Choosing a LoRaWAN Gateway: Single-Channel, All-in-One, and 16-Channel Industrial
A LoRaWAN gateway bridges LoRa end-nodes and the network server, and channel count sets capacity. This article explains how to choose by deployment size, indoor/industrial environment, and network-server needs, mapped to KIWI's three gateways.
What a LoRaWAN gateway does
A LoRaWAN gateway (concentrator) receives the uplinks of many LoRa end-nodes simultaneously and forwards them over an IP network (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, LTE) to a LoRaWAN network server. It does not interpret the data; it concentrates and forwards the over-the-air packets reliably.
The two most important selection dimensions are channel count (capacity) and deployment environment (indoor/industrial).
Channels and capacity
Channel count sets how many nodes a gateway can receive at once. A single-channel gateway (such as an entry model built on a LoRa module) is low-cost and suits a few nodes for private or test deployments; multi-channel units (8/16 channels, using Semtech SX1301/SX1308 concentrator chips) are what support real-world node density.
For commercial or large-scale sites, choose 8 channels or more; single-channel suits only proof-of-concept or very small applications.
Indoor/industrial, bands, and the network server
Environment sets the ingress and temperature specs: an office/home can use a standard indoor unit, while a factory/warehouse calls for an industrial-grade unit with IP52 protection and wide temperature (e.g. −20 to 65°C).
The frequency band must match local regulations (Taiwan/Japan/SE-Asia often AS923, Europe EU868, Americas US915) — confirm before ordering. On the network server: some gateways have a built-in server and run standalone, while others forward packets to an external server (e.g. ChirpStack, The Things Network) — choose per your architecture.
KIWI's three gateways and sourcing
JLink Technology distributes KIWI Technology's LoRaWAN gateways across three tiers: the TLG8402V1 single-channel entry model (for smart retail, cold chain, and small private deployments); the TLG3901V2 all-in-one with a built-in network server (for home/office IoT); and the TLG8411V1 16-channel industrial unit (SX1301, IP52, wide-temperature — for smart factories and large sites).
Tell us your node count, deployment environment, and band requirement, and we will help with selection and reply with stock, pricing, and lead time.
Products mentioned
TLG8402V1 Single-Channel LoRaWAN Gateway
The TLG8402V1 is a compact entry-level single-channel LoRaWAN gateway using KIWI's own TLM922S LoRa module (Microchip ATSAMD21G), supporting LoRaWAN 1.0.3 and multi-regional bands — ideal for smart retail, cold-chain management, and small private deployments.
TLG3901V2 All-in-One LoRaWAN Gateway
The TLG3901V2 is a lightweight all-in-one indoor LoRaWAN gateway with a built-in network server, based on Semtech SX1308 + SX1272 and a MediaTek MT8516A (Cortex-A35). With Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and optional LTE — ideal for home and office IoT.
TLG8411V1 16-Channel Industrial LoRaWAN Gateway
The TLG8411V1 is a 16-channel industrial-grade indoor LoRaWAN gateway built on the Semtech SX1301 and a TI AM3352 (Cortex-A8) processor for high node capacity. With IP52 protection, wide-temperature operation, and MQTT support — ideal for smart factories, warehouses, and large-scale deployments.
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