Mesh Networking

The ASAS Gateway supports mesh networking capabilities, allowing multiple gateways to collaborate and extend LoRaWAN network coverage beyond the range of a single gateway with direct internet backhaul.

Concept

In a mesh setup:

• One or more gateways (often called "Border" or "Main" gateways) have a standard internet backhaul connection (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, 4G).
• Other gateways ("Relay Gateways") do not need their own internet connection. They connect to the Root gateway(s) or other Mesh Gateway via LoRaWAN.
• When a Relay Gateway receives a LoRaWAN packet from an end-device, it forwards the packet over the mesh link to the Border gateway that does have internet backhaul. That gateway then forwards the packet to the ASAS Server.
• Similarly, downlink messages from the Asas Server are routed back through the mesh to the Mesh Node for transmission to the end-device.

This allows you to cover a larger area or overcome signal blockages using multiple gateways, even if only one has internet access.

Considerations

• Capacity: Supports up to 8 gateways within a single mesh network.
• Latency: Relaying packets through multiple mesh hops introduces additional latency compared to direct backhaul.
• Throughput: The bandwidth of the LoRaWAN mesh link can limit the overall capacity.
• Reliability: The mesh depends on stable links between gateways. Physical placement and minimizing interference are crucial.