Semtech UDP Packet Forwarder

The Semtech UDP Packet Forwarder is the first packet forwarder, connecting to servers through the Semtech UDP protocol. Although this protocol has several flaws, many gateways include a pre-compiled version of the packet forwarder, which makes it easy to test a gateway with this protocol.

Installation #

Many gateways (Multitech Conduit, LORIX One…) include a pre-compiled version of this packet forwarder. For other gateways, the code is available online, and can be compiled with Semtech’s LoRa library.

Configuration #

When the packet forwarder starts, it looks in the current directory for a global_conf.json, a local_conf.json and a debug_conf.json. If debug_conf.json exists, the other files are ignored - otherwise, the parameters in local_conf.json override those in global_conf.json.

Registration #

Before starting the packet forwarder, it is wiser to register the gateway in the console first, using its unique EUI.

EUI configuration #

Once the registration is complete, add the gateway EUI in the local_conf.json:

{
  "gateway_conf": {
    "gateway_ID": "<Gateway EUI>"
  }
}

Router configuration #

After that, edit the global_conf.json file to point to the router. If you’re using the The Things Stack Sandbox, you will need to add the address of the router region - for example, for the EU region, it will be router.eu.thethings.network. Otherwise, it will be the hostname of your router - most of the time, it is just the hostname of your network.

Unless you’re running the network yourself on specific ports, the ports will be 1700 and 1700.

{
  [...]
  "gateway_conf": {
    "server_address": "router.eu.thethings.network",
    "serv_port_up": 1700,
    "serv_port_down": 1700,
    [...]
  }
}

Router addresses #

Troubleshooting #

Click here to see troubleshooting steps for the Semtech UDP Packet Forwarder!