The LoRa network is transforming connectivity in France. It covers more than 30,000 communes, reaching 95% of the population. The LoRa coverage map is expanding rapidly, offering solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) in a variety of sectors.

Syscom-Prorep, with 30 years' experience, is a major player in the integration of LoRa solutions. Their expertise enables the deployment of reliable, high-performance networks, essential for smart cities and Industry 4.0.

The LoRa network stands out for its flexibility. It offers customized coverage in just 7 days, adapting to the specific needs of businesses and local authorities. This agility, combined with low energy consumption, makes it a preferred choice for many IoT applications.

Key points

  • 95% coverage of the French population
  • Rapid deployment in 7 days
  • Syscom-Prorep's expertise in LoRa integration
  • Various applications: agriculture, industry, smart cities
  • Water savings of up to 15% thanks to leak detection
  • Interoperability with DLMS and WHO standards
  • Real-time monitoring via dedicated dashboard

What is the LoRa network and why is it important in France?

The LoRa network, launched in 2009 by French start-up Cycleo, is transforming the Internet of Things in France. It enables connected objects to be linked over vast distances, while minimizing energy consumption.

Definition and operating principles

LoRa, short for "Long Range", operates on the 868 MHz frequency band. This protocol facilitates data exchange between devices over distances of 1 to 20 km, depending on the environment. The LoRa network provides long-range communication, with transmission speeds ranging from 0.3 to 50 kbps.

Main applications of the LoRa network

In France, the LoRa network is used in a number of areas:

  • Smart metering
  • Water monitoring
  • Tracking
  • Intelligent commerce
  • Home automation

Intelligent waste management illustrates the use of the LoRa network in French cities.

Technological advantages for users

The LoRa network offers several advantages:

  • Autonomy of connected objects for up to 10 years
  • Lower operating costs than GSM networks
  • Ability to penetrate buildings and reach basements

These advantages make the LoRa network a perfect solution for the Internet of Things in France. It provides reliable, cost-effective connectivity for a wide range of applications.

Current status of LoRa coverage in France

LoRa coverage in France has expanded significantly in recent years. This long-range, low-power communications network is transforming the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape in France.

National coverage and statistics

Orange, the main operator of the LoRaWAN® network in France, claims to cover more than 30,000 communes. This impressive coverage represents 95% of the French population. Densification of the network continues, with the aim of filling in the remaining white zones.

Urban vs. rural areas

LoRa coverage is denser in urban areas, where demand for IoT solutions is high. However, efforts are increasingly focused on extending the network into rural areas. This expansion aims to democratize access to IoT technologies across the entire territory.

Progressive network densification

The deployment of the LoRa network is intensifying, in particular to improve coverage inside buildings. This densification optimizes geolocation capabilities, which are crucial for many IoT applications. Steady progress in this field is opening up new opportunities for French businesses and local authorities.

LoRa network operators in France

In France, two operators dominate the LoRa network: Orange and Objenious. They have been key to the expansion of the Internet of Things. Their network covers 95% of the population, offering extensive connectivity for IoT applications.

Orange, via its Live Objects platform, has installed over 4,800 antennas. This infrastructure provides solid connectivity for a variety of IoT applications. Bouygues Telecom subsidiary Objenious, however, has announced that it will shut down its LoRa network in December 2024.

Objenious users are invited to turn to Orange or Netmore to continue their service. This approach is designed to preserve service quality and avoid service interruptions. Hybrid network solutions are available for a seamless transition.

Companies like Syscom-Prorep offer customized LoRa connectivity solutions. They play a key role in the expansion and improvement of the LoRa network in France. This strengthens the Internet of Things ecosystem.

LoRaWAN network technical specifications

The LoRaWAN network stands out for its exceptional performance. It offers long range and low power consumption. These characteristics make it an ideal solution for many IoT applications.

Range and performance

LoRa technology offers impressive coverage, reaching up to 10 kilometers outdoors. This long range makes it possible to connect devices in large areas. However, range can be reduced in complex environments such as buildings or basements.

Energy consumption

Low energy consumption is a major advantage of the LoRaWAN network. Thanks to spread spectrum technology, devices can operate for long periods on a single battery charge. This feature is crucial for large-scale IoT deployments.

Safety and reliability

The LoRaWAN network integrates several layers of security. It includes network and application key encryption, authentication and access control. Its star topology ensures a reliable connection between gateways and the application server. What's more, the use of an open-source protocol enables private network deployments and better control of collected data.

