GLAMOS' Walker Is a Pocket-Sized Tool for Mapping Out LoRaWAN Network Coverage

Croatian Internet of Things (IoT) specialist GLAMOS has launched a pocket-sized device it claims is a one-stop shop for testing LoRaWAN networks in-the-field: the GLAMOS Walker.

"[The] GLAMOS Walker is a portable device that allows testing of the LoRaWAN network," the company explains of its gadget. "[It] allows you to send, receive and instantly view radio packets/messages. The user can change all parameters relevant to the network quality through the on-screen menu. Walker also has a GPS module that allows instant positioning, and thus mapping the network itself."

The primary purpose of the Walker is, effectively, a LoRaWAN version of classic "war-walking" — putting the device in your pocket and talking a walk to map out network nodes and their signal strengths in your surrounding area. They're important data for anyone looking to deploy nodes or to fill in areas of poor reception with additional gateways — but the company says that's not all the device can do.

"If the Walker has access to [a] Wi-Fi network (or smartphone hotspot) during operation," GLAMOS explains, "it will display the names of all gateways that received the message, together with the corresponding RSSI and SNR values. This feature is an ideal way for the user to see network quality in real time not only based on signal quality, but also based on the overlap of multiple gateways."

The tool is compatible with a range of commercial and community LoRaWAN networks, GLAMOS says, including The Things Network, the Helium network, Loriot, Actility, Kerlink, Netmore, Senet, and ChirpStack. Data gathered are displayed on-device and are stored for later analysis in the companion app — including mapping using the on-board GPS receiver.

More information on the GLAMOS Walker is available on the company website, while units are available to purchase on the GLAMOS Tindie store at $244 or directly from the GLAMOS website itself at €209 (around $223) excluding local taxes.