In collaboration with the LoRa Alliance®, we’re working to extend the potential of LoRaWAN® to include connectivity over satellite.
LoRaWAN® Over Satellite
What is LoRaWAN®?
LoRaWAN® is a specification that leverages a Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) networking protocol to enable the wireless connectivity of battery-operated ‘things’ to the internet across regional, national, or even global networks. Designed to support bi-directional communication, end-to-end security, as well as mobility and localisation services, LoRaWAN® currently uses terrestrial links to deliver these Internet of Things (IoT) benefits.
EchoStar Mobile’s work with the LoRa Alliance® is aimed at extending the capability of LoRaWAN® for use over satellite.
What is the LoRa Alliance®, and how are EchoStar Mobile involved?
The LoRa Alliance® is an open, nonprofit association established in 2015 to position LoRaWAN® as the go-to open global standard for secure, carrier-grade IoT LPWAN connectivity.
The fast growth of the LoRa Alliance® has led it to be one of the most prominent alliances in the technology sector, where members can share ideas and collaborate to accelerate the progress of this cutting-edge communication technology.
As a long-standing member of the LoRa Alliance® and an innovator in satellite communications, EchoStar Mobile is perfectly positioned to lead the research and development of satellite LoRaWAN®.
Our aim with the LoRaWAN® Over Satellite Task Force
In partnership with the LoRa Alliance®, EchoStar Mobile founded a new working group in the Technical Committee, LoRaWAN® Over Satellites Task Force, in 2022. The task force aims to tune protocols for operating over satellite links as well as terrestrial networks. We are also addressing the essential regulatory requirements for these satellites in both licensed and unlicensed spectrums.
With the benefit of seamless connectivity delivered via terrestrial and satellite, we seek to drive the global adoption of LoRaWAN® technology for Massive IoT.
Key Statistics on the Satellite LoRaWAN® Task Force in 2023
Our General Manager, Telemaco Melia, is the Chairman of the Technical Committee. Since founding the task force and having just a few members, followers have increased to over 90.
Members include:
Academic Institutes
Seven universities
Satellite Vendors
Lacuna Space, Eutelsat, HelpSpace, Wyld Networks, Plan-S Satellite and Telnet Network Services
With over 15 documents agreed upon and uploaded, we aim to release our initial standard on satellite LoRaWAN® by the end of 2023.
The applications of Satellite LoRaWAN®
With respect and admiration for the work done by the LoRa Alliance® and its members on important topics, such as Link Layer standards, Back-End Interfaces, Firmware Update Over-the-Air standards, Regional Parameters and its Certification Program, Echostar Mobile leads the Technical Committee for satellite LoRaWAN® in paving the way for applications of tomorrow.
As well as focusing on the seamless convergence of satellite and terrestrial, satellite constellation and deployment options, we seek to expand and provide meaningful contributions to topics such as:
● Session Management
● Back End Interface
● PHY Layer
● Relay
● Spectrum and Regulatory
By solving the challenges and maximising the opportunities offered by satellite LoRaWAN®, our task force aims to make a vital step towards achieving its global adoption for Massive IoT.
If you have any questions about satellite LoRaWAN® or the task force, please get in touch with our team.