RAK7392 WisGate Connect Router Services
Docker
Docker is an open-source platform for building, deploying, and managing containerized applications. Everything required to run an application, such as the application source code, operating system libraries, and dependencies, is packaged into a single container. The best part of using docker is that it can simplify the development and delivery of distributed applications. Whether you are a developer or a user, you can deploy and use the application in any environment in just a few minutes.
Since Docker makes application containerization run easier, faster, and safer, docker-ce is pre-installed in RAKPiOS version 20.10.17, build 100c701. The user RAK is added to the docker group, allowing docker to run without requiring the sudo prefix.
This section provides several services to help users get started. These services can be classified into several categories including LoRaWAN®, Zigbee, home automation, VPN, and more.
LoRaWAN Packet Forwarder
A packet forwarder is a program running on a gateway that interacts with the following:
- LoRa® chip - to receive and transmit LoRa packets.
- Network - to transmit packets to applications.
Templates are provided for the two LoRaWAN packet forwarder services: LoRa Basics™ Station and UDP Packet Forwarder.
LoRa Basics Station
This service deploys a LoRaWAN gateway using the Basics Station Semtech Packet Forward protocol, either in a Docker container or as a Balena.io application. The Basics Station protocol provides reliable and secure communication between gateways and the cloud and is becoming the standard Packet Forward protocol adopted by many LoRaWAN operators.
- To check the Dockerfile, the environment variables, and docker-compose file, and other details, visit the GitHub repository of this project.
UDP Packet Forwarder
The Semtech UDP Packet Forwarder is the original LoRaWAN packet forwarder, connecting to servers through the Semtech UDP protocol. This service deploys a LoRaWAN gateway running the UDP Packet Forwarder protocol in a docker container in your computer, Raspberry Pi, or compatible SBC. This service has been tested with The Things Stack Community Edition (TTSCE or TTNv3).
- To check the Dockerfile, the environment variables, and docker-compose file, and other details, refer to the project's GitHub repository.
LoRaWAN Network Server
A LoRaWAN network server connects sensors, gateways, and end-user applications while ensuring reliable and secure data routing across the LoRaWAN network.
The templates for two LoRaWAN network servers are already provided: ChirpStack Network Server and The Things Stack LNS.
ChirpStack Network Server
The ChirpStack open-source LoRaWAN Network Server stack provides open-source components for LoRaWAN networks. Together they form a ready-to-use solution, including a user-friendly web interface for device management and APIs for integration.
This service is provided throughPortainer's app template and is modified based on the docker-compose.yml provided by ChirpStack.
- Check the official repository ChirpStack Docker example for more details about environment variables and configuration.
The Things Stack LNS
The Things Stack is a robust yet flexible LoRaWAN Network Server that caters to the needs of demanding LoRaWAN deployments, from covering the essentials to advanced security configurations and device life cycle management.
The service deploys The Things Stack LoRaWAN Network Server (Open Source Edition) on a PC, a Raspberry Pi, or an equivalent SBC using Docker.
- To check the Dockerfile, dock-compose.yml file, environment variables, and other details, visit the GitHub repository of this project.
Grafana
Grafana is an open-source analytics and monitoring solution for databases. Grafana allows you to query, visualize, alert on, and understand your metrics no matter where they are stored. Users can create, explore, and share dashboards with their teams to support data-driven cultures.
- For references on running the Grafana Docker image, check Grafana's official documentation.
Figure 1: Grafana dashboardInfluxDB
InfluxDB is an open-source time-series platform. It includes APIs for storing and querying data, processing it in the background for ETL or monitoring and alerting purposes, user dashboards, visualizing and exploring the data, and more.
- For more details on the service's configurations, environment variables, and references, visit the official InfluxDB Docker Hub page.
