The most obvious way to setup your own LoRAWAN network is to get an off-the-shelf Gateway such as MatchBox, which can be easily installed, and configured using the built-in web interface.
But if you need something more flexible, Rakwireless RAK833 could be an interesting option, as an industrial grade LoRaWAN gateway that you can just insert into an advanced router or computer’s mini PCIe slot.
RAK833 card specifications:
- LoRa Connectivity
- Semtech SX1301 Digital Baseband Chip for outdoor LoRaWAN macro gateways
- 2x Semtech SX1255/7 Tx/Rx front-end
- 49x LoRa demodulators, 10 parallel demodulation paths
- Frequencies – 433 MHz, 470 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz
- Tx Power – Up to 25 dBm
- Rx Sensitivity – -140 dBm
- Host Interface – 52-pin mPCIe edge connector with USB and SPI (via FT2232H) signals;
- Supply Voltage – 3.3V compatible with 3G/LTE mPCIe cards
- Dimensions – 50.95 x 30 mm
The card ships with an external antenna, and should work with any Linux device with a mini PCIe slot using the same “RAK831_LoRaGateway” software as for RAK831 LoRa gateway module. You’ll also find hardware & software documentation on Rakwireless website.
If you don’t already have a host device, you can evaluate the mini PCIe card using RAK833-EVB-Kit which combines the card with RAK634 WiFi router module based on Mediatek MT7628N chipset running OpenWrt, and providing the following interfaces: 2x Ethernet ports, a microSD slot, 2x micro USB ports, and DC jack.
For few more details may also be found on the product page, and if you are interested in purchased the mPCIe card or evaluation board both are available for 868 or 915 MHz frequencies on Aliexpress for $177 and $229 respectively plus shipping.
[Update June 29, 2018: RAK Wireless will now offer two versions of RAK833 mini PCIe card, one with USB + SPI for development, and a cheaper one with SPI only for production.
Price:
- RAK833-SPI – $99
- RAK833-USB/SPI – $119 ]
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Can someone suggest a good sturdy Linux box to run this card on? x86 or ARM, doesn’t matter but something close to industrial spec would be preferred.
I’m sure CNX here has covered many options, but I can’t seem to find one.
Thanks!
To be 100% sure it works, it may be worthwhile getting the EVB first. I’d assume the card should work with an USB mini PCIe slot that you normally connect modems to (TBC).
Gateworks GW5510/GW5520 would probably match your requirements – https://www.cnx-software.com/2015/02/04/gateworks-gw5520-single-board-computer-features-dual-gigabit-ethernet-ports-two-mini-pcie-slots/ – If needed, they also sell enclosures for their boards.
If you search for “industrial mini PC” in the search field at the top of the sidebar, you’ll find several mini PCs or gateways, many of which will have an mPCIe slot for USB modems.
Look at those mt7621 mediatek routers, they are cheap and run openwrt. I could get one for 50eur with the aluminium box.
The company will now offer a cheaper SPI only version RAK833-SPI for $99.