As LoRaWAN deployments expand across smart cities, industrial IoT, smart buildings, utilities, and agriculture, enterprise users increasingly require secure, stable, and manageable network architectures. The LoRaWAN gateway, typically deployed outdoors or at industrial sites, is the core connectivity node of the entire network. Its long-term remote accessibility directly affects the system’s reliability and operational efficiency.
In small-scale or early-stage projects, developers frequently use port-mapping tools such as NPS or FRP for remote access. These tools are low-cost and easy to deploy. However, when the network enters commercial operation or involves dozens to hundreds of gateways, NPS/FRP quickly reveals its limitations in security, scalability, and maintainability.
A VPN-based system provides an enterprise-grade remote management approach. By creating an encrypted virtual private network, VPN enables full-port access, secure communication, and streamlined centralized management. These characteristics make VPN a superior solution for commercial LoRaWAN deployments.
1. Network Architecture Differences: Port Mapping vs. Virtual LAN
NPS and FRP operate through port forwarding:
The gateway runs local services such as SSH or a web console
Port mapping exposes internal ports to a public server
Operators access the gateway via public IP and port numbers
Each service requires one mapping rule. Modern LoRaWAN gateways include multiple services such as:
Configuration pages
Log retrieval
Monitoring
Diagnostics tools
Configuring port mapping for multiple services across dozens of gateways becomes tedious and error-prone.
VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between the gateway and server, enabling the gateway to function as a member of the internal LAN. Operators can access all services directly via the gateway’s private IP, without any port forwarding or external exposure.
This significantly improves efficiency in remote debugging and daily operations.
2. Security Considerations: Why VPN Is Safer for IoT
Security is critical for IoT systems. Port mapping inherently exposes services to the public Internet, making them susceptible to:
Port scanning
Brute-force attacks
DDoS
Exploitation of service vulnerabilities
The attack surface increases proportionally with the number of deployed gateways.
VPN eliminates these risks through:
Encrypted communication channels
Authentication before access
Isolation from the public Internet
Access control and role management
This architecture aligns with enterprise requirements for secure remote access.
3. Scalability and Manageability: Centralized vs. Fragmented Operations
As deployments reach 50, 100, or more gateways, NPS/FRP creates operational challenges:
Port conflicts
Complex rule management
Documentation difficulty
High risk of misconfiguration
Maintenance overload
In contrast, VPN supports centralized network access:
All gateways connect to one virtual LAN
No need to manage port rules
Operators only connect once to access all devices
Ideal for batch management and large-scale deployments
This reduces long-term operational costs and improves system consistency.
4. Stability and Reliability: Professional Connectivity for Long-Term Operation
NPS and FRP rely heavily on the stability of a public relay server. Any downtime, overload, or network jitter directly affects all gateway connections.
VPN systems designed for IoT environments typically offer:
Automatic reconnection
Stable throughput
Higher availability
Better resilience to network fluctuations
Given that commercial LoRaWAN systems often run for years, VPN provides superior long-term stability.
5. Conclusion: VPN Is the Professional Choice for Enterprise LoRaWAN Networks
VPN offers significant advantages over NPS/FRP:
Stronger security
Simplified operations
Better scalability
Higher stability
Complete access to all gateway services
For commercial LoRaWAN deployments where reliability and security are essential, VPN is the recommended architecture for remote management.
6. Remote Management in Manthink LoRaWAN Products
Manthink has extensive experience in the LoRaWAN field, offering industrial-grade gateways and network server solutions.
GDO51 LoRaWAN Outdoor Gateway
Industrial-grade design
Supports GWMP, Basic Station, ChirpStack, TTN
Supports VPN for secure remote access
Suitable for wide-area coverage and industrial deployments
GDI51 LoRaWAN Indoor Gateway
Supports PoE, Type-C, Ethernet, WiFi, 4G
Supports multiple protocols and VPN
Ideal for buildings, warehouses, offices, and monitoring rooms
ThinkLink LoRaWAN Network Server
Full global LoRaWAN compatibility
Rule engine
Device management
Data panel visualization
Interoperable with Home Assistant, ThingsBoard, BACnet
ThinkLink Cloud
Free tier supporting up to 1000 devices
ThinkLink Edge
Pre-installed with high-performance hardware
Supports local private deployment
Integrated with Home Assistant and ThingsBoard CE
This combination enables enterprises to build secure, scalable, fully manageable LoRaWAN systems.