Each network has a series of gateways (connection points) that your device will connect to to send (transit) your device data to your chosen control panel.
Each different network may work on different communication protocols so when purchasing a device it is important to make sure the device is designed to work on the protocols that are used on the network you intend to connect your devices to.
Your device can only connect to one network at a time and generally cannot be moved between the different networks.
Each Network has an interface to login to so we/you can manage your devices. This interface allows us/you to
- add a device to authorise it to connect to the network.
- specify where the device will send its data.
- troubleshoot connection issues if required.
Below are some of the features users are most interested in knowing to assist in making a decision about which network to connect on.
The Things Network
The Things LoRaWAN community network is usually used for personal, small commercial and device testing purposes. The Things community network is great for devices that are in a fixed location or moving around in a smaller area like a home, business, community or farm etc. Data on LoRaWAN devices is typically delivered at regular 5, 10, 20 minute intervals or when required in between regular time slots to deliver warning messages etc.
Cost: FREE if self managed or $12 per year ($1 per month) if Nuvola managed
Protocols: LoRaWAN using AU915 frequency
Network User Interface: Yes if self managed
Coverage: World Wide but has large non coverage areas where you can add network coverage by installing your own gateway/s
More Info: The Things Community Network
TCG Network
The Connectivity Group (TCG) network is our preferred commercial LoRaWAN network partner, the network is used by a wide variety of users from small scale right through to the big corporates. The TCG network is great for devices that are in a fixed location or moving around in a smaller area like a home, business, community or farm etc. Data on LoRaWAN devices is typically delivered at regular 5, 10, 20 minute intervals or when required in between regular time slots to deliver warning messages etc. The commercial nature of the network offers increased reliability to deliver your data.
Nuvola managed for $42 per year (or $3.50 per month)
Protocols: LoRaWAN using AS923 frequency
Network User Interface: No Nuvola managed
Coverage: NZ Wide but has some non coverage areas where you can add network coverage by installing your own gateway/s
More Info: Contact us
3/4/5G LTE, LTE-M and NB-IoT Networks
The mobile networks are our preferred commercial network partner for devices that are moving around over larger areas eg vehicle trackers, and are also very popular for security solutions eg security alarms etc. The mobile network offers increased reliability to deliver larger amounts of data at short intervals where required. These networks are used by a wide variety of users from individuals right through to the big corporates.
Protocols: 3/4/5G LTE, LTE-M or NB-IoT
User Interface: No Nuvola managed
Coverage: NZ Wide but has some non coverage areas
Cost: From $84 per year (or $7.00 per month) Nuvola managed
More Info: Contact us