Why RF Planning is the Key to Cost-Effective LoRaWAN® Deployments

Are you planning to deploy a LoRaWAN® network? Maybe you’re transitioning from a small proof-of-concept to a full rollout across remote or urban areas. Or maybe you’re just trying to figure out how many gateways you’ll need. Whatever the case, here’s a question worth asking:

How confident are you that your network plan reflects the real-world conditions where your devices will be installed?

Far too often, teams rely on basic signal propagation tools that make the process seem simple — until problems start to appear after deployment. Unexpected signal loss, coverage gaps, poor sensor performance… These issues can delay your project and drive up costs fast.

At TEKTELIC, we’ve supported customers across every industry and geography — from desert fields to dense urban zones. And one thing is always true: RF planning based on assumptions is risky. Real RF planning, done with real data, saves time, money, and frustration.

Let’s break down why.

The Common Mistake: Thinking “RF Propagation” Is the Same as “Network Planning”

It’s easy to confuse the two. Many people use basic propagation models to estimate how far a gateway can transmit, based on:

• Frequency band
• Antenna height and gain
• Device sensitivity

That’s useful for a general idea. But in reality, these calculations assume perfect conditions — no buildings, no trees, no hills, and no interference from nearby antennas.

But your deployment area isn’t a vacuum.

You might be dealing with:

• Tall concrete buildings
• Thick vegetation
• Uneven terrain
• Colocation with high-power 4G/5G transmitters

These elements completely change how radio signals behave. That’s why a map based only on frequency and height can lead to false confidence — and failed connections.

We’ve seen it many times: a well-intentioned team uses a basic tool, thinks their coverage is solid, and then discovers entire areas where sensors simply can’t connect.

What TEKTELIC Does Differently: Real RF Planning Built Around You

TEKTELIC doesn’t just provide LoRaWAN® hardware — we bring over 15 years of hands-on experience in helping customers design, deploy, and scale reliable networks. From small proof-of-concepts to full national rollouts, we’ve seen what works — and what doesn’t.

That’s why we don’t rely on generic coverage assumptions or leave customers to figure things out on their own. Instead, we build every recommendation around your environment, your goals, and your long-term success.

Here’s what sets our RF planning apart:

• Tailored to your location: We use real-world maps and consider buildings, terrain, and infrastructure to give you an accurate view of your coverage.
• Designed for performance: We account for signal interference, environmental noise, and the need for redundancy.
• Optimized for cost-efficiency: You get exactly the number of gateways you need — no overbuying, no blind spots, no surprises.
• Backed by real guidance: Our engineering team collaborates with you directly, offering practical advice you can apply with confidence.

And we do this at no additional cost — because we believe informed customers make better decisions. We’re not just selling products; we’re sharing our knowledge to help you succeed.

Over the years, we’ve worked with customers across industries — agriculture, utilities, cities, manufacturing, and more. And one thing is always clear: successful deployments begin with proper planning and a partner who understands the stakes.

At TEKTELIC, we aim to be that partner — guiding you every step of the way, and making sure your IoT journey starts on the right path.

Why This Matters for You: Better Coverage, Lower Cost, Fewer Headaches

Let’s be honest – deploying an IoT network isn’t always as smooth as it looks on paper. Even the most well-planned projects can quickly run into issues like poor coverage, unreliable sensor data, or unexpected interference. And when these problems show up after devices have already been installed, the cost — in both time and money — rises fast.

We understand that. We’ve seen it happen across many industries, from agriculture to utilities to smart cities. In most cases, the root cause is the same: the network wasn’t planned with the real-world environment in mind.

By taking the time to understand your deployment area and guiding you through proper RF planning, we help you:

• Get it right the first time: No need to relocate gateways or replace devices after the fact.
• Save money upfront and long term: Fewer devices, less labor, no wasted hardware — just a network that performs reliably from day one.
• Simplify your rollout: With accurate RF coverage maps and placement recommendations, your installation team knows exactly where to go and what to do.
• Prevent service disruptions: With properly placed gateways and thoughtful redundancy, your devices stay connected — even in case of gateway failure or interference.

We know that for most organizations, deploying a LoRaWAN® network isn’t the end goal — it’s just the beginning. The real value comes from what the network enables: better decision-making, improved operational efficiency, and reduced risk.

That’s why we don’t just focus on signal strength or gateway specs. We focus on what the network needs to deliver for you — and how we can help make that happen with as few obstacles as possible.

Customer-Centric, Not Just Technology-Centric

We believe every successful deployment starts with a conversation. What are your goals? What’s the environment like? Are you facing any constraints or concerns?

We ask these questions because we’ve seen what happens when they’re ignored.

Our team has worked with first-time IoT adopters and seasoned professionals alike. Some come to us after struggling with unreliable performance from other vendors. Others simply want to scale up with confidence. In every case, our approach is the same: listen first, guide clearly, and support fully.

We take the time to understand your environment and guide you through each step, so you can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Want to go deeper into practical setup tips? Check out our article on LoRaWAN® Gateway Deployment Best Practices for hands-on advice on installation, spacing, and avoiding common pitfalls.

Conclusion

LoRaWAN® offers incredible flexibility and reach, but getting the most out of it requires proper planning — especially when you’re scaling up or working in complex environments. And that planning has to be based on real-world conditions, not just theoretical coverage models.

At TEKTELIC, we’ve helped hundreds of customers overcome deployment challenges by focusing on what matters most: reliable coverage, cost-effective design, and practical guidance tailored to your needs.

If you’re planning a network and want to make sure it works the way you expect — let’s talk.
Reach out to our team for a free consultation: info@tektelic.com