LoRaWAN®: The network for millions of smart objects
Published: 11. Oct 2024
LoRaWAN® is now considered a key technology for the digitalisation of the energy industry and has established itself particularly in the area of the Internet of Things (IoT). Thanks to its range and energy efficiency, it offers an ideal solution for numerous applications, from the housing industry to smart city projects.
The Minol-ZENNER Group network, which provides LoRaWAN® solutions for the housing sector, municipalities and industry, is operated by ZENNER Connect GmbH. ZENNER Connect is registered with the German Federal Network Agency as a LoRaWAN® network operator and operates an ISO 27001-certified platform for secure data exchange.
At the LoRaWAN® Live event, which took place in Munich in May, the LoRa Alliance ‘s presentation on the largest LoRaWAN® network operators attracted particular attention. With around eight million networked measuring devices and sensors, the presentation showed that Minol-ZENNER’s network is on a par with the networks of the four largest competitors.
Interview with Marcus Kirchdörfer and Sebastian Hess
To find out more about current developments and the future of this technology, we spoke to the managing directors of ZENNER Connect GmbH, Marcus Kirchdörfer and Sebastian Heß. They provide insights into the growing network and explain the importance of LoRaWAN® for the digitalisation of companies and cities worldwide.
What are the advantages of LoRaWAN® for public utilities and energy suppliers compared to other wireless technologies?
S. Hess: LoRaWAN® enables wireless communication over long distances with low energy consumption. The technology is therefore particularly suitable for applications with low amounts of data, such as remote meter reading or sensor reading. For public utilities and energy suppliers, it also offers the advantage that sensors and meters can be automatically read even in remote or hard-to-reach areas. Compared to mobile or WiFi-based solutions, LoRaWAN® offers lower operating costs, as no cost-intensive network operator contracts are required.
ZENNER Connect currently operates the largest LoRaWAN® network in Europe. What benefits does this offer customers?
M. Kirchdörfer: Using our network offers public utilities and municipalities several advantages: Cost advantages are achieved through scaling options, as we achieve lower operating costs and better conditions. The flexibility and scalability of the network allows us and our customers to easily expand IoT projects. Customers also benefit from our many years of experience and expertise, which ensures fast and error-free implementation. Thanks to continuous investments, the network remains future-proof. Public utilities receive a stable and future-proof infrastructure.
What specific applications do you see for LoRaWAN® in energy and water management?
S. Hess: The possible uses of LoRaWAN® in the energy and water management industries are diverse. A central application is the remote reading of electricity, gas and water meters, which makes reading processes more efficient and increases the accuracy of consumption data. LoRaWAN® can also be used to monitor transformer stations, control street lighting, manage district heating networks and check the water level of reservoirs. The technology also offers significant advantages when monitoring environmental data, such as air quality or soil moisture, in order to use resources more efficiently in the long term.
How can LoRaWAN® contribute to optimizing network operation and infrastructure?
M. Kirchdörfer: With LoRaWAN®, comprehensive monitoring and control of the infrastructure can be implemented in real time. This offers public utilities and energy suppliers the opportunity to react more quickly to disruptions in the electricity, water or heating networks, to maintain plants more efficiently and thus make optimal use of resources. For example, sensors can be used to detect leaks in water pipes at an early stage, collect and transmit acute or low-voltage status data, or monitor the network load in real time. The data can be seamlessly transferred to existing supplier systems via our ISO 27001- certified ZENNER Datahub platform, which can significantly increase efficiency in operational business.
Which security standards does LoRaWAN® use to transfer sensitive data?
S. Hess: Security is very important in the LoRaWAN® protocol. Data transmission is secured in two ways: On the one hand, at the network level, which ensures the integrity and confidentiality of network traffic, and on the other hand, through encryption at the application level, which ensures end-to-end protection of the transmitted data. In addition, all messages are verified by a unique device ID, ensuring that only authorized devices can access the network. These measures ensure that sensitive data, such as consumption data, is reliably protected.