The Discontinuation of Cisco LoRaWAN Support: Implications and Alternatives

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the IoT (Internet of Things) industry, Cisco has announced the discontinuation of its LoRaWAN (Long-Range Wide-Area Network) support. This decision, which will take effect in the coming months, has left many Cisco customers and partners scrambling to find alternative solutions to meet their IoT connectivity needs. As a Cisco expert, I will delve into the implications of this move and explore the potential alternatives available to those affected by this change.

The Rationale Behind Cisco’s Decision

According to Cisco’s official announcement, the decision to discontinue LoRaWAN support is part of the company’s broader strategy to focus on its core networking and security offerings. The company cites the need to allocate resources more efficiently and align its product portfolio with the evolving market demands. While Cisco’s decision may be understandable from a business perspective, it has undoubtedly left a significant void in the IoT connectivity landscape.

The Impact on Cisco Customers and Partners

The discontinuation of Cisco LoRaWAN support will have a significant impact on the company’s customers and partners who have invested in this technology. These organizations will need to:

• Evaluate alternative IoT connectivity solutions to replace the Cisco LoRaWAN offering
• Migrate their existing IoT deployments to the new solution, which can be a complex and time-consuming process
• Potentially incur additional costs associated with the migration and the adoption of a new technology
• Retrain their workforce to become proficient in the new IoT connectivity solution

Exploring Alternative IoT Connectivity Solutions

With Cisco’s LoRaWAN support coming to an end, affected organizations will need to explore alternative IoT connectivity solutions. Some of the potential options include:

• LoRaWAN from other providers: LoRaWAN is an open standard, and there are several other vendors offering LoRaWAN-based solutions, such as Semtech, Microchip, and Laird Connectivity.
• Cellular IoT technologies: Cellular-based IoT solutions, such as NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) and LTE-M (Long-Term Evolution for Machines), are gaining traction and may be a viable alternative for some use cases.
• Proprietary IoT connectivity platforms: Companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft offer their own proprietary IoT connectivity platforms, which may be suitable for organizations already using their cloud services.
• Open-source IoT connectivity solutions: There are several open-source IoT connectivity platforms, such as The Things Network and ChirpStack, which can be a cost-effective alternative for some organizations.

Evaluating the Alternatives: Factors to Consider

When evaluating alternative IoT connectivity solutions, organizations should consider the following factors:

• Coverage and range: Assess the coverage and range of the connectivity solution to ensure it meets the requirements of your IoT deployment.
• Power consumption: Consider the power consumption of the connectivity solution, as it can impact the battery life of your IoT devices.
• Cost: Evaluate the overall cost of the connectivity solution, including hardware, software, and ongoing maintenance expenses.
• Interoperability: Ensure that the new connectivity solution can seamlessly integrate with your existing IoT infrastructure and other systems.
• Scalability: Assess the scalability of the connectivity solution to accommodate the growth of your IoT deployment.
• Security: Evaluate the security features and protocols offered by the connectivity solution to protect your IoT data and devices.

Conclusion: Navigating the Transition

The discontinuation of Cisco LoRaWAN support is a significant event in the IoT industry, and it will undoubtedly impact many Cisco customers and partners. However, this change also presents an opportunity for organizations to explore alternative IoT connectivity solutions that may better align with their evolving needs. By carefully evaluating the available options and considering the key factors, affected organizations can navigate this transition and find a solution that meets their IoT connectivity requirements. As a Cisco expert, I encourage you to stay informed, engage with industry peers, and work closely with your technology partners to ensure a smooth and successful transition.