Knowing where and when something happens is sometimes more important than the fact that it happened at all. Just ask Heisenberg. No, not him. This one.
Well, Semtech Corporation, a supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and proponent of the LoRa IoT standard, has announced that its new LoRa geolocation solution has been integrated into a LoRaWAN-based IoT network. And that network is currently deployed over 12 square kilometers of Glasgow, Scotland, including the commercial center, Merchant City and the West End. Because this geolocation service does not rely on GPS, but instead the LPWAN, it will help enable the development and use of devices like building and indoor environmental monitors, pollution sensors, tags for tracking valuable assets and social care devices.
“Semtech was pleased to support a representative deployment in both urban and non-urban environments to further demonstrate our recently launched unique LoRa geolocation hardware and software,” said Richard Lansdowne, senior director, Network System Solutions, Wireless and Sensing Product Group, Semtech. “This project is a valuable opportunity for our team and will help drive the successful development of enhanced algorithms embedded in our LoRa geolocation solution going forward.”
The network was deployed as a collaborative project involving Semtech, Stream Technologies (News - Alert), Boston Networks and CENSIS. The group is also working on the installation of a similar sensor network in Inverness, Scotland to monitor conditions in more rural environments.
“This is an exciting development in the story of the IoT and the next wave of Internet technology,” said Nigel Chadwick (News - Alert), CEO, Stream Technologies. “The LoRaWAN network we’ve set up in Glasgow is one of the most advanced in the world – and is the perfect demonstrator for how it can be rolled out across other cities.”
Glasgow was selected as the test case because of its similarities to many major metropolitan areas worldwide. The city includes a grid system like major U.S. cities, older historic spaces and a mix of urban and extra-urban environments – all of which are ideal for testing low power radio network performance.
“The emergence of disruptive technologies such as LoRaWAN has enormous potential to revolutionize the future of the IoT,” said Scott McEwan, chief executive, Boston Networks. “To have one of the most advanced LoRaWAN networks which will permit urban infrastructure to become more intelligent – and all right on our doorstep, is an exciting prospect.”
Now, if we can just find a way to get Schrodinger’s cat out of that box.