Delivering 'Internet of Things' pilot using LoRaWAN Technology

Descriptions

As part of the LEADER project (Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig) Menter Môn are looking to run an IOT project using LoRaWAN technology. The aim is to primarily demonstrate how the technology can be utilised in an agricultural setting and share best practice with the industry across Gwynedd. The project will be run in Coleg Glynllifon which is an agricultural college and working farm and therefore provides the suitable setting and platform for the project.A site survey of Coleg Glynllifon has been completed to identify the number of LoRaWAN gateways required to provide wireless coverage across the 700-acre estate.Meetings have been held with Coleg Glynllifon, Menter Môn, Gwynedd Council, Welsh Government and IOT specialists to discuss the project. It was agreed to divide the project into the following stages:1Set up the network2Skilling-up the project team3Raise awareness and invite organisations to the college4Show working examples of IoT on the farm5Get people experimenting with IoT and learn what works and what doesn’t6Spread the knowledge to a wider communityMenter Môn are eager to procure a suitably qualified company to install the network and deliver a range of workshops. The aim is to get the network installed onsite in January 2018, with initial training likely to take place in the first quarter of 2018.The approach we propose is as follows:•Install a gateway, ideally before end of January 2018.•Agree the following, again before the end of January:oPlan and schedule the training courses for the project team for early 2018oDiscuss how best to go about raising awareness and building interest in the LoRaWAN network among students, geeks, farmers, and other businesses in and around Gwynedd.•In early 2018, run minimum of three workshops proposed. Two of these can run consecutively.5.0ApproachStep1 – Set up the network (LoRaWAN gateways)A site survey was conducted with an outdoor gateway temporarily installed on the roof terrace of the college. This demonstrated that a single gateway installed on the roof of the college would provide coverage to most areas of the farm.We have been advised buying 2 or more gateways would provide greater for resilience and reliability of service. In this case we recommend initially installing a gateway on the roof of the college, and ideally a supporting gateway in the region of Penygroes.Installation: Discussions are ongoing with the farm in order to have access to their network. We are confident this will be agreed. The college needs to supply:•Power – a standard 240v plug socket – essential.•Internet connection – strongly advised. The gateway will be configured to send data to router.eeu.thethings.nnetwork . It uses ports 1700, 1883, and 1900.•Roof access and a mounting point (ideally a mast, but it can be wall - mounted).Note: a wired internet connection is strongly advised. However, if the college is unable to provide an internet connection then a SIM which will connect the gateway to the internet over 3G/4G will be required. This will not be as reliable as a wired internet connection, but it is secure and it works. This cost will beThe gateway can be installed either by college IT staff on their own, but we recommend that the appointed specialist and college IT staff install at least the first one together. Installation is straightforward, consisting of:•Assemble the gateway (attaching antennas, taping connections, optionally installing SIM)•Fix the gateway to the mast (22 jubilee clips)) or drilling and screwing to a wall. Attach the earthing strap.•Run Cat5 or Cat6 cable from the gateway, indoors to the PoE injector.•Connect the PoE injector to the internet connection and UPS.•Connect the UPS to the power socket.•Register the gateway on The Things Network.•Test.SupportThe appointed specialist will be required to be on hand to provide support (via phone) for the gateways if required on a T&M basis. The gateways should be capable of being managed and updated with security patches remotely.However, it is important that the college become self-sufficient and recommend skills transfer sessions between the consultants and nominated college IT colleagues.Step 2 – Skilling up the project teamThe project team envisages the college as a hub for innovation with LoRaWAN, from which it will share its learning and encourage other organisations to experiment with the technology across Gwynedd and beyond.For this to be realized, the whole project team needs a good understanding of what it can do and how to use it, and the more technical IT staff need a good understanding of how it works and how to build solutions and how to keep it running .Initially we will require a 3 day programme of training as follows:Day 1 (everybody) Introduction to LoRaWANMaximum 10 delegates. Specialist to supply a range of sensors for the day, which will be returned at the end of the sessions. The workshop to include the following:•Introduction to the Internet of Things and LoRaWAN•Good (and bad)) use cases for LoRaWAN•Introduction to The Things Network•Hands-on session with ready-built sensors•Door (or gate) sensor•Motion sensor (PPIR)•Temperature and humidity•Displaying data on the internetDay 2 (anyone interested in the technology) Building IoT solutionsNote: Day 1 is a prerequisite. Maximum 10 delegates. They is a requirement to supply each delegate with a development board to keep which has sensors to monitor light, temperature and motion.•Overview of a complete IoT solution•Registering an application on The Things Network•Registering devices on The Things Network•Build and configure a simple sensor•Sending data to The Things Network•Configuring a dashboard to display data from your sensors•Sending an alert from your sensor to your phone via The Things Network•Using the data in your own IT systems – different APIsDay 3 (IT network staff and those growing the network) Managing LoRaWAN networksNote: Day 1 is a prerequisite. Day 2 is strongly advised. Delegates do not need to be able to solder or program. Some Linux experience is advantageous.Maximum 6 delegates. Delegated will need to be supplied with all necessary equipment, including components to build 3 indoor gateways which may be kept and used as the basis for a solar powered gateway project, or used as indoor gateways.•Overview of the LoRaWAN network and security•Introduction to LoRaWAN gateways•Configuring and installing a gateway•Registering gateways onto The Things Network•Checking that a gateway is working•Measuring signal strength•Build your own indoor gatewayMenter Môn responsibilities / dependencies:•Confirm whether wired internet access will be available for the gateway(s) or whether you will need us to supply a SIM for mobile internet.•Provide access to roof, power and assistance with gateway installation as described in step 1 above.•Provide suitable training venue onsite with a projector, whiteboard or flipcharts and pens, plenty of power sockets, Wi-Fi access, and at least 3 network connections .•Provide refreshment and lunch for delegates and facilitators.•Provide timely access to IT support staff for any network issues.•Confirm number and names of delegates for each day 2 weeks in advance of the training days.Expenses:The project will meet overnight accommodation costs and up to £25 per day per consultant for meals.6.0ProposalsTenders should provide the following information.1.Outline of skills and experience of delivering IOT projects using LoRaWAN technology. This should also include details of individuals involved in delivery.2.Cost breakdown against the following items:ItemCostLoRaWAN gateway configured to the things gateway (+UPS, PoE Injector)Note: Cost should be per installation as the project may require additional gateways.Installation and workshop planning dayWorkshop 1: Introduction to LoRaWANWorkshop 2: Building IoT solutions (Inc. 12 development kits)Workshop 3: Managing LoRaWAN networks (including components for 3 indoor gateways)Additional workshops per day (2 facilitators) excluding equipment costs.TOTAL (ex VAT)VATTotal Including VAT7.0Bilingual RequirementsPublished material (including digital): It is envisaged that any information or marketing material will be produced by Menter Môn. This will be in accordance with our language policy.Workshops: The majority of delegates will be Welsh speakers and therefore any material produced e.g. handouts / slides should be bilingual. However, we accept this may not always be practical in all circumstances due to the nature of the project. Menter Môn staff will need to agree which information should be bilingual beforehand and will meet all translation costs directly via our translator framework.The ability to deliver content bilingually would be an advantage however we accept that this may not be possible due to the specialist knowledge required and a lack of suitably qualified bilingual facilitators. Again, Menter Môn would be eager to discuss how we can address this in partnership with the appointed specialists.NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at http://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=74753.The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at http://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx.Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems.