A typical LoRaWAN network consists of four parts: devices, gateways, a network service and an application:
Topology of a LoRaWAN network
End points (Edge Node / Edge Lite) : The endpoints are elements of LoRa network where the sensing or control is undertaken. They are normally remotely located.
LoRa gateway (Edge Router): The gateway receives the communications from the LoRa endpoints and then transfers them onto the backhaul system. This part of the LoRa network can be Ethernet, cellular or any other telecommunications link wired or wireless. The gateways are connected to the network server using standard IP connections. On this way the data uses a standard protocol, but can be connected to any telecommunications network, whether public or private. In view of the similarity of a LoRa network to that of a cellular one, LoRa gateways may often be co-located with a cellular base station. In this way they are able to use spare capacity on the backhaul network.
Server: The LoRa network server manages the network. The network server acts to eliminate duplicate packets, schedules acknowledgement, and adapts data rates. In view of the way in which it can be deployed and connected, makes it very easy to deply a LoRa network.
Remote computer: a remote computer can then control the actions of the endpoints or collect data from them – the LoRa network being almost transparent.