Semtech Corporation announced the release of a software upgrade for LoRa® integrated circuits (IC) and gateways that significantly increases network capacity, robustness to interference and enables a low power and reliable direct data links from sensors to satellites. The software enhancement can be leveraged by second generation LoRa ICs to enable the LoRaWAN® standard new data rate, Long Range Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (LR-FHSS), recently ratified by the LoRa Alliance®. The new suite of tools will be specifically enabled on Semtech's LoRa transceivers: SX1261, SX1262, LoRa Edge™ platform and the V2.1 gateway reference design.

For LoRaWAN networks where V2.1 gateways are deployed, operators can enable the new capability with a simple gateway firmware upgrade. In addition to expanded capacity, LoRaWAN networks will be more robust in harsh radio conditions (deep indoor) and in some regions will offer the possibility to increase terrestrial coverage.