Under ideal conditions, a gateway’s range is significant, and even in real-world conditions, it is further than you expect.
Wireless monitoring poses various challenges, with range being one of the most significant. Conserv uses Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) technology, which offers best-in-class range, transmitting signals that are much farther than WiFi or Bluetooth.
Determining maximum range can be tricky because it varies widely depending on the environment, but you can gauge it by observing devices that you already own.
For instance, with Bluetooth headphones, you likely notice a signal loss beyond 10-20 feet from the audio source, although some higher power versions can reach up to 100 feet or more without obstructions.
WiFi offers a slightly better range but still has limitations; you may have experienced dead zones in your home, prompting vendors to create mesh networks or range extenders to boost the signal. In contrast, LoRaWAN provides significantly greater range. Outdoors without obstructions, Conserv tested LoRaWAN successfully over several miles. Indoors, a single gateway can typically cover tens of thousands of square feet, even through concrete ceilings and floors. Conserv regularly observes sensors operating reliably hundreds of yards from the gateway, with one example showing a sensor over 100 yards away across multiple floors of a building.
Reasons for the Superior Range
Both WiFi and Bluetooth operate in the 2.4GHz or 5.725GHz frequency ranges, which can carry a lot of data but over limited distances due to permitted power levels. In contrast, LoRaWAN uses a lower frequency unlicensed ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) band (0.902-0.928GHz). This lower frequency travels farther and penetrates obstructions better than the higher frequencies that are used by WiFi and Bluetooth. Additionally, the LoRaWAN frequency is less crowded, making it easier to obtain a clear signal.
LoRaWAN is specifically designed for range; while it cannot transmit large amounts of data (such as streaming Netflix), it excels at reliably sending small bits of data (like sensor readings) over long distances while consuming minimal power.