Upgrading the Power of LoRa:  LoRa Basics™ Modem v4 Feature Release with FUOTA and Relay 

The LoRa Basics Modem v4 feature release revolutionizes LoRaWAN® end device development by providing customers with: 

• Unmatched flexibility, compliance and support for building and deploying feature-rich LoRaWAN end devices

• Cost savings and enhanced device performance with LoRa Basics Modem v4's innovative approach to Firmware Updates Over The Air (FUOTA), empowering seamless remote updates for devices in the field, minimizing maintenance expenses and eliminating physical touch points

• An easy, flexible and affordable mechanism to extend network coverage using the LoRa Basics Modem relay feature, enabling battery-operated network extensions and flexible network architectures without the need for additional gateway installations  

To get started, visit the LoRa Alliance® website here to get the latest documentation and download the latest LoRa Basics Modem v4 software from GitHub here. 

LoRa Basics Modem: The Software That Enables LoRaWAN® Devices 

LoRa Basics Modem, Semtech's LoRaWAN software reference stack, has been empowering embedded developers to create robust LoRaWAN end devices since 2021. With the latest feature release, LoRa Basics Modem v4, customers can take their devices to new heights, thanks to some amazing new features, enhanced flexibility, compliance, and support. In this blog post, we’ll delve into two brand new and much sought after features of LoRa Basics Modem v4: 1) FUOTA and 2) relay. Let's explore how these features will revolutionize device maintenance and expand the already incredible network reach of LoRa devices. 

Understanding “Feature” Releases 

The LoRa Basics Modem v4 feature release introduces exciting advancements. But what exactly is a feature release? Simply put, it is an early, feature-complete version of our LoRa Basics Modem firmware that encompasses all the new functionalities planned for the final release of LoRa Basics Modem v4, scheduled for later this year. This feature release empowers customers to start product development and testing right away, ensuring they can deliver maximum value and functionality to their customers as quickly as possible. Note, to benefit from the new FUOTA and relay functionality, customers need to check with their LoRaWAN network server provider to make sure they are supporting these new functions on their end since both FUOTA and relay require new features on not only the end devices but also on the network server.  

Simplifying Device Maintenance With FUOTA  

For any IoT solution, maintenance can be costly. LoRa already boasts exceptional battery power, minimizing the need for frequent in-field contact. Now, with FUOTA enabled in LoRa Basics Modem v4, customers can leverage this feature to remotely update devices in the field, further enhancing their deployments robustness and features, with minimal additional costs or physical device contact.  

LoRa Basics Modem v4 feature release equips customers with the essential infrastructure for building their desired FUOTA solution. It encompasses key components like clock synchronization, data block transfer, remote multicast setup, and a firmware management protocol, as outlined in the LoRa Alliance FUOTA specification. For more information, you can refer to the official LoRa Alliance FUOTA FAQ available here. 

By streamlining the update process, FUOTA empowers customers to seamlessly keep devices up to date in the field, enhancing performance, features, efficiency, and lifespan. 

Extend Network Coverage With Relay  

Expanding network coverage traditionally requires the cost of additional gateways, the need for additional power supply availability, and verifying sufficient backhaul coverage. However, LoRa Basics Modem v4 introduces the new relay feature, which allows for battery-operated and easy-to-deploy network coverage extensions using battery powered LoRa end node devices. With relay, introduced in the LoRa Alliance relay specification, developers can extend network coverage at a fraction of the cost associated with additional gateways. This feature brings greater flexibility to network architectures, enabling coverage extension in areas where deploying traditional gateways is not feasible or cost-effective. By utilizing relay in LoRa Basics Modem v4, customers can create expansive LoRaWAN networks, accommodating a wide variety of deployment scenarios. 

Get Started Today 

By leveraging LoRa Basics Modem v4, customers can expedite their go-to-market process, deliver exceptional user experiences and unlock the full potential of LoRaWAN technology.

Get ahead of the curve and start exploring the LoRa Basics Modem v4 feature release today!

To learn how to get started, visit the LoRa Alliance website here to get the latest documentation and download the latest LoRa Basics Modem v4 software from GitHub here. 

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