LoRaWAN Server
What is it?
The LoRaWAN® server is the core element of a network run by the LoRaWAN® communication protocol. It involves the LoRa modulation. This technique originates from the Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) and thus encodes information on radio waves by means of chirps, linear frequency-modulated signals.
The purpose of the LoRaWAN® server is to empower connectivity, management, and monitoring of devices, gateways, and end-user apps. It ensures that data is routed across the network in a secure and scalable way.
How does it work?
The LoRaWAN® server’s operation is based on its main components, including the gateway server, the network server, the application server, the join server, and the identity server.
Gateway server’s role
The gateway server is responsible for the management of secure gateway connections and configurations. Remote updates and configuration are possible due to the server’s compatibility with the legacy User Datagram Protocol (UDP) forwarder and the new LoRa Basics™ Station protocol.
Network server’s role
Functionalities of the network server embrace the following:
- adopting the LoRaWAN® protocol
- verifying devices’ authenticity and integrity
- deduplicating uplinks
- choosing gateways for downlinks
- optimizing the data rate of devices
Application server’s role
The application server is designed to decrypt data from sensors and encrypt data sent to end devices. This data can be incorporated into available data management systems or IoT platforms, e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and so on.
Join server’s role
The goal of the join server is to store devices’ root keys and produce session keys for the secure transmission of messages. This server can integrate with LoRaWAN® networks and their third-party counterparts.
Identity server’s role
The identity server is intended to register users, apps, devices, and gateways. It helps to run a scalable network disseminated across different regions around the globe.
