---
title: Understanding the LoRaWAN® Architecture
description: Learn about the LoRaWAN® architecture and the functionality of the connected gateways, servers and LoRa®-based end devices that make up a LoRaWAN network.
---

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- [Parametric](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/parametric-search)
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[![Semtech](https://www.semtech.com/uploads/images/semtech-logo.svg "Semtech")](https://www.semtech.com)

- [LoRa®](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
  
    - [LoRa® Overview](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
      
      ### LoRa Overview
      
      LoRa is the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things (IoT). Semtech's LoRa chipsets connect sensors to the Cloud and enable real-time communication of data and analytics that can be utilized to enhance efficiency and productivity.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
      
      
      
          - [LoRa (PHY)](https://www.semtech.com/lora/what-is-lora)
          - [Benefits of LoRa](https://www.semtech.com/lora/why-lora)
          - [LoRaWAN® Standard](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lorawan-standard)
          - [Products](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
    - [Applications](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications)
      
      ### Applications Overview
      
      With an ever-increasing number of IoT vertical applications, LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN standard is creating business efficiencies and improving lives around the world.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications)
      
      
      
          - [Agriculture](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-agriculture)
          - [Cities](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-cities)
          - [Environment](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-environment)
          - [Healthcare](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-healthcare)
          - [Buildings](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-buildings)
          - [Homes](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-homes)
          - [Industrial Control](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-industrial-control)
          - [Retail](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-retail)
          - [Supply Chain and Logistics](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-supply-chain-logistics)
          - [Electricity](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-electricity-metering)
          - [Gas](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-gas-metering)
          - [Water](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-water-metering)
    - [Ecosystem](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem)
      
      ### Ecosystem Overview
      
      LoRa is bolstered by a diverse global ecosystem of hardware manufacturers, software designers, network providers, and industry associations.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem)
      
      
      
          - [LoRa Alliance®](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/lora-alliance)
          - [Featured Sensor Use Cases](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/sensor-features)
          - [Gateways](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/gateways)
          - [Software](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/software)
          - [Networks](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/networks)
          - [Industry Alliances](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/industry-alliances)
    - [Resources](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
      
      ### Resources Overview
      
      Explore our top resources to help you learn more about LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN standard or bring a LoRa-based solution to market.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
      
      
      
          - [LoRa Products Overview](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
          - [Videos](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-videos)
          - [White Papers & Use Cases](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-white-papers)
          - [LoRa Developers & Tech Support](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-community)
          - [LoRa Calculator](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/lora-calculator)
          - [Amazon Sidewalk](https://info.semtech.com/sidewalk)
          - [Academy for LoRaWAN](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lorawan-academy)
          - [Logo Use](https://www.semtech.com/company/brand-resources)
          - [Press Releases](https://www.semtech.com/company/press/category/pr-lora-wireless-rf)
          - [Press Coverage](https://www.semtech.com/company/news/category/pr-lora-wireless-rf)
          - [Contact](https://www.semtech.com/company/contact/support)
- [Products](https://www.semtech.com/products)
  
    - [Products Overview](https://www.semtech.com/products)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      Thousands of customers worldwide rely on our diverse product portfolio and world class technology roadmap for solutions in low power wireless communications, optical data transport, video broadcasting, power management, circuit protection, touch sensing, and more.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products)
      
      
      
      ### Quick Links
      
          - [Product Selector Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
          - [Shop](https://www.semtech.com/shop)
          - [Parametric Search](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/parametric-search)
    - [LoRa® Wireless RF](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      LoRa®, a long range, low power platform, and the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things, is highly integrated and cost-effective, boasting a notable battery life of up to 20 years, a 3-mile range in urban environments and a 30-mile range outdoors.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
      
      
      
          - [ICs for Gateways](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/lora-core)
          - [ICs for Sensors](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/lora-connect)
          - [LoRa Cloud™](https://loracloud.com)
          - [Software Library](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/software-library-protocol-solution)
    - [Circuit Protection](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      Sophisticated devices that protect sensitive circuitry from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), Electrical Fast Transients (EFT), Cable Discharge Events (CDE), and other electrical overstress.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection)
      
