IIJ and Kiwitec Join forces on LoRaWAN Solutions

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TOKYO-September 19, 2019-Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ TSE1: 3774) and Taiwan-based Kiwi Technology Inc. (Kiwitec) today announced that the two companies are working together to roll out LoRaWAN solutions for use in IoT. Through this joint effort, the two companies will expand the proprietary functions of Kiwitec-made LoRaWAN gateway equipment, leading up to the launch of LoRaWAN solutions in a variety of IoT fields on November 1, 2019.

LoRaWAN is a wireless communications technology characterized by low energy consumption and long-range communications, making it possible for anyone to use radio frequency bands with no license requirements. In addition to being able to provide long-range communications at up to 10 km, its low energy consumption led Kiwitec to develop sensors that can operate for years with just dry cell batteries. This technology is becoming more widespread globally, given its suitability for IoT. Kiwitec began focusing on the growth opportunities and potential of LoRaWAN in 2015, and since then has been developing and selling proprietary gateways (base stations), modules, sensors, and other devices that are compatible with its technology.

IIJ began providing IIJ IoT Service in 2016, with full-on development of its IoT business. In 2017, IIJ worked on a public proof-of-concept project for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries aimed at using IoT to reduce the water management costs involved in rice farming. As part of that project, IIJ installed Kiwitec’s LoRaWAN gateways to research and develop systems for collecting data from wet field sensors using LoRaWAN.

This proof-of-concept project has led to the present collaboration to promote the further use of LoRaWAN in IoT fields. Together, the companies have added the two proprietary functionalities detailed below to Kiwitec LoRaWAN gateways and will provide IoT systems that are easy for even small or medium-sized operations to install and implement.

Built-in server

In order for a system to use LoRaWAN, it must have a network server that can manage terminals (sensors, gateways, and other devices), as well as both encrypt and decrypt communications. Normally, such configurations use a cloud-based network server, but the new solution builds this network server function right into the LoRaWAN gateway itself. This means that systems can be configured more easily and no longer require a stand-alone network server, resulting in major reductions in implementation and operating costs.

Centrally manage all devices

Service Adaptor Control Manager (SACM), a centralized management system service for network devices developed and provided by IIJ, makes it possible for users to automatically connect to and centrally manage equipment remotely. Building this functionality into LoRaWAN gateways allows many tasks to be completed remotely, including automatically configuring settings and updating firmware for gateways. Due to the nature, LoRaWAN gateways are often installed outdoors in high, hard-to-reach locations, but remote management using SACM makes it easy to manage and operate gateways, even when the site itself is difficult to reach for maintenance.

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Soon, IIJ and Kiwitec will be providing LoRaWAN solutions that can be applied in a wide range of fields, in both indoor and outdoor environments. Their focus will be on gateway devices that incorporate these functionalities, while continuing to promote the development of IoT in a variety of fields, including agriculture, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) in food hygiene management and food traceability, fleet management, and smart buildings.

LoRaWAN gateway devices equipped with proprietary functions

Range of other LoRaWAN products

The statements within this release contain forward-looking statements about our future plans that involve risk and uncertainty. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results.

For inquiries, contact

IIJ Corporate Communications

• +81-3-5205-6310
• +81-3-5205-6377
• press@iij.ad.jp

Kiwi Technology Inc.

• +81-3-6722-0938
• +81-3-6722-0954
• press_jp@kiwi-tec.com
• https://kiwi-tec.com/

• (*) All company names and service names used in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.