LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is the ideal solution for the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the city of Bonn. The system enables sensors to communicate over long distances with low energy consumption. With today's technical possibilities, it is very easy to display sensor data via dashboards or platforms.
But how can this technology be implemented in practice? Here is an example from our Smart City Bonn:
During the LoRaWAN workshop "Designing the Internet of Things yourself", citizens came up with the idea of using sensors to optimize winter road maintenance on cycle paths. The temperature and humidity were already measured on selected cycle paths last winter in order to coordinate the planning for the deployment of gritting vehicles by bonnorange.
The data measured by the sensors is sent to the network via the LoRaWAN, where the data can be processed in real time.
This is just one example of the use of sensors. This technology can also be used in agriculture to monitor soil moisture, temperature or the irrigation system. In industry, machines can be monitored. Applications for measuring water quality and air pollution are also possible in the field of environmental protection.
In Ulm, for example, new applications have already been implemented thanks to the initiative of citizens and have had a positive impact on life in the city. Sensors on sports fields, for example, measure the temperature and air quality so that citizens can independently assess whether sporting activities seem sensible at the time.
Stadtwerke Bonn has installed six of the 47 community gateways in the Bonn city area.
The best thing about it: you can actively participate and expand the network!
You can already install your own sensors and register them in the TTN: https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/community/bonn/. (opens in a new tab) The signal from the sensors is received by nearby gateways and forwarded to the TTN, where the data is processed and stored almost in real time. By having gateways installed by everyone and shared via "The Things Network" (TTN), the network in Bonn can be further densified. This can create a more comprehensive network in Bonn to realize various use cases for a smart and sustainable future.