California companies Semtech and Nesten, a developer of blockchain and IoT technology for communications networks, are collaborating to support the rollout of a LoRa-based node platform.
 
Following the 2019 deployment of its first-generation G1 wireless node based on Semtech’s LoRa devices and the LoRaWan protocol, Nesten has increased the integration of its LoRa-based wireless infrastructure in several markets throughout the USA and abroad, and has begun mass production of its node platform to empower individual IoT management.
 
“As we continue our journey towards establishing a community-based communications platform, it has become increasingly clear that LoRa devices are an essential element in achieving massive and comprehensive deployment of low power IoT devices and sensors,” said Andrew Baek, CTO at Nesten. “Nesten looks forward to working closely with Semtech on the next generation of our LoRa-based products. Our ultimate goal is to build a trusted blockchain ecosystem to help overcome the greatest challenges facing humanity today.”
 
Nesten’s G1 node is a wireless gateway enabling LoRa, wifi, GNSS and Bluetooth-based data communications in real time. Nesten recently announced the deployment of more than 270 G1 nodes throughout the Dallas metropolitan area, with additional LoRa-based infrastructure deployed across markets in the USA, including Houston, Georgia, California, New York, New Jersey and Washington DC suburbs, as well as markets in Canada, Mexico and South Korea.
 
Nesten’s consumer-based deployment model lets end users deploy their own flexible LoRa-based applications built on the G1 node, and operate and maintain their own IoT network without the associated costs traditionally found with telecom carriers. Leveraging the end user and blockchain as the cornerstone of each LoRa-based deployment, Nesten can also provide data protection and privacy.
 
Several IoT applications use Nesten’s open source LoRa-based infrastructure. These exist within various vertical markets, including smart parking, personal emergency detection, pet tracking, geolocation, home security and smart healthcare. Recent smart healthcare deployments leverage LoRa-based tracking to monitor metrics, such as body temperature, more accurately to help keep citizens safe amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
“The increasing implementation of large scale, flexible and blockchain-based individual networking with Semtech’s LoRa devices reflects a growing global trend towards massive IoT, both in the USA and worldwide,” said Marc Pegulu, vice president of IoT for Semtech. “Nesten’s innovative G1 node and open-source model enable the end consumer to operate their own devices, applications and networks, accelerating the connection of LoRa-based solutions for a wide variety of vertical markets.”
 
Nesten is a privately held company based in Tustin, California. The company specialises in IoT-optimised blockchains and communications networks, which use an ecosystem to drive community-based network deployments.