RAKWireless offers a comprehensive range of LoRa modules to meet all your IoT project needs, from ultra-low-power nodes to BLE/LoRa hybrid gateways. In this article, we explore the flagship modules – RAK4630, RAK3172, RAK811 – as well as the WisBlock Core series, to help you choose the ideal solution: RF performance, power consumption, features, and ease of integration.
1. WisBlock Core Modules: rapid prototyping and modularity
The WisBlock platform is based on Core Modules which determine the computing unit and the LoRa radio:
- RAK4631 : Nordic nRF52840 MCU + SX1262 transceiver, offering BLE 5.0 and LoRa® for hybrid and mesh uses.
- RAK11310 : RP2040 (Raspberry Pi) + SX1262, ideal for MicroPython or Arduino developers.
- RAK3372 : STM32WLE5CC with TCXO, LoRaWAN Class A/B/C compliant, perfect for industrial environments.
- RAK11722 : Ambiq Apollo3 + SX1262, low power for long-life sensors.
- RAK11162 : STM32WLE5 + ESP8684, LoRa® & Wi-Fi/BLE combination in a single module for multi-technology connectivity.
Each module clips onto a Base Board (RAK5005-O, RAK5005-U, RAK5005-P) which manages power and interfaces, facilitating solderless assembly.
2. WisDuo & Standalone Modules: RAK4630 and RAK3172
For compact designs, RAKWireless offers the WisDuo range:
RAK4630
- MCU Nordic nRF52840 + SX1262 (915 MHz / 868 MHz).
- BLE 5.0 for pairing, diagnostics and OTA DFU, and LoRa® for long range.
- UART & SPI interface, Arduino compatible via RUI3 API.
The RAK4630 module integrates AT command firmware, simplifying LoRaWAN or P2P configuration and integration into your connected trackers and sensors.
RAK3172
- Based on STM32WLE5CCU6, LoRaWAN 1.0.3, very low power consumption (1.7 µA in sleep mode).
- Support OTAA/ABP and LoRa P2P, bands EU433, CN470, IN865, EU868, AU915, US915, KR920, AS923.
- RUI3 firmware for Arduino, AT to UART and minimalist BLE support.
The RAK3172 is aimed at energy-constrained industrial and IoT applications, where autonomy and range are critical.
3. RAK811: the traditional LoRa breakout module
The RAK811 is a LoRa™ module based on the Semtech SX1276 transceiver, offering:
- LoRaWAN 1.0.2 Class A & C compliance.
- AT Command Set via UART, OTAA/ABP and P2P support.
- Sensitivity up to –148 dBm and output up to 20 dBm.
This barebone module is ideal for those looking for a small form-factor with direct access to GPIOs via header, perfect for POC or embedded products.
4. Summary table of LoRa modules
| Module | MCU | Radio | Key functions | Consumption monitoring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAK4631 | nRF52840 | SX1262 | BLE 5.0 + LoRa | ~2 µA |
| RAK11310 | RP2040 | SX1262 | MicroPython, WiFi & LoRa | – |
| RAK3372 | STM32WLE5 | SX1262 | LoRaWAN A/B/C | – |
| RAK11722 | Apollo3 | SX1262 | Low consumption | – |
| RAK11162 | STM32WLE5 | SX1262 + ESP8684 | LoRa + Wi-Fi/BLE | – |
| RAK4630 | nRF52840 | SX1262 | LoRa + BLE, DFU OTA | – |
| RAK3172 | STM32WLE5 | SX1262 | AT UART, OTAA/ABP | 1.7 µA |
| RAK811 | – | SX1276 | AT UART, P2P | 11 µA |
5. Tips for choosing and deploying
- Battery life vs. features : choose RAK3172 for ultra-low consumption, RAK4630 if BLE & OTA are required.
- Form-factor : WisBlock for rapid prototyping, WisDuo for compact integration.
- Security : Enable AES-128/256 and OTAA encryption for each LoRaWAN module.
- Updates : Use BLE OTA DFU (RAK4630) or RUI3 OTA (RAK3172) to maintain your devices.
- Network planning : Test sensitivity and range with different modules to optimize the number of nodes.
Conclusion
With this variety of LoRa modules, RAKWireless enables the creation of modular IoT sensors and gateways, from simple prototypes to industrial deployments. Whether you choose the RAK811 breakout, the flexibility of the WisBlock Core, or the compactness of the WisDuo RAK4630 and RAK3172, each component is designed for easy integration, while ensuring range, reliability, and longevity.
