How to build a Private LoRaWAN Network using the R1520LG Built-in ChirpStack

How to build a Private LoRaWAN Network using the R1520LG Built-in ChirpStack

ChirpStack R1520LG Integration Guide: Building Private LoRaWAN Networks

 

Summary

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the integration of ChirpStack, the leading open-source LoRaWAN network server, with Robustel’s R1520LG Industrial LoRa Gateway. This ChirpStack R1520LG integration empowers organizations to build private, secure, and scalable LoRaWAN networks for industrial IoT applications, such as smart metering and environmental monitoring. Benefits include zero recurring cloud costs, full data sovereignty, and ultra-low latency processing (~30ms), making it ideal for demanding IoT deployments.

Introduction

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries by enabling smart solutions through technologies like LoRaWAN, a low-power, wide-area network protocol designed for long-range communication. Private LoRaWAN networks are increasingly vital for ensuring data security and sovereignty, especially in industrial settings. According to a recent report, the global LoRaWAN market was valued at USD 3.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 41.1% from 2025 to 2034 (LoRaWAN Market Size, Share & Analysis Report, 2025 – 2034). This growth highlights the demand for cost-effective, scalable IoT solutions.

This guide focuses on ChirpStack R1520LG integration, providing a step-by-step process to deploy a private LoRaWAN network using Robustel’s R1520LG gateway and ChirpStack’s network server stack. For more on LoRaWAN basics, see Understanding LoRaWAN Technology.

 

What is ChirpStack?

 

ChirpStack is an open-source LoRaWAN network server stack that supports private, public, or hybrid network deployments. It offers enterprise-grade features, full infrastructure control, and compatibility with industry standards. Its core components include:

● ChirpStack Network Server (NS): Handles device join procedures (OTAA/ABP), downlink scheduling, Adaptive Data Rate (ADR), MAC layer commands, and gateway load balancing.

● ChirpStack Application Server (AS): Manages devices via a web interface, supports payload decoding/encoding (JavaScript/Python), and enables API integrations (HTTP, MQTT, gRPC).

● ChirpStack Gateway Bridge: Converts LoRa Gateway Protocol (UDP) to MQTT/Protobuf, supports Semtech Packet Forwarder and Basic Station, and manages gateway authentication.

 

What is R1520LG?

 

The R1520LG is Robustel’s next-generation indoor LoRaWAN gateway, optimized for industrial IoT. Its key specifications include:

Feature

Description

Connectivity

4G-LTE, 3G, Ethernet, WiFi, PoE

LoRa Concentrator

8-channel Semtech SX1302 chip

Interfaces

2x Ethernet, 1x RS232, 1x RS485, USB 2.0

Temperature Range

-20 to +60 °

Power Supply

PoE-PD, 9-60VDC

 

The R1520LG supports dense indoor environments and integrates seamlessly with ChirpStack. Learn more at R1520LG Indoor LoRaWAN Gateways | Robustel.

 

Benefits of ChirpStack R1520LG Integration

 

The ChirpStack R1520LG integration offers significant advantages for industrial IoT deployments:

1.  Cost Efficiency: Running ChirpStack on-premises eliminates recurring cloud subscription fees, reducing operational costs.

2.  Data Sovereignty: Full control over data ensures compliance with privacy regulations, critical for sensitive applications.

3.  Low Latency: Local processing achieves sub-30ms latency, ideal for real-time IoT applications.

4.  Scalability: The 8-channel LoRa concentrator supports a large number of devices, enabling network expansion.

5.  Reliability: The R1520LG’s robust design ensures consistent performance in harsh conditions.

For insights on private IoT networks, see Benefits of Private IoT Networks.

 

 

Applications

 

The ChirpStack R1520LG integration is versatile, supporting various industrial IoT use cases:

● Smart Metering: Monitor energy, water, and gas usage in real-time for efficient resource management.

● Environmental Monitoring: Track temperature, humidity, and air quality for compliance and safety.

● Asset Tracking: Locate and monitor assets within facilities, improving operational efficiency.

● Smart Agriculture: Collect sensor data to optimize irrigation, soil monitoring, and crop health.

 

Integrating ChirpStack with R1520LG

 

Follow these steps to set up your private LoRaWAN network using ChirpStack R1520LG integration:

1. Pre-Installation Setup

Before starting, ensure:

● Access to the R1520LG router via SSH.

● Internet connectivity via Ethernet or a 4G SIM card.

● Basic Linux knowledge for terminal commands.

