Packet Format

LoRa Physical Layer Packet Format

MAC message types that are utilized by LoRa to link an end-device to a server include:

• Join Request Message: Sent from an end-device to a server

• Join Accept Message: Reply sent from a server to an end-device

• Beacon Frame Message: Sent from a gateway to an end-device to coordinate reception slot

• Confirmed Data Up Message: Uplink transmission acknowledged by a LoRa receiver through an acknowledgement (ACK) message

• Confirmed Data Down Message: Downlink transmission acknowledged by a LoRa receiver through an ACK message

• Unconfirmed Data Up Message: Unacknowledged uplink transmission

• Unconfirmed Data Down Message: Unacknowledged downlink transmission

Enhanced Detail of Physical Payload of LoRa Physical Layer Packet Format

End-devices utilizing LoRaWAN are categorized into three classes:

1. Class A All

   • Actuators without latency constraints or sensors powered by batteries

   • Minimal power and highly energy efficient

   • Exactly two coordinated reception slots allow two-way communication between the end-device and a gateway

   • Send uplink transmissions and await downlink transmissions from a server

2. Class B Beacon

   • Actuators powered by batteries

   • Efficient for downlinks controlled by latency

   • Multiple coordinated reception slots allow two-way communication between the end-device and a gateway

   • Active synchronization with designated network beacon gateway

3. Class C Continuous

   • Actuators powered by mains

   • Inefficient, but optimal for downlink transmissions with little to no latency

   • Maximal coordinated reception slots allow two-way communication between the end-device and a gateway

   • Continuous listening, except during uplink transmissions