A quick introduction to The Things Network
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The Things Network (TTN) is a global open crowdsourced IoT data network that connects nodes, gateways, and servers using LoRaWAN technology. It allows for various applications such as tracking pets, monitoring water levels, and smarter alarm systems, with minimal power usage and free access. Individuals can get involved by joining existing projects or creating their own, with options to build or purchase gateways if not within range of one.
A quick introduction to The Things Network
- 1. A quick introduction to • What is The Things Network (TTN)? • Where is it? • What can I do with it? • How can I get involved?
- 2. …to build a global open crowdsourced Internet of Things data network We’re on a mission…
- 3. What is a “Things network”? The Things Network is made of nodes, gateways and servers • Nodes - the “Things” in Internet of Things. Nodes talk to gateways by radio • Gateways transfer data between your nodes and the servers on the internet • TTN Servers live in the Cloud and route the data to and from your apps
- 4. For example TTN Gateway Flood sensor Air pollution sensor Parking space sensors x200 Toddler trackers x25 1. Sensors send data to the TTN gateway over radio (868MHz) 2. Gateway forwards data onto TTN servers via the internet 3. TTN servers makes data available to apps 4. Parent uses app to find empty parking space, drops child off at nursery and goes to work. Uses ToddlerTracker app to keep eye on child during the day.
- 5. TTN is growing fast TTN began in Amsterdam, August 2015
- 6. …especially in the Thames Valley! TTN is live in Thatcham and Reading …coming soon to Maidenhead and Wokingham
- 7. What can I use it for? The Things Network uses LoraWAN technology • TTN is free to use. No fees to Vodafone, EE, etc. • Batteries in nodes last several years - LoraWAN uses very little power. • The gateways are long range: 1-2km in a built up area; 10km+ in open space so we need fewer, and can cover remote areas - farmland, lakes, and parks Its big constraint is that it only handles small data packets (242 bytes max)
- 8. TTN has many uses • Tracking your cat’s nocturnal manoeuvres, or locating a runaway dog • Monitoring water levels in rivers and providing automatic flood alerts to residents at risk of flooding • Smarter car alarm which alerts you on your mobile if your vehicle is broken into, and then tracks its position using GPS so the Police can recover it • Remote monitoring of allotments and gardens so you can keep an eye on your prize tomatoes while you are sipping cocktails by the pool
- 9. How can I get involved? Please talk to us about your interests in The Things Network • If you are within range of a gateway you can join in with our current projects, or start your own project and get help from our community of makers. You can make a TTN sensor for under £25. • If you aren’t within range of a gateway you can either build one for £200, or buy one for £400, or persuade someone else to buy one! • If you have a research project in mind (and funding) we would love to help!
- 10. Website: thatcham.lpwan.uk Contact: Andrew Lindsay Twitter: @andrewlindsay Website: ttnreading.org Contact: Mark Stanley Twitter: @markstanleyuk