Private LoRaWAN network vs. public LoRaWAN network: which architecture to choose for a professional IoT project?

Introduction: a key choice for any LoRaWAN project

When considering an IoT project based on the LoRaWAN protocol, one of the most crucial decisions concerns the network deployment method . Two main approaches exist: relying on a public LoRaWAN network , operated by a third party, or deploying a private LoRaWAN network , fully controlled by the organization. This choice has a direct impact on data security, radio performance, long-term costs, digital sovereignty, and the project's scalability. Understanding the differences between these two models is essential to aligning the technical architecture with business and industrial objectives.

What is a public LoRaWAN network?

Definition of the public LoRaWAN network

A public LoRaWAN network is a network operated by a third-party provider, often a telecom operator or an IoT specialist. The network infrastructure, including LoRaWAN gateways, the network server, and sometimes the application server, is shared among several customers. LoRaWAN sensors connect to it via a subscription, typically billed per device per year.

General operation

• The sensors communicate with the operator's gateways.

• The data passes through the public network server

• The application data is then exposed to the client via API or platform

This model is often preferred for projects requiring rapid implementation without heavy initial investment.

Advantages of a public LoRaWAN network

Rapid deployment

One of the main advantages of the public network is its ease of implementation . Existing infrastructure allows for the rapid connection of sensors without deploying on-site gateways.

Extensive geographic coverage

Public networks generally offer national, or even international, coverage , which is particularly useful for multi-site projects or mobile devices.

Outsourced maintenance

The operator takes care of:

• gateway maintenance

• software updates

• network monitoring

This reduces the operational burden for the customer.

Limitations of a public LoRaWAN network

Operator dependency

The organization is entirely dependent on:

• the quality of service of the operator

• of his technical choices

• of its pricing model

This dependency can pose a problem for long-term projects.

Recurring costs

The subscription model results in cumulative OPEX costs , which can become significant when the number of sensors increases or the duration of the project exceeds several years.

Limited network control

• Limited radio settings

• Limited expertise in ADR regulations

• Difficulty in guaranteeing radio availability in complex environments (industrial sites, basements, dense buildings)

Data sovereignty

Even if the data is encrypted, it passes through a third-party infrastructure, which can pose regulatory or contractual constraints in certain sectors.

What is a private LoRaWAN network?

Definition of a private LoRaWAN network

A private LoRaWAN network is an infrastructure deployed and operated by the organization itself or by an integrator, tailored to the specific needs of the project. It relies on dedicated LoRaWAN gateways , a private network server , and a managed application server .

Typical architecture

• LoRaWAN sensors

• Indoor/outdoor LoRaWAN gateways

• Network server (ChirpStack, The Things Stack, Actility, etc.)

• Application server or IT system integration

This architecture offers complete control over the communication chain.

Advantages of a private LoRaWAN network

Complete control of the infrastructure

The private network allows:

• optimized placement of the gateways

• fine-tuning of radio coverage

• a precise adaptation to the site's constraints

Data security and sovereignty

The data remains:

• on the organization's infrastructure

• in a private cloud or on-premises

• under the complete control of the IT teams

This is a key point for industry, energy, and communities.

Radio performance optimization

A private network allows:

• precise ADR adjustment

• precise management of spreading factors

• improved network capacity in complex environments

Long-term cost reduction

Although the initial investment is higher, the absence of subscriptions per sensor allows for a very favorable ROI for medium and long-term projects.

Constraints of a private LoRaWAN network

Initial investment

• Purchase of gateways

• Setting up the network server

• Preliminary radio study

However, these costs are amortized over the duration of the project.

Technical skills required

• Radio knowledge

• Network management

• IoT Monitoring

This issue can be addressed through a specialist integrator.

Detailed comparison: Public vs. private LoRaWAN

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Typical use cases for a public LoRaWAN network

• Rapid deployments

• Pilot projects

• Moving objects

• Geographically dispersed sites

• Limited sensor volumes

Typical use cases for a private LoRaWAN network

• industrial sites

• Factories and warehouses

• complex buildings

• Energy infrastructure

• Local authorities

• Projects with high security constraints

Hybrid networks: the best of both worlds

Many projects opt for a hybrid architecture , combining:

• a private network on critical sites

• a public network for mobility or remote areas

LoRaWAN natively enables this approach thanks to the standardization of the protocol.

Criteria for choosing between a public and a private network

Before making a decision, it is essential to assess:

• the number of sensors

• the duration of the project

• security constraints

• the criticality of the data

• the radio complexity of the environment

• availability requirements

Conclusion: Private or public LoRaWAN network, a strategic choice

The choice between a private and a public LoRaWAN network should never be based solely on immediate cost or apparent simplicity. It is a strategic decision that determines the performance, security, and long-term viability of the IoT project. While a public network is an excellent solution for rapid deployments or small-scale projects, a private network is the preferred option for industrial, mission-critical, or large-scale projects requiring complete control over the infrastructure and data.