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The Things Network

By on October 14, 2015
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We crowdsourced a complete city-wide Internet of Things data network with the people of Amsterdam in 6 weeks using a new technology named LoraWAN™. Now we are launching our global campaign to repeat this in every city in the world.

The technology allows for things to talk to the internet without 3G or WiFi. So no WiFi codes and no mobile subscriptions.

It features low battery usage, long range and low bandwidth. Perfect for the internet of things.

The internet was created by people that connected their networks and allowed traffic from, to and over their servers and cables to pass for free. As a result, there was abundant data communication and exponential innovation.

The Things Network is doing the same for the Internet of Things by creating abundant data connectivity. So applications and businesses can flourish.

Disruptive project from the guys at “The Things Network”. Their promising technology seems a dream came true. Here is what they can do:

  • New data network technologies allow for things to connect to the internet without using 3G or WiFi. This technology is called LoRaWAN and it is perfect for the Internet of Things as it is low battery, long range, and low bandwidth. Imagine a network that can be used without cumbersome WiFi passwords, mobile subscriptions, and zero setup costs.
  • Because the reach is very high and the cost of the equipment is low, covering an entire city can be done with a small investment. The city of Amsterdam was covered with only 10 gateways at the cost of 1200 dollars each.
  • Because the costs are very low, we do not have to rely on large telco coorperations to build such a network. Instead, we can crowdsource the network and make it public without any form of subscription. Our mission is to enable a network by the users for the users.

How to contribute?

  1. Help building the network. We are striving to support all available LoraWAN-enabled network equipment. We currently support two gateways ranging between 1000 and 1500 dollar in costs. We are also planning a Kickstarter campaign for a gateway of 200 dollar which is easy to install and way more affordable.
  2. Campaign for your Country. Coordinating a local rollout increases the success rate of what we are doing. We are looking for country presidents to run The Things Network in their geographic areas.
  3. Coding. Our goal is to make the network architecture as decentralized as possible. And avoid any points of failure or control. We already have a community of 10 developers writing network software and equipment firmware.

A list of projects made with one of the already available gateways, ranging from $200 to $1500, is available on the project homepage: The Things Network

 

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