This page describes information about Packet Forwarder and Semtech HAL:

• Semtech packet forwarder - Program that collects data from end-points.

• Semtech HALv2 - A layer of programs to interact with Wirnet iBTS hardware modem.

Semtech packet forwarder is a ready to use content. The station can be interfaced with a LoRa Network Server and configured as a concentrator to retrieve end-devices data.

Semtech HAL is used to compile custom test tools or build its own solution.

The packet forwarder is a program running on the host of a Lora gateway that forwards RF packets received by the gateway to a server through an IP/UDP link, and emits RF packets that are sent by the server.

Every X seconds the program displays statistics on the RF packets received and sent, and the network datagrams received and sent. The program also sends some statistics to the server in JSON format.

For a full packet forwarder description and the way it works, read the “Semtech readme file” available in each packet forwarder resource page.

Step 1 - Click on the packet forwarder link you wish to install from the resource page.
Step 2 - Mind about compatibility section on packet forwarder page:

• iBTS firmware.
• FPGA version.
• The associated semtech HAL is indicated in the name of your ipk :
  • packet-forwarder-v2_<version>-<HAL>_klk_lpbs.ipk

Step 3 - Download the packet forwarder precompiled .ipk file.
Step 4 - Install the .ipk file using instructions of the update page.

• iBTS Packet Forwarder v5.1.0 - instructions (February 2018)

• iBTS Packet Forwarder v4.0.0 - instructions (June 2017)

• iBTS Packet Forwarder v3.3.1 and lower - instructions (January 2017)

The HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) is a library aiming to use the LoRa RF hardware. This is similar to a driver. It contains the following elements:

• Static library - Used when compiling the packet forwarder, acts as a modem driver. Required only if building packet forwarder from source.
• FPGA Binary - modem microcode. Mandatory installation alongside Packet Forwarder binaries.
• Tools - troubleshooting and analysis tools (spectral scan, packet logger, etc) Not required unless debugging.

The HAL provided by Kerlink is based on Semtech HAL lora_gateway_v2 and modified to work with Kerlink boards. The difference between HALv1 (used in Wirnet stations) and HALv2 (used in iBTS) comes from the architecture of the boards.

Downloadable sources tarball are available in dedicated resources page.

• iBTS HAL 5.1.0 - Instructions (Febryary 2018)

• iBTS HAL 4.0.1 - Instructions (August 2017)

• iBTS HAL 3.5.0 - Instructions (January 2017)

• iBTS HAL 3.3.0 - Instructions (2016)