The LoRaWAN network operates on the 868 MHz ISM frequency band in Europe. Its variable spread factor (from 7 to 12) influences transmission distance and data rate. This offers flexibility for a wide range of IoT applications.

Solutions for areas without coverage

The LoRa network offers outstanding coverage in France. However, some areas remain out of reach. Faced with this challenge, innovative solutions have been put in place to extend the connectivity of connected objects.

Coverage On Demand

This method involves integrating a micro-gateway into an operator's network. It improves LoRa coverage locally, guaranteeing better connectivity in specific areas. This flexible approach is particularly well-suited to businesses with occasional needs.

LoRa private networks

LoRa private networks create a local network via a gateway. Ideal for companies requiring autonomous communication, this option limits the range of connected objects to a defined area. However, it offers total control over the network.

Repeaters and coverage extensions

LoRa repeaters, currently under development, aim to improve transmission in difficult areas such as basements. These devices increase the range of the LoRa network, enabling connected objects to communicate even in complex environments.

Unlike GPRS/3G solutions, which are poorly suited to IoT needs due to their high energy consumption, these alternatives offer flexible options. They ensure optimal connectivity for connected objects, even in areas not initially covered by the public LoRa network.

Smart city applications

The LoRa network is radically transforming the smart city concept in France. It enables the massive installation of wireless sensors, improving urban management. The example of Amsterdam Schiphol airport, with 500 sensors, illustrates this potential. These sensors measure temperature, humidity and cleanliness, optimizing services and reducing energy consumption.

In Singapore, 1,000 LoRaWAN devices monitor water and energy consumption, generating savings of up to 10%. The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, meanwhile, uses LoRa sensors to manage its waste and parking. This reduces operating costs.

LoRaWAN offers many advantages for smart cities:

  • Long-range communication
  • Low energy consumption
  • Data security
  • Scalability and flexibility

Concrete applications include intelligent street lighting, optimized parking and waste management. They also include water level control, connected public transport, and air quality monitoring. LoRa technology, with its range of several kilometers, is ideally suited to large urban areas. Its low energy consumption ensures long sensor autonomy, essential for the Internet of Things in urban environments.

For use in industrial and professional applications

The LoRa network is radically transforming the industrial sector in France. With the LoRa Alliance bringing together over 500 members, its adoption is accelerating significantly. Companies are relying on this technology to optimize their operations and cut costs.

Monitoring and maintenance

LoRa wireless sensors provide real-time monitoring of equipment. They identify anomalies before they become major problems. This preventive strategy helps reduce downtime and extend equipment life.

Asset management

Asset tracking made more efficient thanks to LoRa. Companies can now locate and monitor their equipment over vast areas. A LoRa gateway can cover up to 5 km in urban areas and 15 km in rural areas. This capability simplifies inventory management and optimizes resource utilization.

Process optimization

LoRa revolutionizes industrial waste management. Sensors in the skips measure fill levels. This allows collection rounds to be optimized. This application demonstrates LoRa's potential for streamlining industrial processes.

Syscom-Prorep, with 30 years' experience, offers LoRa solutions tailored to the specific needs of industry. Their expertise ensures successful implementation of this innovative technology in the professional sector.

IoT connectivity solutions

The Internet of Things is transforming our daily lives. Connected devices require specific connectivity solutions. LoRa stands out for its exceptional features.

LoRa offers remarkable range. One device can transmit up to 15 km with one antenna. This technology excels in rural areas where cellular coverage is limited. It is also remarkably efficient in buildings, including basements.

LoRa's energy consumption is very low. IoT sensors operate for up to 10 years on a single battery. This long service life considerably reduces maintenance costs.

In France, LoRa uses the 868 MHz band. This frequency guarantees reliable transmission, with little susceptibility to interference. Orange's public LoRaWAN network covers 95% of the French population.

LoRa adapts to a variety of applications: smart cities, connected agriculture, asset tracking. Its flexibility makes it a popular solution for the Internet of Things. Companies can choose between public, private or community networks, depending on their requirements.

LoRa network deployment and installation

Deploying a LoRa network in France is a large-scale project. Thanks to its long range, this technology offers extensive coverage with a less dense infrastructure than conventional cellular networks.

