DFRobot LoRaWAN Gateway 915MHz with Local Server & Node-RED

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

eMMC

Embedded MultiMediaCard is built-in flash storage soldered onto a board, similar in purpose to an SD card but integrated. It matters because it holds the operating system and files without needing a separate memory card.

ESP32

ESP32 is a family of microcontroller modules with built-in wireless features such as Bluetooth and WiFi. Knowing this product uses an ESP32-based module helps explain how it provides wireless serial communication and firmware update features.

Flash memory

Non-volatile memory that keeps stored data even when power is removed. In this sensor, it matters because enrolled fingerprint templates can remain saved after the project is turned off.

I2C

I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.

IoT

Short for Internet of Things, meaning physical devices that connect to networks or the internet to send data or be controlled remotely. It matters if you want projects such as connected sensors, remote controls or classroom data-logging activities.

LoRa

LoRa is a long-range, low-power radio technology often used for telemetry and remote sensors. It matters here because the connector and pinout are compatible with some LoRa telemetry products, even though this module uses Bluetooth instead.

MQTT

A lightweight messaging protocol often used for IoT devices to publish and receive data through a server called a broker. It matters for home automation and sensor networks because it is simple, efficient, and widely supported.

RAM

RAM is temporary memory used while a device is running, and its contents are lost when power is removed. A “Run in RAM” mode is useful for testing settings without permanently programming the module, but it may not support every feature.

RS485

RS485 is a robust wired serial communication standard often used in factories, farms, and buildings where cables may be long or electrically noisy. It matters because it lets this controller connect to industrial sensors, meters, and control equipment over longer distances than typical hobby serial wiring.

RST

Short for reset, a control pin used to restart or initialise a device from a microcontroller. It matters because this sensor requires the RST pin to be connected for some communication setups.

RTC

A Real-Time Clock keeps track of time even when the main processor is asleep or powered down, usually with a small backup battery. It matters for data logging and tracking projects that need accurate timestamps.

SIoT

SIoT is a local Internet of Things server system used to collect and share data between connected devices, often using MQTT messaging. It matters when choosing a learning kit because it lets a classroom or project network store and exchange device data without relying entirely on cloud services.

SMA

A threaded coaxial connector commonly used for antennas. It matters because you need antennas with matching SMA connectors, or suitable adapters, for the LTE and GNSS antenna ports.

UART

UART is a simple serial connection that sends data over separate transmit and receive wires, often labelled TX and RX. It matters because this module is designed to replace a wired UART cable with a wireless link while keeping the same serial data format.