Architecture guide
LoRa Mesh vs LoRaWAN: When to Use a Hybrid Architecture
LoRa Mesh is an architecture option, not a replacement for LoRaWAN. Here is where it helps and how to combine both.
MatrixAI LoRaWAN engineering team · · 5 min read
The star topology of LoRaWAN
LoRaWAN uses a star-of-stars topology: every device talks directly to one or more gateways. This is simple, power-efficient and scalable — but every device needs a workable radio path to a gateway.
Where direct paths are difficult
- Deep basements and car parks
- Plant rooms surrounded by concrete and steel
- Dense indoor environments with many walls
- Warehouses with metal racking
- Industrial sites with heavy machinery
How LoRa Mesh helps
In a LoRa Mesh network, nodes relay messages for each other, so data can hop around obstacles until it reaches a gateway. This extends coverage without adding backhaul at every location.
The hybrid architecture
MatrixAI typically uses LoRa Mesh for the difficult zones and LoRaWAN or IP for the rest: LoRa Mesh → Gateway → LoRaWAN/IP → IoT Platform. The platform sees one consistent data model regardless of how each device connected.
Trade-offs to consider
- Relay nodes often need mains power
- Mesh adds latency per hop
- Device ecosystems are less standardised than LoRaWAN
- Design and commissioning require specialist experience