How to Migrate from a Gateway-Embedded NS to a Standard LoRaWAN Architecture

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In many early-stage or simplified LoRaWAN deployments, some gateways integrate the Network Server (NS) directly inside the device. While this approach simplifies setup, it limits scalability, compatibility, and centralized management.
Upgrading to a standard LoRaWAN architecture—where end devices send data to gateways, which forward it to an external NS before reaching the application server—can greatly enhance network performance and flexibility.

Why Migrate?

  1. Better Scalability
    Embedded NSs can handle only a limited number of nodes, while external NSs like ChirpStack, The Things Stack, or Manthink ThinkLink can manage thousands.
  2. Cross-Vendor Compatibility
    Standard architecture supports interoperability between gateways and NSs from different manufacturers.
  3. Centralized Management
    External NSs simplify device registration, data processing, and network optimization in one place.
  4. Advanced Features
    Redundancy, roaming, big data integration, and seamless links to platforms like Home Assistant or ThingsBoard.

Pre-Migration Preparation

  1. Confirm Gateway Protocol Support
    Check if the gateway supports GWMP, Basic Station, or ThinkLink protocol.
  2. Choose Target External NS
    Options include open-source ChirpStack, The Things Stack, or commercial Manthink ThinkLink Cloud/Edge.
  3. Backup Configurations
    Save DevEUI, AppKey, frequency settings, and other device information.

Migration Steps

  1. Disable Embedded NS
    Access the gateway’s admin panel and turn off the local NS.
  2. Switch to Packet Forwarder Mode
    Configure the gateway to forward packets to the external NS’s IP and port.
  3. Configure the External NS
    Add the gateway EUI, frequency plan, and IP information to the NS platform.
  4. Import End Devices
    Register devices with DevEUI, AppEUI, AppKey, and class type.
  5. Test the Data Flow
    Verify that the external NS receives and decodes uplink messages.
  6. Cut Over Traffic
    Once verified, switch all devices to the new architecture.

Migration Notes

  • Frequency Compliance: Ensure frequency settings match across all devices.
  • Security: Keep AppKeys unchanged to avoid re-pairing.
  • Phased Migration: Test with a small group before full deployment.

Manthink ThinkLink Edge supports GWMP, Basic Station, and ThinkLink protocols, enabling seamless integration with gateways from different vendors. The migration involves:

  • Disabling the embedded NS and enabling GWMP.
  • Adding the gateway EUI and frequency plan to ThinkLink Edge.
  • Importing device details.
    Within minutes, the network operates under the standard LoRaWAN model.

Conclusion
Migrating from an embedded NS to a standard LoRaWAN architecture boosts flexibility, scalability, and maintainability. As IoT networks grow, adopting a standardized setup will be the long-term winning strategy.

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