LoRaWAN in the district of Wunsiedel: Digital infrastructure for a smart region
Zentrum für Digitale Entwicklung (ZDE) is building a future-oriented digital infrastructure together with the district of Wunsiedel: a comprehensive LoRaWAN network.
What is LoRaWAN?
LoRaWAN stands for Long Range Wide Area Network. Simply put: a wireless network that transmits data over long distances – completely without cables. Sensors collect information, a gateway receives it and forwards it. This allows data to be processed on a central platform and made usable for smart applications.
The current project status
A total of 100 gateways are planned for the district, primarily in public buildings.
Currently, around 60 gateways are already installed and operational.
During the third installation round at the end of August 2025, our team was on site for three days and successfully connected numerous locations – including town halls, schools, fire stations, museums and special landmarks such as:
– Schneeberg Tower – highest point in the Fichtel Mountains, ideal for range
– Thierstein Castle Ruins – a historic site that also offers optimal conditions
Why LoRaWAN for Wunsiedel?
The wireless network forms the basis for diverse fields of application:
_ Water level measurement
_ Wildfire prevention
_ Parking lot or visitor counting
_ Environmental and climate data
The county will decide which sensors will be used in the future. One thing is already clear: the new infrastructure will make the region more efficient, sustainable, and a better place to live.
Next Steps
The next installation round is planned for the end of September. In parallel, ZDE is meticulously documenting all gateways in its own systems and preparing for the upcoming installations.
The LoRaWAN expansion in the Wunsiedel district is creating a flagship project for digital infrastructure that can inspire other regions.
