LoRaWAN HAT/mini-PCIe card on WAGO Edge Controller — experiences and recommendations?

Hardware and Linux
1

Hi everyone,

I’m working on a project where I want to add LoRaWAN gateway capability directly to a WAGO Edge Controller running Debian Linux, and I’m hoping someone here has done something similar.

My setup and goal: I’m running an Ignition SCADA server with the OperaMetrix LoRaWAN module (docs.operametrix.com/modules/lorawan). This module implements a full LoRaWAN network server inside Ignition, listening on UDP port 1700 for the Semtech Packet Forwarder protocol. I want a LoRaWAN concentrator card installed in the WAGO device to act as the gateway, forwarding RF packets to the Ignition/OperaMetrix server.

My questions:

  1. What LoRaWAN concentrator card have you installed? Has anyone fitted a LoRaWAN mini-PCIe, or USB concentrator to a WAGO Edge Controller? Region (EU868).
  2. Where did you buy it? Are there Norwegian or European distributors you’d recommend? I’d prefer to avoid long shipping times from Asia if possible. Are there EU-based alternatives?
  3. Software on the Linux side? What packet forwarder software have you used? Are there programs that are shippted with Debian? Must I compile programs?
  4. Tips, websites ? Any good websites to look at? HowTo links?

LoRaWAN sensor → RF → Concentrator card in WAGO → Tailscale →
Semtech Packet Forwarder (UDP) → Ignition + OperaMetrix module →
[LoRaWAN] tag provider in Ignition

Espen

2

I would definitely recommand Chirpstack, this is the open source reference for a Network server.
Here you’ll find some information :

If you plan to have a bigger coverage then maybe it’s better to use proper LoRaWAN gateways.
I would recommand Kerlink gateways.
It can directly include Chirpstack, or it can act as a basic Packet forwarder.

3

Thank you, I will try to order the WISE-R311 card and test chirpstack :slight_smile:

Espen