2. Gateway Initialization

Multi-WAN Connectivity Setup

The R1520LG provides flexible networking options with dual Ethernet ports and LTE cellular connectivity. By default, both ETH0 and ETH1 operate in bridge mode. Here's how to configure them for enterprise deployments:

 

Configuring ETH1 as WAN Interface

1.  Access R1520LG web Interface → Bridge →Settings

2.  Locate ETH1 Sub Interface and uncheck "eth1" option

3.  Click Submit Save & Apply

4.  Navigate to Network →WAN → Add New Interface:

a.  Name: WAN

b.  Type: Ethernet

c.  Interface: eth1

d.  Firewall Zone: External

e.  IPv4 Connection Type: DHCP

5.  After save and apply, the new Ethernet WAN link will take effect

 

 

LTE Cellular Configuration

1.  Please install the SIM card properly and ensure that the 4G antennas are correctly connected to the MAIN and AUX antenna ports.

2.  Navigate to Interface → Cellular→ Advanced cellular settings, Click to set its parameters according to the current ISP.

a.  APN: Enter provider-specific APN (e.g., internet.robustel)

b.  Authentication: PAP/CHAP if required

3.  Then Click “Network> WAN> Link” go to the WAN configuration page.

4.  Click to add one link for cellular dial-up, select “Modem” as the link type, then click to submit.

5.  After save and apply, the new cellular WAN link will take effect

 

Before we start, we need create sudo privileges directly through the web UI. Follow the steps below:

Navigate to the User Management Section

Go to:

Sudo user > Sudo User SettingsUser Click on "Add" to create a new user.

Configure User Settings

Fill in the required fields:

PS: Enter the old password for the sudo account. This option will be displayed when you need to change the sudo password.

 

3. Install Required Software

Access the terminal via SSH and update the system:

sudo apt install mosquitto mosquitto-clients redis-server redis-tools postgresql

Set up PostgreSQL:

sudo -u postgres psql

create role chirpstack with login password 'chirpstack';

create database chirpstack with owner chirpstack;

\c chirpstack

create extension pg_trgm;

\q

4. Install ChirpStack

Add the ChirpStack repository:

sudo apt install apt-transport-https dirmngr -y

sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 1CE2AFD36DBCCA00

echo "deb https://artifacts.chirpstack.io/packages/4.x/deb stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/chirpstack.list

sudo apt update

Install the ChirpStack Gateway Bridge:

sudo apt install chirpstack-gateway-bridge

Edit the configuration file at /etc/chirpstack-gateway-bridge/chirpstack-gateway-bridge.toml to match your region (e.g., EU868):

[integration.mqtt] event_topic_template="eu868/gateway/{{ .GatewayID }}/event/{{ .EventType }}" command_topic_template="eu868/gateway/{{ .GatewayID }}/command/#" 5. Start Services

Enable and start ChirpStack services:

sudo systemctl start chirpstack

sudo systemctl enable chirpstack

sudo systemctl start chirpstack-gateway-bridge

sudo systemctl enable chirpstack-gateway-bridge

Verify services:

sudo systemctl status chirpstack

sudo systemctl status chirpstack-gateway-bridge

6. Access Web Interface

Navigate to 192.168.0.1:8080, log in with admin/admin, and change the password for security.

7. Create Device Profile and Add Devices

● Device Profile: Go to LoRaWAN > Device Profiles, click Add Profile, and set the profile name.

● Add Device: Navigate to LoRaWAN > Devices, click Add Device, select the profile, and enter DevEUI and AppKey (for OTAA) or DevAddr, NwkSKey, AppSKey (for ABP).


8. LoRaWAN Join Procedure

The join process involves:

1.  Device sends a Join Request.

2.  R1520LG forwards it to ChirpStack.

3.  ChirpStack responds with a Join Accept.

4.  The gateway forwards the Join Accept to the device, enabling data transmission.

 

Troubleshooting Tips

● Service Issues: Check logs with sudo journalctl -u chirpstack.

● Database Errors: Ensure PostgreSQL is running and credentials match.

● Connectivity Problems: Verify ports (e.g., 8080, 1883) are open.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between public and private LoRaWAN networks?

A: Public networks are managed by third-party providers, while private networks offer greater control and security.

Q: Why choose ChirpStack over other network servers?

A: ChirpStack is open-source, customizable, and widely supported, ensuring flexibility and updates.

Q: Can I use R1520LG with other network servers?

A: Yes, but this guide focuses on ChirpStack R1520LG integration for optimal performance.

Q: How do I update ChirpStack on R1520LG?

A: Use the package manager or follow ChirpStack’s update instructions.

 

Key Citations