LoRaWAN sensors can work with three classes: Class A, Class B and Class C.
Class A, first class:
- Send a message as set in the LoRaWAN sensor.
- A downlink message is only possible within two receiving slots above the LoRaWAN sensor that has sent a message.
- Most energy efficient.
- Mandatory to any LoRaWAN sensor.
Class B
- Extension to Class A.
- The LoRaWAN sensor listens at a large interval.
- The network sends beacons to the LoRaWAN sensors that determine the interval.
- Less energy efficient than class A.
Class C
- Extension to Class A.
- Download messages possible at any time.
- LoRaWAN sensor listens continuously.
- Not energy efficient
- Few LoRaWAN sensors are still available with Class C.