      
      
      ### Circuit Protection Products
      
          - [ESD Protection Diodes](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/esd-protection)
          - [TVS Diodes](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/tvs-diodes)
      
      
      ### Interfaces
      
          - [Antenna](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/antenna)
          - [Automotive Ethernet](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/automotive-ethernet)
          - [Automotive High Speed](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/automotive-high-speed)
          - [Ethernet](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/ethernet)
          - [HDMI](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/hdmi)
          - [RS-485](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/rs485)
          - [USB](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/usb)
          - [VBUS](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/vbus)
    - [Signal Integrity](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      A comprehensive portfolio of innovative optical, analog and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions that serve the rising global demand for high-speed data transmission products.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity)
      
      
      
          - [Clock & Data Recovery](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/clock-and-data-recovery)
          - [Laser Drivers and Transceivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/laser-drivers-transceivers)
          - [Limiting Amplifiers](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/limiting-amplifiers)
          - [ROSAs](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/rosas)
          - [Signal Conditioners](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/signal-conditioners)
          - [Transimpedance Amplifiers](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/transimpedance-amplifiers)
    - [Professional AV](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      Advanced off-the-shelf technology that enables end-to-end systems and integrates advanced inline signal processing capabilities such as light compression, broadcast quality scaling and audio down-mixing.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av)
      
      
      
          - [BlueRiver®](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av/blueriver)
          - [USB Extension](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av/usb-extension)
    - [PerSe® Smart Sensing](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      Ultra-low power, feature-rich touch controllers that are optimized for numerous applications and provide best-in-class sensitivity with robust noise immunity to enhance touch and near range proximity detection.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
      
      
      
          - [PerSe® Connect](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-connect)
          - [PerSe® Contact](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-contact-human-sensor)
          - [PerSe® Control](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-control-touch-proximity-sensor)
          - [IO Expanders](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/io-expanders)
    - [Broadcast Video](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      Award-winning solutions designed specifically to push real-world broadcast boundaries in performance, reach, power, and signal integrity while reducing time to market and design risks.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video)
      
      
      
          - [AV Interface & Protocol Conversion](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/av-interface-protocol-conversion)
          - [Configurable EQ/CD](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/configurable-eq-cd)
          - [Cable Drivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/cable-drivers)
          - [Cable Equalizers](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/cable-equalizers)
          - [Crosspoints](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/crosspoints)
          - [Receivers (Deserializers)](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/receivers-deserializers)
          - [Reclocking](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/reclocking)
          - [Transmitters (Serializers)](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/transmitters-serializers)
    - [Power Management](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      A pioneer in power management ICs across networking and industrial power, handheld power and automotive applications, Semtech leads the quest to enable a new class of greener, smarter and smaller end products.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management)
      
      
      
          - [EcoBrite LED Drivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/ecobrite-led-drivers)
          - [EcoSpeed DC-DC Converters](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/ecospeed-dc-dc-converters)
          - [FemtoBuck DC-DC Regulators and Controllers](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/femtobuck-dc-dc-regulators-controllers)
          - [FemtoSwitch Load Switch ICs](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/femtoswitch-switches)
          - [nanoSmart LDOs](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/nanosmart-ldos)
          - [Neo-Iso Solid State Relays](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/neo-iso-solid-state-relays)
          - [Special Functions](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/special-functions)
    - [Cellular IoT Solutions](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      Leading edge-to-Cloud solutions delivering the device, software and connectivity services needed to simplify and accelerate data-driven transformation with cellular IoT.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions)
      
      
      
          - [Managed Connectivity](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/managed-connectivity)
          - [Modules](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/modules)
          - [Router Solutions](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/router-solutions)
- [Technology](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
  
    - [Technology Overview](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
      
      ### Technology Overview
      
      Our highly differentiated, disruptive analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms enable today's most innovative electronics within some of the fastest growing verticals and markets.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
      
