March 31, 2016 - Laird introduced wireless modules that integrate long-range LoRa technology and short-range BLE technology, giving companies the ability to create longer-range systems than previously possible with a single module. The RM1xx product family enables companies to expand the locations where IoT can be deployed by using the combination of long-range LoRa wireless technology and ultra low-power BLE technology integrated in the same module.
LoRa can transmit and receive data wirelessly between IoT deployments and gateways up to 10 miles apart (or longer with relays). Integrating BLE with LoRa enables companies to deploy IoT networks that can go nearly anywhere, utilizing BLE for short-range, low-power connectivity between wireless devices while taking advantage of LoRa for communications over distance.
In an industrial setting, for example, the can monitor sensors on water, fuel, and chemical tanks throughout a facility via wireless low-power BLE technology or any traditional I/O connections. It can then aggregate and relay that information back to a central server via LoRa, alerting plant managers to dangerous tank levels before an outage or catastrophe occurs.
