Aalto nextG
Aalto nextG is an infrastructure supporting research on future mobile networks. It is operated by the technical support service in the Department of Information and Communications Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering.
LoRaWAN
LoRaWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) is designed for IoT devices, enabling the transmission of small data amounts with minimal power consumption, which extends battery life. It is ideal for battery-operated sensors that are either stationary or move slowly.
Features
When a sensor is connected to the LoRaWAN network, it transmits a message to the nearest base station, which then forwards it to the operator's data center. From there, the datagram is securely sent over the internet to a user-selected server via an HTTP POST request. Additionally, all messages are temporarily stored in the data center of Digita's partner within the EU. Users can access and download a complete record of all sensor messages from the portal.
Coverage
LoRaWAN operates as a nationwide network in Finland and is also accessible internationally due to Digita’s roaming agreements throughout Europe. A detailed coverage map can be found on . While the network coverage in the Otaniemi area is strong, signal strength inside buildings may be limited.
Use cases
LoRaWAN is particularly well-suited for IoT devices such as sensors, as its low transmission power allows sensor batteries to last for years, even outdoors. Moreover, sensors are cost-effective, making it affordable to establish extensive sensor networks. The LoRaWAN network can be effortlessly configured to send sensor data to any server on the internet using an HTTP POST request.
Target groups
The main target audiences for LoRaWAN include researchers, educators, and individuals responsible for building automation. Additionally, students can use LoRaWAN at no cost for educational purposes.
Support
To begin utilizing the LoRaWAN network, you must have a subscription to Digita's Netmore portal. To obtain this, reach out to the IT Service Desk at servicedesk@aalto.fi with a description of your use case. The IT support team will assist in setting up your subscription.
LoRaWAN devices require several technical settings to be properly configured. IT Services can provide assistance with sensor configuration, although self-service options are also available.
More information about network.
Restrictions and risks
The use of the LoRaWAN network for commercial purposes is prohibited. Access rights are limited to Finland only.
Data communication is encrypted; however, metadata, such as location information, is stored unencrypted in the operator's data center. An evaluation conducted by Aalto IT Services indicates that data confidentiality cannot be assured. Therefore, the network is not suitable for transmitting confidential or personal information unless end-to-end encryption is implemented between sensors and servers. Additionally, data availability in the operator's data center is not guaranteed, so users are advised to retrieve the information promptly if automated delivery fails.
More information
IT Service Desk contact information and service hours
Contact IT End User Support for help or information on Aalto University IT.
a contact point to the users of the Aalto University IT who are in need of help and information. You can visit the service desk during opening hours or ask for help by email, telephone or chat.