      
      
      ### Quick Links
      
          - [Related Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
          - [LoRa White Papers & Infographics](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-white-papers)
          - [Product Selector Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
    - [LoRa® Wireless RF For The IoT](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
      
      ### LoRa Wireless RF For The IoT Overview
      
      LoRa is the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things (IoT). Semtech's LoRa chipsets connect sensors to the Cloud and enable real-time communication of data and analytics that can be utilized to enhance efficiency and productivity.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
      
      
      
          - [LoRa (PHY)](https://www.semtech.com/lora/what-is-lora)
          - [Benefits of LoRa](https://www.semtech.com/lora/why-lora)
          - [LoRaWAN® Standard](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lorawan-standard)
    - [PerSe® Smart Sensing](https://www.semtech.com/technology/perse)
      
      ### PerSe® Smart Sensing Overview
      
      Semtech's PerSe technology intelligently senses human presence for optimized connectivity and enhanced user experience.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/perse)
      
      
      
      ### Quick Links
      
          - [Infographic](https://info.semtech.com/perse-smart-sensing-infographic)
          - [Brochure](https://www.semtech.com/uploads/common/PerSe_One_Pager.pdf)
          - [Blogs](https://blog.semtech.com/topic/perse)
          - [Products](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
    - [Tri-Edge™ PAM4 CDR](https://www.semtech.com/technology/tri-edge)
      
      ### Tri-Edge PAM4 CDR Overview
      
      Tri-Edge is a CDR platform optimized for PAM4 optical interconnect in next-generation 200G and 400G data center module and AOC applications.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/tri-edge)
      
      
      
      ### Quick Links
      
          - [Tri-Edge White Paper](https://info.semtech.com/en/tri-edge-white-paper)
          - [Product Selector Guide](https://www.semtech.com/uploads/design-support/Semtech_Optical_Product_Guide.pdf)
          - [Open Eye MSA](https://www.openeye-msa.org/)
    - [BlueRiver Platform For SDVoE™](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
      
      ### BlueRiver Platform For SDVoE™
      
      BlueRiver AV-over-IP chipsets are the world’s only chipsets to transport uncompressed, zero-latency Ultra HD/4K HDR over standard Ethernet and are the foundation for Software Defined Video Over Ethernet (SDVoE) technology.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
      
      
      
          - [BlueRiver OVERVIEW](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
          - [BlueRiver APPLICATIONS](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-applications)
          - [BlueRiver VERTICAL MARKETS](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-vertical-markets)
          - [SDVoE ALLIANCE®](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-sdvoe)
    - [Circuit Protection](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
      
      ### Circuit Protection Overview
      
      Semtech is leading the way in Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) protection solutions that safeguard electronics systems against damage or latch-up caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning (surge), and other destructive voltage transients.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
      
      
      
          - [Circuit Protection Overview](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
          - [Z-Platform](https://www.semtech.com/technology/z-platform)
- [Design Resources](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
  
    - [Design Resources Overview](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
      
      ### Design Resources Overview
      
      Semtech places a high importance on delivering superior design support and provides a wealth of tools and resources with the goal of shortening your time to revenue for your new product introductions.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
      
      
      
          - [Product Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
          - [Development Support Documentation](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/development-support-documents/)
          - [Parametric Search](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/parametric-search)
          - [Quality Assurance](https://www.semtech.com/quality/search-pb-lead-free-rohs-green)
          - [LoRa GitHub](https://github.com/LoRa-Net)
          - [LoRa PCB Design Review](https://info.semtech.com/pcb-design-review-service)
          - [LoRa Calculator](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/lora-calculator)
          - [LoRaWAN Academy and Training](https://learn.semtech.com/)
          - [Product Cross Reference Search](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/cross-reference-search)
          - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/faq)
          - [mySemtech Document Portal](https://semtech.my.site.com/DP/)
    - [IoT Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
      
