7 Benefits of LoRaWAN Staff Safety Solutions

Over the past ten years, cities and states nationwide have enacted various employee safety laws and regulations. From Los Angeles to New York, legislation has passed that includes employers' requirements to implement a staff safety solution and provide their team members with a type of Employee Safety Device (ESD) when working alone.   

One effective solution is the use of long-range wide-area network (LoRaWAN) panic buttons, which connect to gateways to create a comprehensive, standalone safety system—eliminating the need for a tethered smart device. This article explores seven key benefits of implementing a LoRaWAN staff safety solution. 

What is a LoRaWAN Gateway 

A LoRaWAN gateway is a system that allows panic buttons to communicate with each other over a long-range using radio frequencies. Gateways act as the bridge between devices and servers, collecting data from devices and sending it to a network server.  

How LoRaWAN Technology Works  

LoRaWAN is defined as long range wide area network. It's not reliant on a cellular connection and can send data over a wide range of frequencies and distances. It does this by utilizing a star topology, where devices communicate with a gateway, which then sends the data to a network server. 

React Mobile LoRa Staff Safety Solution Overview 

To create a connection, LoRaWAN gateways connect to the network server using a backhaul. This is typically Wi-Fi or Ethernet but can also be cellular. LoRaWAN gateways are often deployed with redundancies in mind, so there is no lapse in network coverage, if one were to fail.  

Benefits of Using a LoRaWAN Staff Safety Solution 

A LoRaWAN-based staff safety system offers several benefits, particularly in large facilities, remote areas, or environments where traditional communication systems may be unreliable. Here’s why it could be a strong choice:  

1. Low-power consumption. LoRa achieves low power consumption mainly through its use of Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation, which enables efficient signal transmission while using minimal power. It also benefits from features like adjustable spreading factors, low data rates, and a "wake-on-radio" mechanism, allowing the device to remain in sleep mode most of the time and only activate to listen for data transmissions when needed. This combination ensures extended battery life for Internet of Things (IoT) devices utilizing LoRa technology. 
2. Long-range communication. LoRa is a standard wireless network protocol that enables very long distance and high penetration for applications that don’t need a lot of bandwidth.  
3. Cost effective deployment. With a wide range of coverage, it only takes a few inexpensive LoRa gateways to cover a facility.  
4. Remote area connectivity. Thanks to CSS modulation, LoRa technology allows devices in remote areas to transmit data to a network through gateways, which can then connect to the internet, even in locations with limited infrastructure or weak cellular coverage. 
5. End-to-end security. LoRa ensures end-to-end security by using secure encryption to prevent unauthorized access.
6. Scalability and flexibility. LoRa solutions are easy to expand. New sensors, panic buttons, or wearables can be added without major infrastructure changes. Additionally, this technology supports multiple use cases. Besides staff safety, the same network can support asset tracking, environmental monitoring, or predictive maintenance. 
7. Fast emergency response. LoRa solutions provide instant alerts. Employees can trigger emergency signals via panic buttons, wearables, or sensors, notifying security teams or designated responders in real-time. 

Keep Your Team Protected with React Mobile’s LoRaWAN Solution 

React Mobile provides easy-to-use panic button solutions engineered to keep your people safe. Our LoRa panic buttons and gateways offer real-time location monitoring and quick alert activation, providing peace of mind for both your employees and management. 

Book a free demo with us today and take the first step towards a safer workplace:  https://www.reactmobile.com/demo-request.