In a recent announcement, Multi-Tech Systems, a global manufacturer of M2M and IoT devices, made public the availability of its MultiConnect Conduit AP access point for LoRa technology. The new cost-optimized gateway connects thousands of IoT assets to the cloud using the power of LoRaWAN, a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) specification deployed for wireless battery operated Things in regional, national and global networks.
Based on the MultiConnect Conduit gateway, it is designed specifically to extend end-point density and provide coverage in difficult to reach areas cell tower or rooftop deployments may not penetrate. For IoT assets clustered in commercial buildings like hotels, convention centers, offices and retail facilities, this access point and its integrated antenna can be mounted on walls or ceilings to extend LoRa connectivity and enhance Service Level Agreements.
“The new MultiConnect Conduit AP access point for LoRa technology removes barriers to enabling a wide range of IoT use cases,” said Derek Wallace, Director, Product Management, MultiTech. “MultiTech remains committed to providing the best possible IoT solutions at an affordable price point. The cost-effective access point not only addresses challenging ROI requirements, but expands deployment options to optimize performance for subterranean penetration or deep in-building sites.”
Designed to be quick and easy to deploy, the Conduit AP supports eight uplink and one downlink LoRa channel capable of supporting thousands of LoRaWAN end points, including the MultiTech MultiConnect mDot & xDot Certified LoRaWAN modules, connected to remote sensors or appliances. The access point offers a choice of wired Ethernet or cellular IP connectivity to provide packet forwarding control and user data between LoRa end points and a Network Server centrally located either in the cloud, an enterprises data center or a public operators’ core network.
Key benefits and features include:
- 4G-LTE with 2x2 MiMo (3G-HSPA+ includingDiversity /2G-GPRS fallback) cellular module
- LoRa Omni-Directional internal antenna with +2 dBi gain for 863 – 870 MHz ISM band
- Ethernet RJ-45 10/100 Base-T for wired IP backhaul
- Embedded Linux BSP OS
- Consumes less than 7W sustained power
Edited by
Maurice Nagle
