Introduction to LoRaWAN Asset Tracking Using the Helium Network
Advanced features and large-fleet tracking
The example demonstrated in this module can easily be extended to very large fleet tracking use cases. LoRaWAN and the Helium network have the capacity to process millions of messages per day, so there are no technical barriers to scaling the demonstrated solution to thousands or millions of trackers. Delivery service companies could track local shipments, including temperature, or tool rental companies could track the real-time location of their assets. For high-volume deployments, commercial accounts would be needed for the Helium Console and TagoIO.
In addition, TagoIO is highly customizable to allow much more sophisticated tracking applications. In addition to customized complex rules and data processing, their mapping widgets support complex Geofencing.
TagoIO Mapping with Geofencing
To learn how to extend the Browan Object Locator Dashboard template to enable Geofencing, please refer to the TagoIO tutorial.
Remember that there are many types of LoRaWAN tracking devices available and optimized for different use cases, including ruggedized industrial applications with IP rated enclosures and over three-year battery life. You can find a wide range of available LoRaWAN tracking devices online from different manufacturers and distributors.
All of the examples provided in this series used each device's default operating profile. Remember that in a LoRaWAN network, many devices operate in Class A mode and decide when to send a message. Many devices allow customization of the internal logic and thresholds used to trigger when messages are sent. Most LoRaWAN devices allow customization through LoRaWAN downlink messages and commands. It’s possible to customize the device's profile to optimize its update latency, battery life, and network activity for specific applications. Please refer to the device manufacturers’ user guides for details on what downlink commands are supported.
Traditional tracking devices use a traditional GPS receiver chip to determine location. Semtech has released the LR11xx family of integrated LoRaWAN transceivers that use an innovative LoRa Cloud assisted GPS and WiFi-based locationing. These innovations enable much longer battery life, more frequent location updates, and the ability to continue to resolve a location even if a GPS signal can not be captured.
In order to obtain continuous high-precision location tracking as a device moves from outdoor locations to high-precision indoor positioning, multi-band and multi-protocol solutions are needed. Broad LoRaWAN network coverage across counties, cities, and facilities provides the constant communication channel needed for all applications. As demonstrated, using GPS addresses many outdoor city and neighborhood use cases. The LR11xx family offers hybrid GPS/Wifi locationing optionsand also supports new 2.4Ghz LR-FHSS modulation modes that can be used for high-precision indoor locationing applications. You can get more information about the LR11XX on the LoRa Developer’s Portal and even go through a hands-on lab with the LR1110 to get some practical experience with this type of hybrid solution.