Sentinum LuneX – Cloud Positioning Service for LoRaWAN® Sensors

What previously required complex decoding can now be processed directly: LuneX converts NAV and WiFi scan data into actionable geolocation information.

With LuneX, we introduce a new cloud service specifically developed for energy-efficient IoT positioning of LoRaWAN® devices based on the LR1110 series.

The service decodes GNSS scan and WiFi data from LoRaWAN® devices and uses it to calculate precise geographic coordinates—entirely in the cloud.

The result: reliable location data with minimal energy consumption.

 How Does LuneX Work? 

The LuneX service is based on an efficient, cloud-centric architecture.

In the first step, the end device performs a scan and collects either GNSS satellite data (NAV) or information about WiFi access points (MAC/SSID). This raw data is then transmitted as a compact payload via LoRaWAN®.

For third-party providers, LuneX offers a flexible API interface that allows payloads from customer-specific network servers to be sent directly to the LuneX service.

In the cloud, the raw data is decoded and matched against GNSS and WiFi databases. Based on this information, the position is calculated and provided as latitude and longitude coordinates, including accuracy metrics.

The results can then be processed through various interfaces, such as REST API, MQTT, or direct integration into existing IoT platforms.

 Why We Developed LuneX 

When we started developing new IoT devices for our customers and the market, one thing was clear: energy-efficient geolocation is a key component of modern LoRaWAN® applications.

Our devices—particularly those based on the Semtech LR1110—were designed from the beginning to efficiently collect GNSS and WiFi scans and process them in the cloud.

The obvious initial solution was to use existing cloud services such as Semtech LoRa Cloud.

However, during development, a problem quickly became apparent:

• The discontinuation of LoRa Cloud functionalities
• The lack of native integrations with existing LoRaWAN Network Servers (LNS)

For many applications, this meant:

• An uncertain future for existing deployments
• Additional integration effort
• Less control over data and infrastructure

For us, it was clear: this did not meet our customers' requirements.

 The Result: LuneX 

LuneX was developed in response to these challenges.

Our goal was to create an open, stable, and fully integrable cloud solution that:

• operates independently of individual platforms
• integrates seamlessly into existing LNS architectures
• provides long-term planning security
• offers maximum flexibility

Today, LuneX is exactly that:

A reliable geolocation engine for LoRa Edge devices—developed from real-world requirements and real projects.

 Integration with the Sentinum Juno Tracking Series 

The Sentinum Juno Series is ideally suited for use with LuneX. With native support for GNSS scanning, a consistent ultra-low-power design, and seamless integration into existing LoRaWAN® networks, it provides the ideal hardware platform for energy-efficient geolocation.

LuneX extends the capabilities of the Juno Series by moving position calculation entirely to the cloud. This reduces the processing requirements on the devices themselves and helps maximize battery life.

In addition, particularly when combined with LR1110-based variants, LuneX enables WiFi positioning for reliable geolocation in urban and indoor environments.

 Open Platform – Also for Third-Party Devices 

LuneX is intentionally designed as an open cloud solution and supports all compatible LoRa Edge devices, regardless of manufacturer.

Through simple API integration, the service can be seamlessly integrated into existing system environments and customer-specific network servers.

At the same time, LuneX avoids vendor lock-in, providing maximum flexibility and long-term security.

Whether using Sentinum hardware or third-party devices, LuneX can be flexibly deployed and integrated into a wide range of IoT architectures.

 Why We Believe in Combining LoRaWAN®, WiFi Scanning, and GNSS Scanning 

Unlike conventional GNSS positioning, where the end device calculates a complete position fix locally, scan-based positioning only collects raw data.

This data—such as satellite information (NAV) or detected WiFi access points—is significantly more compact and does not require computationally intensive position calculations on the device itself.

The key advantage lies in the power profile:

• 🔋 Significantly lower overall energy consumption

• ⚡ Reduced peak currents with no energy-intensive GNSS fix required

• 📡 Optimized for LoRaWAN® transmission cycles

• ⏳ Longer battery life over several years

Reduced current peaks make a significant difference. Conventional GNSS fixes generate high short-term power loads that are not ideal for the low-power characteristics of LoRaWAN® devices.

Scan-based approaches, in contrast, provide a more consistent and efficient power profile that is ideally suited for battery-powered IoT devices.

WiFi scanning complements the system, particularly in urban and indoor environments where GNSS positioning can reach its limitations.

The combination of both technologies enables robust, energy-efficient positioning with broad coverage.

Find out more here.

Request LuneX now.