LoRaWAN® has the potential to offer immense benefits in connectivity for massive IoT. However, to achieve seamless global coverage, a standard for NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) LoRaWAN® using satellite connectivity needs to be introduced. By integrating satellite into the LoRaWAN® ecosystem, IoT devices will be able to switch seamlessly from terrestrial to satellite networks and access truly continuous global coverage.
Yet, the current satellite industry has several silos across key operators and protocols. For uninterrupted connectivity over LoRaWAN® that is reliable, cost-effective and scalable, these siloed protocols need to converge under an NTN LoRaWAN® standard to offer a common ecosystem where solutions are interoperable.
EchoStar Mobile has joined with the LoRa Alliance® and other leaders in the industry to address this challenge, forming a LoRaWAN® Over Satellites Task Force and setting objectives to achieve the global adoption of LoRaWAN® technology.
Below, we examine the challenges faced in reaching this goal and the Task Force’s vision for overcoming them.
The Challenges Around Creating a Standard for NTN LoRaWAN®
LoRaWAN® technology was originally developed to work over the unlicensed ISM bands (typically around 868MHz or 915MHz) using terrestrial networks of ground-based gateways. When seeking to extend coverage, the use of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites was introduced, which also operated in the unlicensed bands.
Using unlicensed ISM bands for LoRaWAN® provides one of its biggest benefits – anyone can access it. However, it also creates one of the key disadvantages. With this open use of unlicensed ISM bands, it is more subject to interference. Furthermore, unlicensed bands are still regulated, and have regulatory restrictions, such as limited downlink usage.
These disadvantages can add complexity when seeking to scale applications to global, massive IoT. Introducing NTN LoRaWAN as a complementary approach allows for a more robust and diverse global IoT ecosystem.
EchoStar Mobile is one of the few satellite operators that has access to a licensed band (the S-band, operating in the in the 2 GHz range) Combined with our GEO (geostationary equatorial orbit) satellite, this licensed band offers some key connectivity benefits.
Another consideration that adds complexity when seeking to converge satellite protocols under a standard for NTN LoRaWAN® is the use of GEO and LEO satellites. There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to each of these options (explored in more detail in our Complete Guide to Satellite IoT).
In summary, the current satellite landscape has a matrix of operators working on unlicensed and licensed bands and using GEO and LEO satellites. . This variety of solutions has created a rich yet disunited ecosystem, with different protocols working in isolation. This increased complexity now requires a standardised approach to make it easier to deploy, operate and use. Bringing these together under a cohesive NTN LoRaWAN® standard will support the goal of mass adoption of LoRaWAN® IoT technology and, ultimately, support seamless global connectivity.
The Vision of the LoRaWAN® Over Satellites Task Force
Formed under the LoRa Alliance® in November 2022, the LoRaWAN® Over Satellites Task Force, chaired by Telemaco Melia of EchoStar Mobile, includes founders Semtech and Actility and key members like Eutelsat, Hello Space, Kineis, Lacuna, Plan-S, and Telnet Space , alongside seven universities.
The task force aims to expand the LoRaWAN® standard from terrestrial networks to include satellite connectivity, enhancing global IoT reach.
It is also focused on achieving interoperability between unlicensed and licensed bands and utilising the robust coverage of GEO satellites alongside their LEO counterparts. By advocating for the inclusion of licensed bands, the task force addresses the need for reliable, large-scale IoT deployments while acknowledging the current commercial challenges of widespread licensed band adoption.
Meeting these objectives with an NTN LoRaWAN® standard will allow interaction between operators, supporting a seamless switch to whichever protocols are most appropriate for the application. Standardising NTN LoRaWAN® in this way will also make the technology more accessible and scalable, which will in turn drive down costs.
A Use Case for the Adoption of an NTN LoRaWAN® Standard
In the logistics and supply chain sector, tracking goods globally presents a significant challenge with the current LoRaWAN® systems, particularly when devices must switch networks across regions, like tracking shipments from Europe to the US. The adoption of a standardised NTN LoRaWAN® protocol, integrating satellite connectivity and licensed band usage, would enable seamless transitions between different regional networks.
This innovation would not only maintain continuous communication with tracking devices but also enhance operational reliability and profitability. By overcoming these geographic and technical limitations, the NTN LoRaWAN® standard supports truly global logistics operations.
Steps Towards an NTN LoRaWAN® Standard
Dual radio transmission
Legacy LoRaWAN® terminals were set up to communicate only over unlicensed bands, with the later addition of LEO satellites. One significant step forward in integrating the use of the licensed band is the new Semtech LR112x chipset, which offers dual radio functionality. Integrating this chipset into IoT devices is surprisingly cost-effective and would enable switching between bands, as well as access to GEO satellite coverage over the licensed band. Furthermore, dual radio functionality allows two sessions to run concurrently or, alternatively, over the different radio link.
Semtech’s LR112x chipset with dual radio functionality is integrated into our EM2050 module for access to our direct-to-satellite LoRa® network. Commercially available in Europe and the US, it works over our licensed band and leverages coverage from our GEO satellite. If required, the EM2050 module can also access ISM unlicensed bands to connect to terrestrial and LEO satellite networks.
A future vision of the LoRaWAN® Over Satellites Task Force is to standardise specifications that can work on a cohesive communications system.
Common channel configuration for session management
To create a standardised solution, the LoRaWAN® Over Satellites Task Force is developing a common set of sequences for enabling a device to connect to different networks and their satellites depending on coverage availability.
Including this common configuration in the NTN LoRaWAN® standard will allow more operators to access the technology. With more operators in the market, customers are encouraged to adopt NTN LoRaWAN® as a solution as they understand that they will not be tied into a proprietary service under one dominant operator.
Envisioning The Future with NTN LoRaWAN®
The ultimate goal for IoT is achieving universal coverage, a challenge that terrestrial networks alone cannot meet cost-effectively, especially in remote areas. Satellite technology emerges as a crucial component in this equation. However, current siloes need to converge through standardisation.
The LoRaWAN® Over Satellites Task Force is instrumental in this effort, aiming to establish the NTN LoRaWAN® standard that will enable seamless global connectivity. This initiative promises to unlock the full potential of massive IoT across diverse environments.
For more details on the progress and impacts of the LoRaWAN® Over Satellites Task Force, please get in touch with our team.