Academy for LoRaWAN®

Module

Objectives

Module 1: Introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT)

  By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Define the features of an Internet of Things product
• Describe the challenges of getting data from a device to where it's needed
• Describe the main technologies suitable for use with IoT devices
• Explain the potential value of data collected for IoT devices

Module 2: LoRa® and LoRaWAN®

  By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Describe the LoRa Alliance and its purpose
• Describe the technology used in end devices that feature the LoRa chipsets and the LoRaWAN protocol standard.
• Understand how the ISM band is used and the constraints this forces on LoRa-enabled devices
• Understand the LoRaWAN standard and the architecture of LoRaWAN networks at a high level
• Understand how the Regional Parameters specification from the LoRa Alliance® is used for the ISM bands around the world when deploying devices on a LoRaWAN network
• Understand the difference between LoRa and LoRaWAN, and the implementations of each

Module 3: LoRaWAN Specifications

  By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand the various versions of the LoRaWAN Layer 2 Specification
• Be aware of the other Specifications issued by the LoRa Alliance
• Understand a detailed technical review of the LW1.0.4 version of the LoRaWAN specification
• Understand a detailed Technical Review of the Regional Parameters specification

Module 4: LoRaWAN Networks and Network Elements

  By the end of this module, you will:

• Be familiar with the types of LoRaWAN networks and their unique characteristics.
• Understand what a LoRaWAN network server is responsible for and how it functions.
• Understand what an application server does and where it fits in the architecture of a LoRaWAN network.
• Understand what a join server does and how it is involved in making the connection between LoRaWAN-enabled devices and a LoRaWAN network.

Module 5: LoRaWAN Hardware Components

  By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand the crucial role end devices play in a LoRaWAN network 
• Understand what gateways are responsible for within a LoRaWAN network
• Be able to explain the value of obtaining the LoRaWAN Certification for your devices and know how to do so
• Be able to describe the elements of a LoRaWAN gateway that should be tested and how to do so
• Understand the importance of obtaining regulatory approval from regulatory authorities

Module 6: Software Options: The LoRaWAN Stack

  By the end of this module, you will:

• Have a high-level understanding of the open source LoRaWAN stacks including:  
• LoRaMAC–Node™ Stack
• LoRaWAN Stack: ST Microelectronics
• LoRaWAN Stack: Mbed
• You will also know where to access additional information about each

Module 7: Best Practices

  By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand the limitations of available bandwidth and how optimizing the sending of bits and bytes can help
  
• Know how to be judicial about the data being sent in order to preserve and optimize bandwidth
  
• Be able to describe the basics of how to upgrade the firmware on a device
  
• Be able to describe best practices for efficiently implementing the LoRaWAN standard
  

Module 8: Power Consumption

  By the end of this module, you will:

• Be able to describe the concepts related to creating a low-power device
• Be able to explain the techniques for managing the power consumption of an end device
• Understand how to calculate battery life
• Understand how the different data rates affect power consumption as well as the operating challenges created by a real network
• Understand how to put devices into deep sleep to conserve power
• Be able to select the best battery for your purposes

Module 9: Security

  By the end of this module, you will:

• Be able to explain why security is important for LoRaWAN networks
  
• Have a basic understanding of encryption
  
• Understand how to implement security for LoRaWAN networks
  
• Understand the purpose and function of secure elements relative to the security of end devices on a LoRaWAN network
  

Module 10: Application Development: Data Modeling and Processing

  By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand how to use sensor data in an IoT application
• Understand different techniques for creating a custom data integration

Module 11: Radio Planning

  By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand what radio planning and radio modulation are
• Understand how to expand your network
• Be able to describe best practices for gateway coverage indoors
• Be able to describe best practices for gateway coverage outdoors
• Understand why different network operators may have different power requirements for devices

Module 12: Geolocation

  By the end of this module, you will:

• Describe the different geolocation techniques
• Describe how different geolocation technologies can help obtain the location of an end device
• Explain the benefits of LoRaWAN geolocation in comparison with other geolocation methods
• Describe the benefits of fine timestamping with respect to geolocation.