gateways to determine the location of a device. When a LoRaWAN-enabled device sends a packet, it is received by all nearby gateways. These gateways then forward the message to the network server, which calculates the position based on the time differences between the received signals.
This process eliminates the need for the end device to scan or connect to a specific gateway, reducing overhead and power usage. The sensor simply wakes up, sends the data, and all gateways within range can receive it. This makes the system efficient and scalable.
LoRa positioning offers several key advantages:
- **Low Power Consumption**: No additional processing is required for location tasks, and the device doesn't need to spend extra "air time" sending location data. Even small packets can be used for geolocation.
- **Low Cost**: There's no need for GPS hardware or other expensive components. Smaller batteries and compact designs make it more affordable.
- **Minimal Environmental Impact**: With smaller hardware, including electronics, battery, and casing, the environmental footprint is reduced. Many sensors are designed to last for years without needing replacement.
Applications of LoRa positioning span across various industries:
1. **Smart Cities and Traffic Monitoring**: In automotive applications, geolocation helps track incidents, enable predictive maintenance, and improve overall traffic management. Accurate location data supports better decision-making algorithms.
2. **Logistics and Asset Management**: From trash can fill level monitoring to tracking gas cylinders and containers, LoRa’s positioning capabilities help optimize collection routes and reduce operational costs. It also aids in inventory management through asset tracking.
3. **Agriculture**: Livestock tracking is one of the most common uses. By monitoring the location and health of animals, farmers can respond more quickly to illness or injury. On large ranches, knowing the exact location of a sick animal can save time and resources.
Beyond agriculture, LoRa’s geolocation is also used in construction, insurance, and consumer sectors to track high-value assets such as equipment, products, pets, and even people.
Currently, two major IoT networks—NB-IoT and LoRa—are rapidly expanding in China. Over 1,000 IoT applications have been deployed across different provinces. According to industry reports, 70% of enterprises actively seek reliable and fast-deploying IoT solutions. Many companies choose NB-IoT and LoRa products from Fuzhou Xiecheng Wisdom Technology Co., Ltd., including gateways, smoke and water sensors, infrared detectors, and positioning modules. These solutions allow businesses to quickly develop IoT services and establish themselves as leaders in the national IoT market. The trend of “Global IoT Development Seeing China†is becoming increasingly evident.
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