      ### Internet of Things
      
      Award-winning LoRa Technology, ESD and surge protection, and smart control platforms for Internet of Things-enabled devices and low power, wide area network (LPWAN) infrastructure.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
      
      
      
          - - [Smart Agriculture](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-agriculture)
                  - [Smart Buildings](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-building-automation)
                  - [Smart Cities](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-cities)
                  - [Smart Emergency](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-emergency-response)
                  - [Smart Environment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-environment)
                  - [Smart Healthcare](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-healthcare)
                  - [Smart Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-home-automation)
                  - [Smart Industrial](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-industrial-iot)
                  - [Smart Logistics](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/logistics-supply-chain-management)
                  - [Smart Utilities](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-utilities)
                  - [Smart Consumer](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-consumer)
    - [Professional AV Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications)
      
      ### Professional AV
      
      AptoVision BlueRiver™ Technology uses commercial-off-the-shelf Ethernet networks to deliver higher performance, flexibility, and scalability to the Pro AV industry.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications)
      
      
      
          - - [AV Over IP](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/av-over-ip)
                  - [BYOM Video Conferencing](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/byom-video-conferencing)
                  - [HDMI Extender](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hdmi-extension)
                  - [HDMI Wall Plates](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hdmi-wallplates)
                  - [Hybrid AV Distribution](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hybrid-av-distribution)
                  - [KVM Switches](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/kvm-switches)
                  - [Multiviewers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/multiviewers)
                  - [Point-to-Point Matrix Switching](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/point-to-point-matrix-switching)
                  - [Presentation Switchers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/presentation-switchers)
                  - [SDI Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/sdi-equipment)
                  - [SDVoE™ Integration](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/sdvoe-integration)
                  - [Smart Display Modules (SDM)](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/smart-display-modules-sdm)
                  - [USB-C](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/usb-c)
                  - [Video Walls](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/video-walls)
    - [Other Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
      
      ### Other Applications
      
      Award-winning LoRa Technology, ESD and surge protection, and smart control platforms for Internet of Things-enabled devices and low power, wide area network (LPWAN) infrastructure.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
      
      
      
          - [Automotive](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps) 
                  - [Advanced Driver Assistance Systems](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/adas-body-electronics)
                  - [Automotive Battery Management Systems](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/automotive-battery-management-systems)
                  - [Automotive USB Charger](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/dashboard-electronics-usb-charging)
                  - [Infotainment Unit](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/navigation-infotainment)
                  - [Remote Keyless Entry](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/remote-keyless-entry)
                  - [Telematics Unit](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/telematics-unit)
          - [Broadcast Video](https://www.semtech.com/applications/broadcast-video-applications) 
                  - [Broadcast Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/broadcast-video-applications/broadcast-equipment)
          - [Consumer Electronics](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics) 
                  - [Mobile Devices](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/mobile-devices)
                  - [Wearables](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/wearables)
                  - [TVs, Set Top Boxes, Monitors](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/tvs-set-top-boxes-monitors)
                  - [Laptops, Tablets, Computers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/laptops-tablets-computers)
                  - [Appliances & White Goods](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/appliances-white-goods)
                  - [Computers, Printers, Scanners](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/computers-printers-scanners)
          - [Industrial](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications) 
                  - [Medical Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/medical-equipment)
                  - [Factory Automation](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/factory-automation)
                  - [Energy, Smart Grids, Smart Metering](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/energy-smart-grids-smart-metering)
                  - [Surveillance](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/surveillance)
                  - [Test & Measurement](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/test-measurement)
                  - [Power Tools](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/power-tools)
          - [Infrastructure](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure) 
                  - [Data Centers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-datacenters)
                  - [Passive Optical Networks / Fiber to the Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-passive-optical-networks-fiber-to-the-home)
                  - [Broadband](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-broadband)
          - [Networking & Optical Communications](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication) 
                  - [Broadband](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/broadband)
                  - [Passive Optical Networks / Fiber to the Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/passive-optical-networks)
                  - [ISM Networks](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/ism-networks)
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 09 September, 2019    2 min read

# Understanding the LoRaWAN® Architecture

 Katy Koenen

 

LoRaWAN® networks primarily use the Aloha method for communication between end devices and their associated network servers. Using the Aloha method, end devices send data through a gateway to the network server only when one or more of their sensors notice a particular change in their environment or when some other event is triggered, such as a timer expiring. After the end device sends the uplink, it “listens” for a message from the network one and two seconds after the uplink before going back to sleep.

