How to Connect R1520LG to the Internet (Cellular/Ethernet) to Start Your LoRaWAN Deployment

How to Connect R1520LG to the Internet (Cellular/Ethernet) to Start Your LoRaWAN Deployment

📖 Overview

The R1520LG is an industrial-grade gateway that combines robust cellular routing with LoRaWAN gateway capabilities. Before you can begin onboarding LoRa nodes or configuring data forwarding to a Network Server (like TTN or ChirpStack), the gateway must first establish a stable internet connection.

This guide helps you choose and configure the best backhaul method for your site: Ethernet (Wired) or Cellular (4G/LTE).

🛠 What You'll Need

  • Hardware List:
    • Robustel R1520LG Gateway.
    • LoRa antenna (required for subsequent LoRaWAN setup).
  • Software/Firmware:
    • Gateway running RobustOS Pro (V2.0.0 or higher).

🚀 Step-by-Step: Choose a Network Connection  

To initiate your LoRaWAN deployment, select one of the two paths below based on your local infrastructure:

🔹 Option 1: Ethernet WAN (Standard Wired)

Best for: Indoor deployments or sites where a local router/switch is available.
Advantages: Lowest latency and highest stability for LoRaWAN packet forwarding.

  1. Physical Connection: Connect the R1520LG eth0 port to your local network source using an Ethernet cable.
  2. Configuration Highlights:
  • Navigate to Interface > Bridge to unbind eth0 from the bridge.
  • Navigate to Network > WAN to create a new Ethernet link.

  1. Detailed Guide: How to Configure Ethernet Internet Access on EG Series Gateways.

🔹 Option 2: Cellular WAN (Wireless Mobility)

Best for: Remote locations, mobile units, or industrial sites where cabling is unavailable.
Advantages: Rapid deployment and flexibility.

  1. Physical Connection: Insert your SIM card into the slot and securely screw on the cellular antennas.
  2. Configuration Highlights:
  • Navigate to Network > Interface > Cellular to verify SIM detection.
  • Navigate to Network > WAN to set the APN provided by your carrier.

  1. Detailed Guide: How to configure SIM card internet access on an EG series Gateway.

✅ Verification & Testing

Regardless of the chosen path, perform these checks to ensure the gateway is ready for LoRaWAN configuration:

  1. Status Check: Go to Network > WAN > Status.
  2. Ping Test: Navigate to System > Tools > Ping. Enter 8.8.8.8 (or your Network Server's IP) and click Run.

✅ Success: The internet connection is functional if the output shows that reply packets are received. Once packets are received, your gateway is "online" and ready for LoRaWAN deployment.

📜 Revision History

Version

Date

Author

Notes

v1.0

2025-01-09

Jens Zhou

Initial integrated guide for R1520LG internet connectivity.