Use the Helium Network.
Build your IoT network and applications on Helium, the world's largest LoRaWAN network.
Massive Coverage
The world’s largest contiguous wireless network
Miles of Range
Devices can communicate 200x further than Wi-Fi
Affordable
Extremely low connectivity costs to send your data
What do you need
to get started?
1. Assess Network Coverage
Helium utilizes LoRaWAN technology. A gateway's long-range coverage can reach over 10 miles in optimal conditions and multiple city blocks in urban environments. LoRaWAN is a great technology for penetrating hard to reach areas. Redundant coverage, or the deployment of multiple gateways within an area for overlapping coverage, increases reliability and network resilience.
Deploying Helium Gateways
Check the frequency used in your region.
Frequencies vary by country and region, following local regulations.
Choose your hardware. Helium specific models from approved manufacturers participate in proof-of-coverage mining and data transfer rewards.
Or, utilize any other off-the-shelf 8-channel gateways as data-only Hotspots (data-only Hotspots do not mine tokens with proof-of-coverage).
Deploy and onboard gateways.
Gateways require a power source and internet backhaul (wifi, ethernet, cellular, etc.). The best deployments have good line-of-sight and minimized obstruction to sensors.
2. LoRaWAN Compatible Sensors
LoRaWAN sensors are available from a wide variety of manufacturers and vendors. The wireless IoT devices can serve applications like asset tracking, remote utility monitoring, flood detection, environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, and much more (find some examples on Helium’s case study page).
Use any off-the-shelf LoRaWAN sensors (class A and class C). When browsing devices for your use case, you can consider:
LoRaWAN® Certification
Certified and tested by the LoRa Alliance
Frequency Compatibility
Follow your regional frequency plan
Battery Life
Power consumption & longevity
IP rating
Enclosure durability
3. LoRaWAN Network Server (LNS)
What is an LNS?
A LoRaWAN Network Server (LNS) is where devices are onboarded. The LNS is responsible for device management, message routing, and integration with application servers.
Find an LNS Provider
Hosting companies can provide support and immediate access to a connectivity platform. Working with a provider allows companies to leverage expertise of focused and local teams at a low-cost entry point.
This requires additional development, set-up, management, and expertise. It is generally not recommended for testing or small scale projects. Running an LNS in-house can give companies more control, autonomy, and cost savings at scale.
4. Data Visualization Software
Analyze the data in your favorite IoT platform by adding an integration. Data visualization and management platforms can be used to analyze trends, configure real-time alerting, and optimize systems and operations. Platforms are integrated directly through your chosen LNS.
Looking for partners or low-code dashboards to get started?
Check out helium.com/ecosystem, and navigate to “Integrations”.
Ready to go!
Additional information on device onboarding, tutorials, and general project support can be offered by your LNS provider.
Take Full Control of Deployments
Mission-critical LoRaWAN solutions run on the Helium Network. Companies can control their own infrastructure by:
Deploying gateways and utilizing public coverage to improve redundancy and resilience.
Hosting a LoRaWAN Network Server for full control in-house.