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The Things Industries Indoor LoRaWAN Gateway

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Unpacking and setting up the new Things Industries LPWAN gateway.

I would describe this as an “unboxing” post, but for the fact that the Things Indoor Gateway (192-7593) comes in a bag. I assume everything has been done to keep the costs down without compromising on functionality. The build quality of the unit itself seems solid and, as I discovered, it performs its job without a hitch.

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I already have one of the original Things Network Gateways that features suction caps on the base, so that it can be fixed to a window or similar smooth surface. Unfortunately, these have lost their adhesive quality over time and so it invariably ends up on the floor, where the cats find the gentle warmth it generates making it an attractive place to curl up! This certainly will not be a problem with the TTIG-868, as it can be powered by plugging directly into a mains socket, as well as via the supplied USB-C cable and a suitable 900mA adapter (not supplied).

The fact it costs around £75 including VAT and its compact form factor, makes this LoRaWAN gateway well suited to domestic use; ideal if, like me, you are out of range of existing gateways.

The features as advertised are:

  • An 8 channel LoRaWAN indoor gateway
  • Supports the new state-of-the-art BasicStation Protocol
  • Supports LBT
  • Simple setup steps taking less than 5 mins
  • Can connect to any network backend of choice
  • Setup and connectivity over WiFi
  • Can be powered up via a USB-C cable or via an elegant connector to the power outlet
  • Built-in omnidirectional antenna for indoor use
  • EU868, US915, AS923 and CN470 versions available
  • Security via a range of modes

WiFi setup

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Setting the gateway up was simple enough. It is a good idea to make a note of the WiFi password that you will find on the unit’s label, before first connecting it to a power supply, as it is quite small and impossible to see if it is plugged into the mains.

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Once it is powered up, hold down the setup button on the top for about 10 seconds until the power LED changes from solid green to flashing red.

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Then look for the Gateway’s SSID in your list of available WiFi networks and connect to it using the password on the label.

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Once you are connected, open a web browser and go to http://192.168.4.1, this will take you to the gateway’s setup page. Click the + next to your wireless network in the list and then enter its password and click OK.

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Another little bit of forward planning helps here – before clicking the Save & Reboot” button, scroll to the bottom of the page and make a note of the Gateway EUI – you’ll need this to add the Gateway to Things Network account.

Adding the Gateway to The Things Network

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To add the Gateway to your Things network account, go to the Gateways page on the Things Network console – you’ll need to be logged into your account (or set one up if you have not already). Click the “I’m using a legacy packet forwarder” tick box and then enter the Gateway EUI that you made a note of earlier. Add a description for your Gateway, select the appropriate Frequency Plan and Router and add a location if you want and click the Register Gateway button at the foot of the page.

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You should then see the gateway listed on the gateways page and after a little while, it should be connected, with a little green dot. If it does not connect got back and check the Gateway EUI is correct. If it is not you will need to delete the gateway and start again.

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Just to make sure everything was working as it should I disconnected my old Gateway and replenished the batteries in the Things Network Node I had set up for monitoring winter weather, and checked it was connecting a sending data - which it was.

I have a background in the arts, environmental conservation and IT support. In my spare time I do a bit of DJing and I like making things.
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