Infrastructure requirements

The LoRa network is based on a strategic arrangement of antennas. To cover France, around 4,000 antennas are required, compared with 15,000 for 3G. This infrastructure ensures a remarkable range:

  • 20 km free-field
  • 1 km in urban areas

Gateways and servers form the heart of the network, facilitating communication between connected objects and applications.

Implementation steps

Deploying the LoRa network involves several key stages:

  1. Planning: needs analysis and mapping
  2. Antenna and gateway installation
  3. Network configuration and testing
  4. Gradual roll-out: first in major conurbations, then extension

The LoRa network currently covers over 30,000 communes in France, representing 95% of the population. Rural and mountainous areas such as the Ardèche and Vosges still require coverage.

Syscom-Prorep's assembly and customization services help in this process. They offer tailor-made solutions, adapted to each project, whether for a company or a smart city.

Services and technical support available

The LoRa network in France is backed by solid technical support. This is crucial to the implementation and management of connected objects. Users benefit from comprehensive support, from design to implementation of their IoT projects.

Customer support

Operators like Orange offer an intuitive platform. It features advanced sensor and network management functions. This interface makes asset tracking and process optimization simple. Syscom-Prorep, a specialist in industrial electronics and IT solutions, offers comprehensive support for LoRa projects. They guarantee smooth, efficient implementation.

Maintenance and follow-up

LoRa network maintenance is made easy by long sensor battery life, up to 10 years. A 24/7 monitored network ensures maximum reliability for your connected objects. For assistance, Syscom-Prorep can be reached on +33 1 60 86 80 04 or by email at contact@syscom-prorep.com. They offer expert support for the deployment and management of your LoRa network.

FAQ

What is the LoRa network?

The LoRa network, short for "Long Range", is a wireless communication technology. It is designed for the Internet of Things (IoT). This technology enables sensors and devices to be connected over long distances, while consuming very little energy. It is therefore ideal for many IoT applications.

What are the main advantages of the LoRa network?

The LoRa network offers several major advantages. It has a long range, reaching several kilometers in rural areas. It consumes very little energy, enabling some devices to operate for several years. What's more, it's highly reliable. It has good in-building penetration and is relatively inexpensive to deploy.

What is the current coverage of the LoRa network in France?

LoRa network coverage in France is steadily expanding. Urban areas enjoy generally good coverage. However, efforts are continuing to extend coverage in rural areas. For accurate, up-to-date information, we recommend consulting the coverage maps of leading operators such as Objenious and Orange.

Who are the main LoRa network operators in France?

In France, the main LoRa network operators are Objenious, a subsidiary of Bouygues Telecom, and Orange. These operators offer nationwide LoRa connectivity services. Solution providers such as Syscom-Prorep also offer LoRa connectivity solutions tailored to the specific needs of businesses.

How is the LoRa network used in smart cities?

In smart cities, the LoRa network is used to deploy wireless sensors on a large scale. It is used for a variety of urban applications. These include intelligent waste management, traffic optimization, air quality monitoring and smart public lighting. These applications aim to make cities more efficient and sustainable.

What applications does the LoRa network have in the industrial sector?

In the industrial sector, the LoRa network is used for real-time monitoring of equipment. This facilitates predictive maintenance. It is also used for asset tracking, enabling companies to efficiently manage their materials and inventories. LoRa sensors also help optimize industrial processes by providing accurate, real-time data.

How can LoRa coverage be extended to unserved areas?

To extend LoRa coverage to unserved areas, several solutions are available. Coverage On Demand" allows the network to be densified locally. Private LoRa networks are an option for companies with specific needs. The use of repeaters and coverage extensions can also improve connectivity in difficult environments.

What's the difference between LoRa and LoRaWAN?

LoRa is the radio modulation technology used for long-range communication. LoRaWAN is the network protocol based on LoRa technology. LoRaWAN defines the system architecture and communication parameters for devices using LoRa technology.

How does the LoRa network ensure the geolocation of connected objects?

The LoRa network geolocates connected objects using the triangulation technique. Using the signals received by several LoRa gateways, it is possible to determine the approximate position of an object. This is particularly useful for tracking assets with low energy consumption.

What are the advantages of LoRa over other IoT technologies?

LoRa offers several advantages over other IoT technologies. Its long range enables extensive coverage with less infrastructure. Its low energy consumption extends device battery life. What's more, LoRa offers good penetration into buildings and harsh environments, making it suitable for many urban and industrial IoT applications.

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