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FORUM

Significance of LoRaWAN classes in developing a LoRa Node with sensors

Semtech Transceivers
#1

I am just curious about the LoRa technology and exploring about that I got stuck where LoRaWAN class (A, B and C) have been defined. My doubt is, if I want to design a LoRa Node with any LoRa enabled modules available in the market (By vendors like Ai-Thinker, Heltech, pycom etc which uses SX12xx LoRa transceivers) do I need to care about Class while programming the node for transmissions and receptions? Do they handled by the LoRa transceivers or we need to handle it by writing the code?

#2

Dear,

You have to select the class according to your application:

  • Class A: The device sends an message when it needs, but can only receive data after a message emission. Lowest power consumption
  • Class B: The device sends a message when it needs, and can also receive data every 2-128 seconds (user selection: tradeoff between downlink latency and power consumption) . Consumes a little more than class A devices
  • Class C: The device sends a message when it needs, the device can receive a message at any time. Highest power consumption mode

Then you can use LoRaMAC-node and set the class you want to use. If you are new to LoRaWAN you can follow the LoRaWAN academy, introducing all the aspects of a LoRaWAN network.

#3

Thanks for the detailed information about the classes. Now I got some clarity.