End devices spend most of their time asleep. During this time, they consume less than one microampere of energy. This power-saving method ensures that applications can achieve a lifespan of 10 to 15 years on a very small battery. In contrast, the Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) approach requires device synchronization, which has an associated energy cost for end devices because they need to be awake and broadcasting to ensure they remain synchronized. For example, in a LoRaWAN network, end devices (illustrated by the colored icons in Figure 1) broadcast packets to a network asynchronously.

![End Nodes](https://blog.semtech.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/End%20Nodes-1.png)

*Figure 1*

Packets broadcast by end devices will be picked-up by one or more gateways within the network, as illustrated in Figure 2.

![Gateway](https://blog.semtech.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Gateway.png)

*Figure 2*

Gateways are embedded with a multi-channel and multi-data rate radio-frequency device that can scan and detect packets on any of the active channels and then demodulate the packets.

Gateways are simply passages to the core network and typically have no built-in intelligence. This has two primary advantages:

- Gateways are made of very simple and inexpensive hardware.
- Roaming from cell to cell is not required. End devices broadcast packets without making an assumption about which gateway will receive them. Additionally, multiple gateways can receive packets without any impact on their energy consumption. No hand-off procedure or synchronization is required.

As illustrated in Figure 3, gateways typically have an Ethernet backhaul. However, some deployments use a 2G, 3G or 4G backhaul. Furthermore, some companies in the LoRaWAN ecosystem have proposed using a satellite backhaul for remote locations, such as those without Cellular coverage.

![Backhaul](https://blog.semtech.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Backhaul.png)

*Figure 3*

The core network server, as shown in Figure 4, is the central component of any LoRaWAN network. It carries all the required intelligence to manage the network and dispatch data to other servers.

![Network Server](https://blog.semtech.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Network%20Server.png)

*Figure 4*

The network server is responsible for:

- Message Consolidation: Multiple copies of the same data packet may reach the network server via multiple gateways. The network server must keep track of these, analyze the quality of the packets received and inform the network controller.
- Routing: For messages sent from the server to an end device (*downlinks*), the network server decides which is the best route to send a message to a given end device. Typically, this decision is based on a link quality indication that is calculated based on the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) and the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of the previously-delivered packets. Alternately, this decision can be made with respect to the availability of the gateway (is it free to transmit, or has it exhausted it Tx duty cycle?).
- Network Control: The link quality can also help the network server decide the best spreading factor (i.e. communication speed) for a given end device. This is the Adaptive Data Rate (ADR) policy, which is managed by the network controller.
- Network and Gateway Supervision: Gateways typically connect to the network server via an encrypted Internet Protocol (IP) link. Similarly, the network usually has a gateway commission and supervision interface allowing the network provider to manage their gateways, handle breakdown situations, monitor alarms, etc.

In addition, the core network communicates with other servers to organize roaming, links to application servers and more.

The LoRaWAN protocol is designed to support different types of networks. In some cases the network provider and the application provider are the same entity; in other cases they are not. Given these differences, application servers may be integrated with the network server or hosted elsewhere, as illustrated in Figure 5. Indeed, device on-boarding options support this multi-tenant network scenario, in which different application vendors provide heterogeneous applications.

![Application Server](https://blog.semtech.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Application%20Server.png)

*Figure 5*

To learn more about LoRaWAN networks, enroll in the free LoRaWAN Academy™.

[![Enroll now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2507363/d05a85d7-0d44-44e9-8760-134d6e9de22a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2507363/d05a85d7-0d44-44e9-8760-134d6e9de22a)

*LoRa and LoRaWAN are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates.*

---

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