Top 10 Considerations for Selecting the Right LoRaWAN Meter

Top 10 Considerations for Selecting the Right LoRaWAN Meter
Top 10 Considerations for Selecting the Right LoRaWAN Meter

In recent years, LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) has gained popularity due to its capability to transmit data over long distances while consuming low power. In particular, smart meters using LoRaWAN wireless technology are being used to remotely monitor various utility meters, such as gas, water and electricity. With the increasing number of LoRaWAN smart meters in the market, it can be challenging to select the right one. In this blog, we’ll discuss the top 10 considerations to keep in mind when selecting the right LoRaWAN meter.

What is LoRaWAN meter

LoRaWAN meter refers to a type of device that uses the LoRaWAN wireless protocol to transmit data from meters. These smart meters can be applied to measure various parameters in life such as electricity, gas, water, temperature, humidity, and so on. LoRaWAN meters use low-power, long-range wireless technology to transmit data over a long distance and can operate for several years on a single battery.

The advantage of using LoRaWAN technology in metering is that it can transmit data over a long range, up to several kilometers, and can penetrate through obstacles like walls and buildings. This makes it easier to deploy meters remotely or in hard-to-reach locations without laying out expensive and complex infrastructure.

LoRaWAN meters are commonly used in smart metering systems, where the data collected from meters is transmitted to a central server for analysis and billing purposes. They are also used in various other applications like industrial monitoring, environmental monitoring, and smart cities.

What to consider before selecting a LoRaWAN meter

To ensure that the LoRaWAN smart meter you choose satisfies your specific needs and requirements, it’s essential to take several important factors beforehand. Below will show you some of the key considerations:

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the meter is a major factor to consider, especially if you plan to install the meter in a small or confined space. It’s significant to choose a meter that is compact and lightweight, while still providing accurate readings.

Data Accuracy

Data accuracy is crucial for any metering application, and LoRaWAN meters are no exception. Be sure that the meter you choose provides accurate data readings so that you can make informed decisions about energy usage and management.

Data Collection Frequency

Another important factor to consider is the frequency at which the LoRaWAN meter collects data. The frequency of data you require may vary depending on your particular use case, whether it be real-time data or data gathered at set intervals, such as hourly or daily.

Battery Life

Battery life is a key consideration when choosing a LoRaWAN meter, especially when the meter is located in hard-to-reach areas. Make sure that the meter you choose has a long battery life and that you don’t have to replace the battery too often.

Data Security

With the increasing amount of data being transmitted between devices, it’s important to choose a meter with robust data security measures. Look for meters that have encryption and authentication protocols to ensure that the data is secure and protected from unauthorized access.

Installation and Maintenance

Easy installation and maintenance can reduce the time and cost required to set up and maintain the meter. Be sure to choose smart meters that are easy to install and maintain. Therefore, you can save yourself from spending excessive time and resources on installation and maintenance.

Compatibility

Ensure that the LoRaWAN meter you choose is compatible with the gateway and software you plan to use. This will ensure seamless integration and avoid any potential compatibility issues.

Cost

The cost of the LoRaWAN meter is also a significant consideration, as it can impact your budget for the project. You’ll want to ensure that the meter provides good value for the cost, and that it meets your specific needs and requirements.

Environmental Conditions

The environmental conditions in which the meter will be installed are important factors to consider. Depending on the location, you may need a meter that is weather-resistant, waterproof, or capable of operating in extreme temperatures.

Support and Service

Finally, it’s important to choose a meter that comes with reliable support and service. You’ll want to ensure that you have access to technical support, troubleshooting assistance, and any necessary software updates or upgrades over the lifetime of the meter.

5 most popular types of LoRaWAN meters in the market

LoRaWAN smart meters have revolutionized the metering industry and are increasingly being adopted across industries due to their high accuracy, low cost, and ease of installation. Here, we’ll show you the 5 most popular LoRaWAN meter types in the market:

LoRaWAN water meter: LoRaWAN water meters are used to measure the consumption of water in households, buildings, and industrial settings. They help in tracking water usage, identifying leaks, and reducing wastage.

LoRaWAN energy meter: LoRaWAN energy meters are used to measure the consumption of electricity, gas, and other forms of energy. They help in monitoring energy usage, identifying areas of energy wastage, and optimizing energy consumption. LoRaWAN energy meters can be used in homes, commercial buildings, and industries.

LoRaWAN gas meter: Similar to water meters, gas meters measure the volume of gas consumed in homes, offices, and industrial settings. They use ultrasonic technology to measure gas flow and transmit data to a central server via LoRaWAN.

LoRaWAN electricity meter: These power meters are deployed to monitor the electricity consumption of a building or a house. It can measure the electricity usage of individual appliances and transmit the data to a gateway via LoRaWAN technology. LoRaWAN electricity meters are highly accurate and can communicate data over long distances.

LoRaWAN temperature and humidity meter: These sensors are used to measure temperature and humidity in indoor and outdoor environments. They transmit data to a central server via LoRaWAN and are commonly used in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems.

Choose MOKOLoRa for your LoRaWAN meter plug

MOKOLoRa is a professional LoRaWAN IoT device manufacturer, and we provide a wide range of LoRaWAN end devices. Our LoRaWAN meter plug is a top choice for smart metering solutions since it can provide secure, reliable, and cost-effective monitoring of electricity usage in real-time. Trust us and make our smart plugs a cost-effective and practical solution for smart city and industrial IoT applications.

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