RAK Outdoor LoRaWAN Gateway Mesh with 2.4GHz Backhaul Repeater
The Gateway Mesh is an open-source protocol co-developed by ChirpStack and RAKwireless. It enables a multi-hop LoRaWAN mesh network, significantly extending coverage beyond standard single-hop gateways. Designed for outdoor scenarios, this solution uses 2.4G LoRa for gateway-to-gateway communication.
Note: Please add a suitable antenna to the order (the default kit does not include an antenna).
Designed to handle higher bandwidth requirements, the 2.4G Relay is ideal for applications where backhaul data capacity is crucial. This relay option is perfect for environments like smart buildings, urban infrastructure, and complex sensor networks where the focus is on increased data throughput rather than maximum range. The 2.4G band offers more capacity for data-intensive applications, making it a reliable choice for high-traffic scenarios.
Solution characteristics (for 2.4 GHz relay)
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Devices per network
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Typically 2000 sensors, depending on topology and messages/day
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Distance between gateways
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Between 1 and 2 km, depending on the locations
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End-device radio channels
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8 RX + 1 TX (subGhz)
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Relay radio channels
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3 RX + 1 TX (2.4 GHz)
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Relay configuration
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Selectable SF, BW and TX power
Channel hopping
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Maximum hops
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8, recommended 3-4
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Network monitoring
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Heartbeat messages
Info page on LNS
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Network flooding management
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Per-gateway message ID cache
Per-gateway max hop count
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Network security
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Standard LoRaWAN security for messages to/from end-devices
Shared key for MIC checking for messages between gateways
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Gateway power
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Power adapter
Battery Plus compatible (battery+solar)
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Gateway installation
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Pole mount
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Gateway Mesh Protocol Advantages
- Extends LoRaWAN coverage through relay gateways
- Supports multi-hop mesh networking
- No modifications needed for end devices
- Works for end devices that move between gateways
How Does Gateway Mesh Work?
The Gateway Mesh protocol relays LoRaWAN payloads via gateways in remote areas where backhaul internet is sparse. Relay gateways forward data to border gateways, which connect to the network server (LNS). This process supports uplink and downlink messages and requires no changes to end devices.
The solution includes:
- One or more RAK7229 gateways as relay gateways
- One RAK7229C (with LTE) gateway as a border gateway
You can purchase multiple relay gateways depending on the range you plan to cover for testing and deployment.
All gateways use the latest SX1303 LoRa core, providing enhanced sensitivity and performance. The concentrator is shared for both end-device communication and mesh networking, which might impact overall network capacity.
The RAK7229 gateways support multi-backhaul with Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Cellular connectivity (RAK7229C). Optionally, there is a dedicated port for different power options and full integration with RAK Battery Plus off-grid power solution. The gateway’s new enclosure design allows the LTE, Wi-Fi, and GPS antennas to be inside the enclosure.
The gateways come flashed with the latest ChirpStack Gateway OS with support for the Gateway Mesh protocol.
Product Features
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Hardware
- IP67/NEMA-6 industrial-grade enclosure with cable glands
- PoE (802.3af) + Surge Protection
- 8 channels subGHz LoRa concentrator (RAK5146)
- 3+1 channels 2.4Ghz LoRa concentrator (RAK5148)
- Backhaul: Wi-Fi, Ethernet and LTE (on RAK7229C)
- GPS
- Supports DC 12V or Battery Plus off-grid system
- Internal antenna for Wi-Fi, GPS, and LTE.
- External antennas for LoRa subGHz and 2.4GHz
- Dying gasp
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Software
- ChirpStack Gateway OS
- Supports LoRaWAN 1.0.0 to 1.0.4 and 1.1.0
- Supports whitelisting (filtering)
Product Inclusions
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For each relay gateway (RAK7229)
- 1pc Gateway
- 1pc Ethernet Cable Gland
- 1pc POE Injector
- 1pc Mounting Brackets
- 1 Screw set
- 1pc 2.4G Antenna
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For the border gateway (RAK7229C)
- 1pc Gateway
- 1pc Ethernet Cable Gland
- 1pc POE Injector
- 1pc Mounting Brackets
- 1 Screw set
- 1pc 2.4G Antenna
Documentation
