Class A, Class B, and Class C LoRaWAN

How do Class A, Class B, and Class C LoRaWAN® devices differ from each other?

LoRaWAN® devices are categorized into Class A, Class B, and Class C, each possessing unique characteristics. The following are their respective definitions:

 

  1. Class A LoRaWAN® Device:
    • Two-Way Communication: Class A devices support two-way communication but with a specific protocol. After an uplink transmission (device to network), they open short receive windows at predetermined intervals to listen for potential downlink messages (network to device).
    • Power Efficiency: Class A devices are the most power-efficient among the classes, making them suitable for battery-operated devices with limited power resources.
    • Receive Windows: Class A device can send an uplink message at any time. Once the uplink transmission is completed, the device opens two short receive windows for receiving downlink messages from the network.

 

  1. Class B LoRaWAN® Device:
    • Scheduled Receive Windows: Class B devices have scheduled receive windows for downlink messages from the network. These scheduled windows provide more predictable communication compared to Class A.
    • Additional Beaconing: Class B devices may receive periodic beacons from the network, helping them to synchronize with the network's schedule.
    • Balanced Power Consumption: Class B devices balance power consumption and communication predictability, making them suitable for applications that benefit from scheduled communication.

 

  1. Class C LoRaWAN® Device:
    • Continuous Receive Mode: Class C devices feature continuous receive windows, allowing them to listen for downlink messages at any time, even during uplink transmissions.
    • Higher Power Consumption: Class C devices consume more power compared to Class A and Class B due to their continuous listening mode.
    • Low Latency: Class C devices offer lower latency for downlink messages as they are always ready to receive.

 

In summary, the classification of LoRaWAN® devices into Class A, Class B, and Class C provides flexibility for different use cases, balancing factors such as power efficiency, predictability, and latency based on the specific requirements of the application.


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