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

πŸ“– 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).

πŸ›  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).

πŸš€ Step-by-Step: Choose a Network Connection  

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

πŸ”Ή 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.

πŸ”Ή 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.

βœ… 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.

βœ… 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.

πŸ“œ Revision History

Version

Date

Author

Notes

v1.0

2025-01-09

Jens Zhou

Initial integrated guide for R1520LG internet connectivity.