Question 1

What applications is LoRaWAN not suitable for?

Accepted Answer

LoRaWAN is not designed for large data volumes (images, video, audio) or real-time controls in the millisecond range. The bandwidth is very low (a few bytes per message). It's the perfect technology for status data (temperature, fill level, meter reading, position), but not for surveillance cameras or fast browsing.

Question 2

How often can a sensor send data? (Keyword: Duty Cycle)

Accepted Answer

Since LoRaWAN uses a license-free frequency band, there are 'fairness' rules (Duty Cycle). A device may usually only transmit 1% of the time. In practice, this means: Intervals of 5, 10, or 15 minutes are easily possible and standard. For second-by-second measurements, LoRaWAN is the wrong technology.

Question 3

Is the radiation dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No. LoRaWAN sensors transmit with extremely low power (max. 25 mW) and only for a few milliseconds per hour. For comparison: A mobile phone at your ear transmits with up to 2,000 mW. The radiation exposure from a LoRaWAN network is negligible compared to WiFi or cellular.

Question 4

What's the difference between a 'Public' and 'Private' LoRaWAN?

Accepted Answer

Public (e.g., TTN, Telcos): You use a provider's network. Your data runs through external infrastructure. Coverage can be patchy (especially in basements). Private (merkaio approach): We build your own network on your premises. You have full control over the gateways, guaranteed coverage exactly where you need it (e.g., in the basement), and your data doesn't unnecessarily leave your control.

Question 5

What happens if the internet fails at the gateway?

Accepted Answer

We use professional gateways (e.g., from Milesight) with integrated buffer storage. If the internet connection (uplink) fails, the gateway stores the sensor data locally. As soon as the connection is restored, the data is forwarded to the server. This way, no measurements are lost.

Question 6

Can I use LoRaWAN to control devices (Downlinks)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is possible (Class C devices). You can send commands to actuators, e.g., 'close valve' or 'dim light'. However, since LoRaWAN is primarily optimized for receiving data and downlinks put more strain on network capacity, we recommend this only for occasional switching operations, not for permanent control loops.

Question 7

I have old machines without wireless. Can I integrate them?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. This is one of the strongest use cases ('Retrofit'). We use LoRaWAN controllers (e.g., Milesight UC300) that capture old analog signals (4-20mA, 0-10V) or digital interfaces (RS485/Modbus) and transmit them wirelessly. This makes a 30-year-old water meter or lathe 'smart' without replacing the controller.

Question 8

How long do batteries really last?

Accepted Answer

The manufacturer's claim of 'up to 10 years' is under laboratory conditions (25°C, infrequent sending). In reality, we plan more conservatively: With a 15-minute sending interval and normal conditions, good sensors last 3 to 5 years. In cold environments (cold storage) somewhat shorter. However, battery status is permanently monitored, so replacement is plannable.

Question 9

Is my data safe from hackers?

Accepted Answer

LoRaWAN uses double encryption with AES-128. Network Session Key: Guarantees the authenticity of the device in the network. Application Session Key: Encrypts the actual payload data. Even if someone intercepts the radio traffic, they only see garbled data. Only on your server is the data decrypted.

Question 10

Are there ongoing costs per sensor?

Accepted Answer

Unlike NB-IoT or cellular, LoRaWAN sensors don't need a SIM card or mobile contract per device. You have one-time acquisition costs for the hardware. The ongoing costs at merkaio relate to operating the central infrastructure (Managed Gateway & Network Server), regardless of whether you operate 50 or 500 sensors in this network. This makes scaling extremely affordable.

Question 11

Can I mix sensors from different manufacturers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LoRaWAN is an open standard of the LoRa Alliance. We can operate a temperature sensor from manufacturer A, a fill level sensor from manufacturer B, and a gateway from manufacturer C in the same network. This protects you from 'vendor lock-in' to a single hardware supplier.

Question 12

What does 'Deep Indoor Penetration' mean?

Accepted Answer

LoRa waves are physically very long-wavelength (868 MHz). They penetrate solid matter like concrete or earth much better than short-wavelength WiFi (2.4 GHz). That's why we often still have reception in basements, elevator shafts, or behind steel doors, where mobile phones have long shown 'No Signal'.

Feature	LoRaWAN	WiFi	NB-IoT / 5G
Range	High	Low	High
Battery	Years	Days	Months/Years
Cost	Low	Medium	Ongoing Costs
Indoor	Deep	Weak	Good
Use Case	Sensors, Metering	Video, Browsing	Mobile Assets

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