LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network)

LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) for Pet and Livestock Tracking

Animal Watch 365 has LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) in some of its products and systems. Animal Watch 365’s engineers, technical support, and technical sales staff have become experts in LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network).

LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a low-power, long-range communication protocol designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, which is widely used for tracking pets, livestock, and other remote assets. It enables devices to transmit small amounts of data over long distances, often in rural or remote areas where cellular networks are limited or unavailable. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how LoRaWAN is utilized in pet and livestock tracking:

  • Scalability: LoRaWAN networks can scale easily. Once a network is set up with a few gateways, additional devices can be added to the system without significant infrastructure
  • Security: LoRaWAN offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring that the data being transmitted from trackers to the network is secure.
  • Versatility: It can be used in various environments—whether tracking livestock in fields, pets in urban areas, or wildlife in remote forests.
  • Durability: LoRaWAN devices are often built to be rugged and weatherproof, ensuring they can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
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Long Range:

  • LoRaWAN devices can communicate over distances ranging from 2-5 km in urban areas and up to 15 km or more in open, rural This makes it ideal for tracking animals across large fields or farmland, where traditional GPS or cellular networks would have limited coverage.

Low Power Consumption:

  • Devices built on the LoRaWAN protocol are designed to consume minimal power. This allows pet and livestock tracking devices to operate for months or even years on a single battery. This is particularly useful for long-term animal tracking, reducing the need for frequent recharging or battery replacement.

Wide Area Coverage:

  • LoRaWAN is optimized for large-area The network uses gateways (base stations) to relay signals from devices to central servers, creating a wide-area communication network without needing an extensive cellular infrastructure. This makes LoRaWAN suitable for remote areas with minimal cellular or Wi-Fi access.

Bidirectional Communication:

  • LoRaWAN supports both uplink (device-to-network) and downlink (network-to-device) communication. This means not only can a tracker send its location data, but it can also receive instructions or updates, such as alerts for geofence breaches, behavioral monitoring, or health status updates.

Geolocation Tracking:

  • LoRaWAN can use a combination of GPS, triangulation, or geolocation techniques to track the position of pets or livestock. GPS is often integrated into the devices to provide precise location data, which is then transmitted over the LoRaWAN network to a central platform for real-time tracking.

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Applications of LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) for Pet and Livestock Tracking

LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a popular choice for tracking pets and livestock due to its long-range capabilities, low power consumption, and suitability for rural or remote areas. Here are several applications of LoRaWAN for pet and livestock tracking:

  • Location Tracking: LoRaWAN can be used to track the precise location of cattle, sheep, goats, and other livestock, especially in vast, open It helps farmers monitor where their animals are in real-time.
  • Movement Patterns: Monitoring the movement of livestock can help identify grazing patterns and ensure they are on the right pastures, reducing overgrazing and improving farm
  • Herd Health Monitoring: LoRaWAN-enabled devices can monitor the health status of livestock, such as detecting abnormal behavior, which might indicate illness or
  • Geofencing: By setting virtual boundaries around grazing areas, farmers can be alerted when livestock moves beyond a designated This helps prevent livestock from wandering off or entering dangerous areas.
  • GPS Tracking: LoRaWAN can provide GPS-based tracking for pets, allowing owners to locate their pets in real-time, especially in areas where other cellular networks are
  • Escape Prevention: Using geofencing, pet owners can receive alerts if their pet crosses predefined boundaries, such as leaving a yard or an area designated as "safe."
  • Collar Integration: Pet collars equipped with LoRaWAN devices can offer continuous monitoring without the need for frequent This is particularly useful for pets that roam large areas, such as working dogs or hunting dogs.
  • Health Monitoring: LoRaWAN can also be integrated into pet wearables to track activity levels, heart rate, and other health metrics, helping to monitor pet well-being over time.
  • Tracking Endangered Species: LoRaWAN-enabled tracking collars can be used on endangered animals to track their movements in vast or hard-to-reach conservation areas, aiding in the protection of these species.
  • Monitoring Habitats: By using LoRaWAN sensors, conservationists can monitor wildlife habitats for changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature or moisture, which could impact animal behavior and migration patterns.
  • Environmental Monitoring: LoRaWAN can be used to monitor soil moisture levels, temperature, and other environmental conditions to optimize grazing areas and animal

 

  • Fodder Tracking: For farms that use automated feeders or fodder distribution systems, LoRaWAN devices can help track the amount of feed consumed and alert farmers when levels are low.
  • Search and Rescue: In cases where pets or livestock are lost, LoRaWAN-enabled tracking devices can assist in their recovery by providing real-time tracking updates to animal search
  • Vehicle and Livestock Monitoring: LoRaWAN can help track both the vehicles transporting livestock and the livestock themselves, ensuring that animals are being transported safely and efficiently. This application can be important for ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations during transport.
  • Activity Monitoring: LoRaWAN sensors attached to livestock can monitor activity levels and behavior to understand if the animals are stressed, sick, or exhibiting other This data can be sent to farmers’ devices for prompt attention.
  • Climate Monitoring for Livestock: LoRaWAN sensors can measure the temperature and humidity in barns or shelters where livestock are kept, ensuring they are in an optimal
  • Pet Comfort: For pets in outdoor kennels or specialized enclosures, LoRaWAN can be used to monitor the environmental conditions, ensuring pets are not exposed to extreme weather.
  • Remote Areas and Harsh Environments: LoRaWAN’s ability to provide wide coverage even in areas without cellular connectivity makes it ideal for tracking livestock and pets in remote, rural, or harsh environmental conditions.

Case Examples

Livestock Herd Management

LoRaWAN-enabled GPS trackers can be attached to cattle or other livestock, allowing farmers to monitor the animals' location, health metrics, and activity patterns over large areas. The long-range connectivity ensures that even remote pastures are covered, which is crucial for ranchers managing vast lands.

Pet Location and Activity Tracking

Pet owners can use LoRaWAN-based collars that track their pets' location and movement in real-time. This is particularly useful for pets in rural areas or large properties where traditional GPS solutions may not have sufficient range. Additionally, the low-power nature of LoRaWAN devices helps to extend battery life.

Wildlife Tracking and Conservation

Wildlife conservationists in the U.S. can deploy LoRaWAN devices on animals in national parks or protected areas to track their movement patterns, gather health data, and monitor endangered species without the need for frequent data retrieval. LoRaWAN's ability to operate in remote locations without requiring much power is a significant advantage.

Fencing and Boundary Monitoring

For both pets and livestock, LoRaWAN-enabled collars or tags can be paired with virtual fences or geo-fencing systems. If an animal crosses predefined boundaries, the system can send alerts to the owner's phone or central management system, ensuring immediate intervention in case of escapes or wandering.

Remote Livestock Monitoring in Northern Canada

In remote Canadian regions where traditional cellular networks might not be available, LoRaWAN can be used to track and monitor herds of livestock over vast and rugged terrains. This includes tracking the location of herds, monitoring environmental conditions (like temperature or humidity), and ensuring animal welfare. It helps ranchers ensure their livestock are safe and within designated areas, reducing the risk of animals getting lost in harsh environments.

Animal Watch 365’s Products Related to LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) for Pet and Livestock Tracking Comply with

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Regulations:

  • FCC Part 15: LoRaWAN devices, being wireless communication devices, must comply with FCC Part 15, which governs unlicensed radio frequency Specifically, devices that use ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) bands like 902-928 MHz (in the U.S.) need to meet the power limits, duty cycle, and other operational standards to avoid interference with other radio systems.
  • Device Certification: The tracking devices must be certified by the FCC to ensure that they do not cause harmful interference to other devices operating in the same frequency band.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – If Applicable:

  • Regulation of Animal Medical Devices: If the pet or livestock tracking product incorporates sensors or other medical functionality (e.g., health monitoring, activity tracking with medical implications), the FDA might regulate it as a medical device. In such cases, the product may require FDA approval or clearance before it can be marketed.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – If Applicable:

  • Livestock Tracking and Identification: The USDA has regulations concerning the tracking of livestock for disease control and biosecurity purposes. LoRaWAN devices used for livestock tracking may need to comply with USDA guidelines, particularly in the context of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) for cattle, pigs, sheep, and other While this is not mandatory for all types of tracking devices, certain applications may require registration and adherence to specific standards.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

  • If the product is marketed directly to consumers (e.g., pet owners), it must meet safety standards set by the CPSC to prevent risks such as choking hazards or electrical safety concerns. This includes ensuring the product does not pose hazards to pets or people.

State and Local Regulations:

  • Certain states may have additional requirements, particularly around wireless communication, data privacy, and the use of GPS or tracking technologies. For example, states like California have strict data privacy laws (e.g., CCPA) that may require transparency in how data from these devices is collected, stored, and shared.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

  • If the product uses certain types of batteries or other materials that could have an environmental impact, the EPA may have regulations concerning the disposal, recycling, or use of such materials.

Wireless Infrastructure Regulations:

  • If the LoRaWAN devices are integrated into broader networks that rely on private or public gateways (e.g., for remote data collection), they must comply with applicable infrastructure regulations, including zoning laws and communication tower regulations.

Data Privacy Laws:

  • General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR): While this primarily applies to the EU, if AnimalWatch365 is collecting data on S. residents (e.g., pet owner or livestock farm data) and that data is stored or processed internationally, GDPR compliance could be required.
  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): If the product is sold to California residents, the data collection practices must comply with CCPA, which provides consumers with certain rights over their personal data.

By adhering to these regulations, AnimalWatch365’s LoRaWAN-based tracking products can ensure that they are compliant with U.S. laws while also addressing the safety and privacy concerns of users.

 To ensure that AnimalWatch365’s products related to LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) for pet and livestock tracking comply with Canadian regulations, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. These include:

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) – Radio Frequency Regulations

  • Radio Equipment Regulations (RER): LoRaWAN devices operate in the unlicensed frequency spectrum (e.g., 915 MHz in Canada), and as such, must comply with the Radio Equipment Regulations issued by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). These regulations ensure that the devices do not cause harmful interference to other radio communications.
  • Licence-Exempt Spectrum: Devices must operate within the power limits and technical parameters allowed for licence-exempt devices in the 902-928 MHz ISM band (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical band), where LoRaWAN typically operates.

Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)

  • If your devices contain hazardous materials, the CEPA may This regulation covers the disposal, recycling, and management of hazardous substances in products and packaging. It is important for ensuring that the products do not harm the environment, especially when they are disposed of.

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)

  • PIPEDA governs how personal information is collected, used, and disclosed in the course of commercial If AnimalWatch365’s tracking devices collect any personal data (such as the owner’s location data), you would need to ensure compliance with these privacy requirements, including obtaining consent from users and providing transparency about data usage.

Consumer Product Safety Regulations

  • If any of your products are categorized as consumer electronics or devices, you’ll need to ensure they meet the Consumer Product Safety Act to ensure they do not pose a risk to consumer health or This includes compliance with standards for product construction, labelling, and instructions for use.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG)

  • If your products include any batteries (e.g., lithium-ion), compliance with TDG regulations may be required, especially if these devices are shipped across Canadian borders. These regulations ensure safe packaging, labelling, and documentation when transporting potentially hazardous goods.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) (if relevant)

  • If the product is designed to be used by individuals with disabilities, the AODA may require compliance with accessibility standards. This could be relevant if your tracking products include mobile apps or user interfaces that need to be accessible to a wider range of people.

Health Canada – Radiofrequency Exposure Guidelines

  • If your product operates with RF emissions, it must comply with Health Canada’s Safety Code 6, which sets limits on human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic This is to ensure that the LoRaWAN devices don’t pose any health risks due to excessive radiation.

The Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)

  • If your product includes features like alerts or notifications that involve electronic messaging (e.g., SMS, emails), it must comply with CASL. This legislation prohibits the sending of unsolicited commercial electronic messages and requires that users consent to receive such messages.

Telecommunications Act and Industry Canada

  • Ensure that your use of the LoRaWAN network is in compliance with the Telecommunications Act and any specific local regulations for wireless devices. This includes compliance with spectrum management and any registration requirements with

For products related to LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) used in pet and livestock tracking, several international standards and regulations must be considered to ensure the devices are compliant and meet safety, environmental, and technical requirements. Some key standards and regulations include:

LoRaWAN Technical Standards (LoRa Alliance Specifications)

  • LoRaWAN Specification: The LoRa Alliance defines the LoRaWAN protocol as the primary technical specification for communication in low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN). Devices designed for pet and livestock tracking must comply with these specifications to ensure they function properly within LoRaWAN networks.
    • LoRaWAN 0, 1.1, 1.2 Specifications: These are the main versions, with the latest version providing enhanced features like improved security and better network scalability.

Radio Frequency and EMC Compliance

  • IEEE 15.4g: This standard defines the communication protocol and system for wireless personal area networks (WPAN), which LoRaWAN uses for LPWAN applications. Compliance ensures that the devices can operate in various regions, adhering to specific frequency bands.
  • ETSI EN 300 220 (Europe): Defines the requirements for short-range devices operating in the 863 MHz to 870 MHz and 868 MHz frequency bands in Europe.
  • FCC Part 15 (USA): For devices operating in the 902 MHz to 928 MHz ISM band, ensuring that they don’t interfere with other radio communications.
  • IC (Industry Canada) RSS-247: Sets out standards for short-range devices operating in the 902 MHz to 928 MHz frequency band in Canada.
  • ARIB STD-T66 (Japan): Covers wireless equipment operating in the 920 MHz to 925 MHz range in Japan.

Safety and Environmental Standards

  • IEC 60950-1 / IEC 62368-1: These standards cover the safety of information technology equipment, including those used for pet and livestock tracking systems, ensuring that they are safe for use in everyday environments.
  • RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances): Compliance ensures that the products do not contain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, or cadmium, which are banned or restricted in many regions (e.g., EU).
  • WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment): The WEEE directive ensures that electronic products are disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.

Data Protection and Privacy Standards

  • GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): If personal data is involved (e.g., owner location, tracking data), products should comply with GDPR for handling and protecting user data, particularly in Europe.
  • ISO/IEC 27001: This international standard for information security management ensures that any data handled by tracking devices (e.g., pet or livestock locations) is securely stored and processed.

Battery and Energy Standards

  • IEC 62133: This standard ensures the safe operation of batteries used in tracking devices, particularly for lithium-based battery systems, ensuring they meet safety and environmental
  • UN 3: Regulations for the safe transport of lithium batteries, ensuring that batteries used in tracking devices comply with international shipping safety standards.

Animal Welfare and Agriculture Standards 

  • While not a direct technical standard, animal welfare guidelines (such as those outlined by the FAO or ISO 9001 for Quality Management) could influence the design and use of pet and livestock tracking devices to ensure they meet ethical standards for animal care.

By adhering to these standards, AnimalWatch365 can ensure their LoRaWAN-based tracking products are globally compliant, safe for animals, and functional within various network infrastructures and regions.

AnimalWatch365 has developed strong expertise in LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) for pet and livestock tracking, which is also known by several alternative names. These include Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) for IoT, Long-Range IoT Network, LPWA Network, and Wireless IoT Network. Each of these terms highlights different aspects of LoRaWAN technology, such as its long-range capability, low power consumption, and its role in Internet of Things (IoT) applications, particularly in animal tracking.

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