THE CHALLENGE

First, Coderus needed to put up a gateway that they could use to help determine the application’s overall value and success. This led them to set up The Things Gateway at Adastral Park’s Suffolk Coastal District in a partnership with Comms Unite on the 13th of September 2018. The gateway, based at Adastral Park, is one of only four Things Network Gateways in Suffolk and the only main gateway in East Ipswich to date.

Once set up, Coderus did some exploration and needed to investigate what LoRa was and other applications in the industry and how theirs would be different, with a unique USP.

Coderus found a well-known Android TTN Mapper application already created, however, they discovered that it didn’t contain vital information required for troubleshooting issues. There was also no indication as to whether the device had failed to send a message or if the message had been lost in translation. As such, their challenge was to develop an end-to-end LoRaWAN mobile app solution that would be ready in time for the Things Network Conference in October 2018. They knew that they would have to consolidate several SMART mobile integration features.

The SOLUTION

Coderus created two apps that together would show users when they are in and out of range of a gateway and if users are at the limit of range. In previous apps, you could only send out a message and not be sure if it actually sent. With their app, you get a message back that confirms it was received. The benefit of the Coderus application is that you can also use it to improve a gateway and test signal strength to help with configuration and antenna positioning.

Their efficient, well-experienced team were also able to meet the deadline and completed the project so that it was ready for The Things Network Conference. Thanks to The Things Network Conference, Coderus had the chance to collect product feedback and provide commercial solutions that will support future project work opportunities. Since then, they have been able to start work on a number of other projects that use the LoRaWAN technology - which seems to have become quite popular within the industry.

Winter Gritting in Norfolk’s road surfaces

Temperature monitoring sensors were embedded in some of Norfolk's road surfaces.

loRaWAN Sensors in supported housing

LoRaWAN sensors installed to monitor residents on care plans in supported housing.

property Temperature and humidity

Installed LoRaWAN based temperature, light and humidity sensor which provided half hourly data to a web based dashboard.