A resource-efficient and comprehensive radio network for the city LoRaWAN

The wireless network technology LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a cost-effective, energy-saving and long-range wireless network designed specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The expansion to a comprehensive network in Darmstadt has already been completed. The network includes over 35 radio units distributed throughout the city.

The Darmstadt-based energy company ENTEGA is one of the first companies in Germany to offer LoRaWAN radio technology. In doing so, the company is providing an important prerequisite for the digitalisation of the city of Darmstadt.

LoRaWAN offers numerous possible applications: the wireless network enables battery-saving location services, for example, when objects such as bicycles or even the collars of pets are equipped with a sensor. LoRaWAN offers numerous possible applications: the wireless network enables battery-saving location services, for example, when objects such as bicycles or even the collars of pets are equipped with a sensor. As soon as the sensor moves away from a defined area, a push message is sent to the smartphone. In trade and industry, for example, fill levels (e.g. of waste containers) can be reported via sensors. Environmental data, such as ozone and particulate matter pollution, can be collected and automatically disseminated more quickly, or street lighting can be controlled more efficiently. In the area of property and building security, it is possible to monitor door contacts using LoRaWAN sensors. In intelligent buildings, temperature, humidity or brightness values can be transmitted. LoRaWAN is also interesting in the area of remote meter reading: Meter data can be transmitted, eliminating the need for on-site reading. In agriculture, it is possible to collect and evaluate soil moisture and temperature data centrally to ensure optimum irrigation and plant growth.

In Smart City projects, for example, the technology is being used in the Smart Zoo in the environmental sector. And the filling level of waste containers is also measured in Darmstadt, for example in the “Smart Waste” project. For the project “Smart Water Darmstadt” some trees were equipped with tree sensors.