The Things Indoor Gateway Pro: A Managed LoRaWAN Solution with ESP32 and Semtech SX1302

The Things Industries first introduced the Things Indoor Gateway, an affordable multi-channel LoRaWAN gateway designed for IoT networks in 2019. While low-cost single-channel gateways like Dragino OLG01, priced as low as $83.50, were available, they often struggled with connectivity in shared environments. The Things Indoor Gateway, priced around $111, offered a reliable solution for large-scale IoT deployments.

Building on this success, the company has now launched the next-generation Things Indoor Gateway Pro. This managed LoRaWAN gateway is designed for seamless IoT network installation, featuring zero-touch provisioning, full cloud management, and flexible connectivity options including LTE, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi with automated failover. With advanced device management tools such as mTLS, FOTA, and secure boot, the Things Indoor Gateway Pro is a future-ready solution tailored for evolving IoT needs.

Previously, we explored a variety of LoRaWAN gateways, including the AgroSense LoRaWAN for high-precision agriculture, the WisGate Soho Pro RAK7267 for greenhouse monitoring, and solutions for smart cities such as lighting applications. We also looked at the versatile Radair mini multi-purpose gateway, among others. If you’re interested in these products, feel free to check them out!

The Things Indoor Gateway Pro specifications:

• SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32 with dual-core Xtensa LX7 microcontroller up to 240MHz
• Networking
  • IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz wifi with automated failover + PCB antenna
  • LoRaWAN via Semtech SX1302 chipset
    • Support for 868 MHz (EU) and 915 MHz (US) bands
    • Supports 8 Channels (Half-duplex)
    • Sensitivity: -140 dBm sensitivity at SF12
    • Output power – Up to 27 dBm
    • Antenna connector for 1x external antenna
  • Ethernet – 1x RJ45 WAN port with 10/100 Base-T (IEEE 802.3) physical layer, supporting 10/100 Mbps data rate, Auto MDI/MDIX, and full/half duplex mode with auto-sensing.
  • Cellular interface – Micro SIM-3FF slot
    • Modem – 4G LTE (Cat 1 bis) / GSM
    • Antenna – 1x External antenna
• USB – 1x USB 2.0 Type-C for power supply and console
• Misc
  • Reset button
  • Controller and The things stack LED indicators
• Power
  • 5V via USB Type-C Port
  • 5~12V DC via 3.5mm 2-pin Terminal Block
• Dimension – TBD

The Things Indoor Gateway Pro can easily integrate with The Things Stack deployments via The Things Gateway Controller, with built-in support for The Things Stack Cloud and Sandbox. The Things Stack, The Things Industries’ platform for managing LoRaWAN networks, provides robust features like real-time monitoring, alerts, and detailed analytics. The platform also offers advanced device management tools, including mTLS for secure communication, firmware over-the-air updates, remote reboot, spectral scanning, and smart filtering.

The company provides detailed information on mounting instructions, gateway subscription, Wi-Fi connection settings, and configuration, as well as LED status indicators, on its documentation page.

The Indoor Gateway Pro is available on The Things Shop for the European frequency band at €130 with a subscription of €5/month or €50/year, and for the North American frequency band at $150 with a subscription of $6/month or $50/year. For more details, visit the Indoor Gateway Pro product page.

Thanks to TLS for the tip.

Sayantan Nandy

Sayantan Nandy, an electronics engineer with over four years of hands-on experience in PCB design, circuit development and power electronics, is proficient in EAGLE CAD, Ki-Cad, and Altium. He has a proven track record of delivering efficient and effective systems. His expertise extends from R&D, and prototyping to production support, making him a valuable asset to any engineering team.

Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress