Wireless meter reading systems have gained significant attention due to their advantages of minimal wiring, easy maintenance, and wide coverage. Among the various wireless communication solutions, LoRa technology has emerged as a mainstream choice thanks to its low power consumption, long transmission distance, and strong penetration capability. This article focuses on three typical module combination solutions from NiceRF—1262+1262 and SX1301/SX1302—and analyzes their respective advantages, system architecture, and applicable scenarios to provide users with targeted deployment guidance.
LoRa1262 + LoRa1262 — Symmetrical Dual-Node Solution with Identical Models
The LoRa1262 module features high sensitivity, low power consumption, compact size, and a high transmission power of 22dBm. It integrates a high-precision crystal oscillator, a low-power microcontroller, and a 64KHz crystal, and supports scheduled wake-up functionality.
Applicable Scenario: Medium to large-scale projects requiring custom features and with in-house development capabilities.
Solution Advantages:
Based on the Semtech SX1262 chip, supporting flexible modulation options
Uses an SPI interface and requires pairing with an MCU for firmware development
Allows flexible definition of communication protocols, transmission logic, and encryption methods
Equipped with a high-precision crystal oscillator, offering ultra-low power consumption and scheduled wake-up support
This solution is suitable for projects that require customizable transmission logic. The LoRa1262 supports deep sleep and scheduled wake-up mechanisms, which can significantly extend the battery life of nodes—especially in outdoor or underground deployments where frequent maintenance is impractical. When combined with solar panels or high-capacity lithium batteries, it can achieve maintenance-free operation for years, enhancing overall system reliability.
SX1301 / SX1302 — Standard LoRaWAN Dual-Gateway Solution
The LG1301-PF is a LoRaWAN gateway that can be used with any LoRaWAN node compliant with the standard LoRaWAN protocol V1.0.
The gateway is based on a Linux platform and mainly consists of a concentrator, GPS module, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet interface.
It receives RF data from nodes and forwards it to the server, while also receiving data from the server and transmitting it back to the nodes. The gateway connects to the server via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
With multi-channel concurrent reception capability, it can handle data uplinks from hundreds or even thousands of nodes simultaneously.
Solution Advantages:
Supports LoRaWAN protocol; nodes can join the network dynamically
Multi-channel concurrent reception for massive node connectivity
Supports edge pre-processing via centralized nodes, reducing cloud workload
Built-in AES128 encryption for high security
Compatible with third-party platforms for centralized data management
In city-level or industrial park-level deployments, SX1301/SX1302 gateways, combined with the LoRaWAN architecture, enable the construction of a standard star topology network. This setup supports wide-area meter data collection and is especially suitable for scenarios requiring centralized management, intelligent analysis, and remote control. Additionally, LoRaWAN offers a robust network access authentication mechanism and encryption methods, effectively ensuring data security and communication privacy.
Design Steps for a Wireless Meter Reading System
Requirement Analysis: Determine the number of nodes, data reporting frequency, environmental characteristics, and budget.
Hardware Selection: Choose node modules that match the meter interface and select appropriate gateway combinations.
Topology Design: Use point-to-point topology for small projects; use LoRaWAN star topology for large-scale deployments.
Software Development: Implement data collection and communication on the node side, data forwarding on the gateway side, and integration with the backend management platform.
System Deployment: Deploy nodes and gateways reasonably and perform on-site testing to ensure communication quality.
Operation & Maintenance: Enable remote monitoring, fault alerts, over-the-air upgrades (OTA), and regular inspections.
During implementation, communication stability and power consumption control are key factors. LoRa technology provides strong penetration and long-distance transmission capabilities.
Case Analysis and Selection Recommendations
Projects requiring protocol customization or additional integrated features
For applications that involve multiple functions—such as positioning, alarms, and control—and are handled by clients with sufficient development capability, the LoRa1262 + LoRa1262 solution is recommended. While this solution demands higher development investment, it offers excellent flexibility and is well-suited to customized needs.
Large-scale, city-level wireless meter reading
For wide-area deployments involving a large number of nodes, requiring high intelligence and mature backend integration, the SX1301 + SX1301 dual-gateway LoRaWAN solution is preferred. This solution provides a complete ecosystem, ensuring data security and reliable transmission.
Key Points Summary
Proper Network Coverage: Gateways should be deployed to avoid coverage blind spots, and node signals must remain stable.
Security Mechanisms Are Essential: AES encryption and dynamic key management are recommended.
Optimized Power Management: Support for low-power wake-up mechanisms helps extend battery life.
Comprehensive Backend Functions: The backend should support data statistics, remote control, and automatic alarms.
Intelligent Maintenance: Remote diagnostics and OTA updates reduce manual maintenance costs.
Related Reading:
A Must-Read Guide to Selecting Wireless Communication Modules — A Technical and Application Comparison of LoRa and LoRaWAN
Data Security and Precision Control: Precision Application of Smart Irrigation Using LoRa Technology and LoRaWAN Gateway
English
+86-755-23080616
sales@nicerf.com
