Lacuna Space extends LoRaWAN network global coverage with satellite connectivity
Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of high performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, and Lacuna Space announced its collaboration with key industry leaders, including the European Space Agency (ESA) and Parametric GmbH, to extend a LoRaWAN™ network by providing satellite connectivity to fill voids between the terrestrial gateways out of cellular reach and give continuous global coverage.
Lacuna Space uses a constellation of polar low-earth orbiting satellites to receive messages from sensors integrated with Semtech’s LoRa® devices and wireless radio frequency technology (LoRa Technology) on the ground. At about 500 km above the ground, the satellites circle over the poles of the earth every 100 minutes and as the earth revolves below them, the satellites cover the globe. The signals use a long range wide area network protocol, LoRaWAN, which is specifically designed to conserve battery power. The satellites store the messages for a short period of time until they pass over the network of ground stations. Data is relayed to an application on a terrestrial network or be viewed on a web based application. This is ideal for any Internet of Things (IoT) devices that need broader, continuous coverage including asset tracking and monitoring livestock.
“There are endless possibilities for things that sensors can measure and the limit literally is your imagination,” said Rob Spurrett, CEO at Lacuna Space. “Semtech’s LoRa Technology and the LoRaWAN open protocol allow for extended range and reach where other networks are unable to cover to develop unknown, unique use cases. Our satellite demonstration has filled the void in rural regions and oceans where there is a lack of traditional network coverage.”
“Semtech works closely with technology partners to enable an infinite amount of IoT use cases,” said Vivek Mohan, Director, Wireless and Sensing Products Group at Semtech. “With Lacuna extending the LoRaWAN network into space, more users will develop global solutions for assets that need long range and low power capabilities to build a smarter planet.”
About Lacuna Space
Lacuna Space, located in the United Kingdom, provides low-cost, simple and reliable global connections to sensors and mobile equipment. The Lacuna network is an ultra-low cost tracking and detection service for short data messages that is ubiquitous. The network works everywhere, and all the time, so companies can focus on using data from sensors or tracking the status of moving assets. For more information, visit www.lacuna.space.