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Antenna Guides

LoRa and LoRaWAN Antennas: Long-Range Sub-GHz IoT

LoRa antennas operate in the sub-GHz ISM bands (typically 868 MHz in Europe and 902-928 MHz in North America) where low path loss and the LoRa chirp-spread-spectrum modulation enable multi-kilometer IoT links.

Overview

Below we cover the frequency bands, radiation characteristics, mounting and selection criteria that matter most for lora / lorawan antennas. Sub-GHz propagation and LoRa's high link budget allow gateways with a 3-8 dBi omnidirectional fiberglass antenna to reach end nodes several kilometers away in line-of-sight conditions, and farther with elevation.

Frequency Bands and Spectrum

The bands most relevant to lora / lorawan antennas are listed below. Each band brings different propagation, regulatory and antenna-size implications.

BandRange (MHz)Typical use
902-928 MHz ISM902-928US ISM / LoRa / RFID
800-960 MHz Cellular806-960GSM-900 / cellular

Recommended Antenna Types

The following antenna classes are best matched to lora / lorawan antennas:

Omnidirectional Fiberglass Antenna

Collinear omnidirectional antennas in a UV-stable fiberglass radome for 360 degree outdoor coverage.

Rubber Duck / Terminal Antenna

Flexible whip terminal antennas for handhelds, CPE and IoT gateways.

Magnetic-Base Mobile Antenna

Magnetic-mount vehicular antennas for telematics and mobile connectivity.

Applications and Use Cases

LoRa / LoRaWAN Antennas support a range of deployments. The most common are:

  • IoT / M2M
  • Asset Tracking
  • Fixed Wireless Broadband

Mounting and Installation

Gateway antennas are mounted as high as practical on a mast or rooftop with an unobstructed horizon; node antennas are often compact whip or magnetic-base types.

Lightning Protection and Grounding

Rooftop LoRa gateways benefit from a surge arrestor on the antenna feed and a short, low-impedance ground path, since the antenna is frequently the highest point on a building.

Standards and Compliance

Designs and deployments in this area commonly reference:

  • LoRaWAN (LoRa Alliance)
  • FCC Part 15.247
  • ETSI EN 300 220

Selection and Comparison

When narrowing down a model for lora / lorawan antennas, weigh these trade-offs:

  • Indoor vs. outdoor gateway
  • 868 MHz vs. 915 MHz tuning
  • Whip node vs. external antenna

Typical gain for this category is 3-8 dBi, usually terminated in a N-Female or SMA connector, though the interface can be customized.

Recommended Antennas from astronwireless.com

The following models from our catalog match the requirements discussed above:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What frequency bands do lora / lorawan antennas use?

LoRa / LoRaWAN Antennas typically operate across 902-928 MHz ISM and 800-960 MHz Cellular. The primary band spans 902-928 MHz.

What antenna gain is typical for lora / lorawan antennas?

A typical gain range is 3-8 dBi. Higher gain narrows the beamwidth and extends range, so the right value depends on whether you need broad coverage or a focused long-distance link.

Which applications are lora / lorawan antennas best suited for?

Common applications include IoT / M2M, Asset Tracking, and Fixed Wireless Broadband. Sub-GHz propagation and LoRa's high link budget allow gateways with a 3-8 dBi omnidirectional fiberglass antenna to reach end nodes several kilometers away in line-of-sight conditions, and farther with elevation.

How should lora / lorawan antennas be mounted?

Gateway antennas are mounted as high as practical on a mast or rooftop with an unobstructed horizon; node antennas are often compact whip or magnetic-base types.

What connector do lora / lorawan antennas normally use, and can it be changed?

The usual interface is N-Female or SMA. The connector and cable assembly can be customized — SMA, N-type, TNC, BNC, FAKRA and IPEX options are available on request.

Do lora / lorawan antennas need lightning protection?

Rooftop LoRa gateways benefit from a surge arrestor on the antenna feed and a short, low-impedance ground path, since the antenna is frequently the highest point on a building.

Which standards apply to lora / lorawan antennas?

Relevant standards and references include LoRaWAN (LoRa Alliance), FCC Part 15.247, and ETSI EN 300 220.

How do I get a quote for lora / lorawan antennas?

Use the antenna configurator on this page to specify your frequency, gain, polarization and mounting requirements. Submit the inquiry and an engineer from astronwireless.com will respond within one business day with matched models and pricing.