The LoRaWAN® Stack – A key success factor for complex IoT environments

LoRaWAN® is a powerful long‑range wireless technology designed to reliably transmit small data packets over large distances.
Its use cases range from small‑scale integrations such as single‑device monitoring to large industrial environments with continuous data collection. Thanks to a globally recognized standard and widely available public LoRaWAN® networks, deployments can be realized almost anywhere in the world — even without building your own infrastructure.

LoRaWAN® specification and how it works

One of LoRaWAN®’s major strengths is its open standardization. Many components are available as open‑source building blocks, making it easy and cost‑efficient to set up private networks. At the same time, LoRaWAN® keeps maintenance costs low and is therefore suitable for a wide range of long‑life IoT applications.

Those who prefer not to manage their own network can rely on public LoRaWAN® infrastructures offered by telecom operators around the globe.

Communication is extremely energy‑efficient, as data is transmitted in small packets that enable multi‑year battery lifetimes. Both unidirectional and bidirectional communication are supported, with integrated end‑to‑end security ensuring data integrity and protection during transmission.

The network structure follows a Star‑of‑Stars topology:
End devices (such as sensors and meters) send their data via gateways to a central network server, which forwards it to the application server where the information is processed, stored and visualized.

Thumbnail highlighting the LoRaWAN® stack as a reliable solution for complex IoT environments

LoRaWAN® Use Cases

LoRaWAN® is particularly suitable for transmitting status and operational data from machines, devices and sensors. Typical applications include:

  • Condition monitoring in industrial facilities
  • Fleet tracking in logistics and transportation
  • Infrastructure monitoring (parking, waste management, street lighting)
  • Smart farming (livestock tracking, irrigation monitoring, soil sensors)

With its long communication range, only a few gateways are required to achieve reliable coverage — even in rural areas. Sensors collect data that can then be used for process optimization, such as automated fence monitoring or improved irrigation systems in agriculture.

LoRaWAN® Protocol Stack by STACKFORCE

The STACKFORCE LoRaWAN® Protocol Stack is an enhanced, industrial‑grade version of the open‑source stack. It is specifically designed for complex environments requiring maximum security, strong performance and long‑term reliability.

As an active member of the LoRa Alliance®, STACKFORCE constantly monitors evolving standards and integrates new features and performance optimizations into its stack at an early stage.

The stack provides:
  • Excellent long‑range performance and indoor penetration
  • Real‑time availability of measurement data within defined transmission intervals
  • Support for absolute values (e.g., meter readings) and real‑time values (flow, power, temperature)

For customers who rely on multi‑technology setups, the stack can be operated as a Dual‑ or Triple‑Stack. In addition to LoRaWAN®, mioty®, Sigfox or Wireless M‑Bus can also be integrated — and switching technologies is possible at any time, even during operation.

All LoRaWAN® Stacks

LoRaWAN® Application Protocols v1.0.0 Module

Software module

End Device

Stack‑independent library for LoRaWAN® FUOTA

FUOTA process through a single interface

Extensive documentation for seamless integration

Single fragmentation session

LoRaWAN® v1.0.4 for End Devices

Single Stack

End Device

Available for: STMicroelectronics

LoRaWAN® Specification v1.0.4

Efficient industrial use

Tested in industrial IoT applications worldwide

Pre-certification for reference hardware

OMS®/wM-Bus+ LoRaWAN® for End Devices

Multi Stack

End Device

Available for: Semtech, STMicroelectronics

Two types of remote meter reading

Smooth transition from OMS® to LoRaWAN®

Seamless switching between stacks

Custom protocol priority

OMS®/wM-Bus + OMS® over LoRaWAN® for End Devices

Multi Stack

End Device

Available for: Semtech, STMicroelectronics

Seamless switching between stacks

Two types of remote meter reading

Integration of LoRaWAN® into the OMS® world

Pre-certification for reference hardware

Seamless device integration for rapid IoT scaling

Integration and deployment

The LoRaWAN® Protocol Stack can be integrated into existing devices using compatible microcontrollers with a radio transceiver or integrated RF interface. With our extensive experience, we support you in developing competitive products that are easy to install, maintain and operate.

Developing your own wireless communication stack in‑house can be costly and risky. That is why STACKFORCE provides standardized, field‑proven software components based on many years of hands‑on expertise.

STACKFORCE offers the LoRaWAN® Stack as an “off‑the‑shelf” solution:

  • Immediately available or ready to deploy in short time
  • Thoroughly tested and simple to integrate
  • Flexible licensing packages for predictable budgeting
  • Professional support and optional service extensions

With the STACKFORCE LoRaWAN® Protocol Stack, you receive a solid technical foundation for your IoT applications — reliable, secure and economically efficient.

In the next article of this series, we will take a closer look at the technical details of the LoRaWAN® Stack: Which standards are implemented? Which features are included? What are the hardware requirements?

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