Introduction to LoRaWAN Asset Tracking Using the Helium Network
Summary
In this series, we explored the benefits of LoRaWAN networks for personal and commercial IoT applications: specifically, the ability to leverage existing coverage from the Helium network and easily expand coverage by deploying additional gateways.
Further, we learned how to securely onboard new off-the-shelf LoRaWAN sensors to a LoRaWAN network using the EUIs and AppKey for each device. Using the Helium Console, we manually provisioned a set of IoT sensors to the Helium network and enabled a basic smart-building solution. These sensors can be deployed anywhere within the Helium network coverage area without the need for any additional device configuration at the actual deployment site. To verify coverage, see mappers.helium.com, cargo.helium.com, and explorer.helium.com.
Using the dashboard and reporting tools of TagoIO, we have demonstrated the process to deploy a simple mailbox sensor, a basic smart building monitoring solution, and, finally, asset trackers. These deployments will work anywhere there is Helium network coverage. The TagoIO platform allows for extensive customization, including adding complex rules, data manipulation, visualization, and managing user access.
The Helium network, combined with off-the-shelf LoRaWAN sensors and asset trackers using the TagoIO platform, provides a customizable, commercially scalable basis for most IoT use cases. The Helium network may be the best option for IoT solutions that need broad area coverage that is easily extended to new desired locations. It is also a good option for providing coverage to new locations where it’s desirable to allow other LoRaWAN sensors, such as for ecosystem partners, to access the network without any administrative overhead. Commercial and residential buildings are great examples of where the building owner may benefit from provisioning shared coverage.