Cisco LoRaWAN® Gateway End-of-Life: What It Means for Your IoT Deployment

Many organizations using LoRaWAN® for IoT connectivity were surprised to learn that Cisco is exiting the LoRaWAN® gateway market. With the company ending support for its gateways and related software by 2026—and declaring the products obsolete by 2029—businesses are now left with important questions:

• What happens to existing LoRaWAN® infrastructure built with Cisco devices?
• Is there a smooth way to transition without starting from scratch?
• Who can provide reliable and compatible replacements?

Let’s unpack the situation and explore how to move forward confidently.

What’s Changing?

Cisco has announced it will stop offering its LoRaWAN® gateways, including the 800 MHz and 900 MHz models, along with associated software and antennas. Final product shipments are expected by April 1, 2024, and the last software update will be issued on January 1, 2026. After December 31, 2029, these products will be considered obsolete, with no support available—even under active service contracts.

Industry experts view this move as part of a broader strategic shift. Len Padilla, Senior Research Director at IDC, explains:

“While Cisco is the dominant force in the networking space, it is leveraging this position to grow in other areas, particularly security and observability. Cisco recently divested a significant portion of its organization, which inevitably involved downsizing some business units. The exit from the LoRaWAN® market is likely part of a more deliberate focus on the networking space.”

No migration plan has been offered by Cisco, putting pressure on existing customers to find compatible replacements quickly.

Why This Is a Problem

For companies that chose Cisco based on its reputation for quality and stability, the sudden shift is understandably disruptive. Many only recently adopted Cisco’s latest products, including the LoRaWAN® Interface Module (PIM) for Catalyst IR1100 Rugged Series routers.

Now, they must identify a new provider that can ensure business continuity, preserve their existing network investment, and deliver long-term support.

What You Can Do Now

If your IoT deployment includes Cisco LoRaWAN® gateways, there is a path forward—and it doesn’t involve starting from scratch.

TEKTELIC offers a full portfolio of LoRaWAN® gateways and devices that are fully compatible with the most commonly used Network Servers, including those previously integrated with Cisco deployments.

Why Choose TEKTELIC as Your Migration Partner?

• Seamless Compatibility
  TEKTELIC gateways work with the same LoRaWAN® Network Servers and interfaces, ensuring easy integration and minimal disruption.
• Largest Selection of Gateways & Devices
  TEKTELIC offers the most comprehensive lineup of LoRaWAN® gateways and sensors on the market, making it easy to find the right solution for any deployment size or environment.
• Clear and Straightforward Migration Path
  Our team ensures a smooth transition from Cisco equipment, preserving your existing network investment and enabling continued LoRaWAN® evolution.
• Improved Radio Performance
  With extended range and superior signal quality, fewer gateways are needed—reducing deployment and maintenance costs.
• Simple Operations & Monitoring
  The KONA Element Operations & Maintenance platform makes it easy to deploy, monitor, and update devices from anywhere.
• Secure & Compliant Manufacturing
  All TEKTELIC gateways and devices are manufactured in Canada and Europe and do not contain any China-manufactured telecom modules—ensuring the highest standards of quality, security, and regional compliance.
• Trusted & Future-Oriented Partner
  At TEKTELIC, we’re not just offering products—we’re actively developing new ones, improving existing models, and supporting deployments every day. Our customers can count on us not only now, but for the long run.

Conclusion

Cisco’s exit from the LoRaWAN® market doesn’t mean your IoT investment is at risk. The open nature of the LoRaWAN® ecosystem ensures that customers can continue to scale and evolve their networks without vendor lock-in.

With more than 15 years of experience and a trusted track record in delivering reliable LoRaWAN® solutions, TEKTELIC is ready to support your smooth transition and help you move forward with confidence.

Looking for guidance on your migration? Let’s talk—we’re here to help.