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Why WTFNOW uses WiFi, LoRa and Cellular
Each connection type has a practical role. WiFi is the simple starting point, LoRa is the scale-out option across a site, and cellular is the backhaul path when the site is remote. Bluetooth is short range and useful for nearby interaction, but not as the main transport for broad tank monitoring.
Simple comparison
WiFi
Best for: one tank or more near the Wi-fi router.
Practical fit: simplest direct install when site WiFi already reaches the tank.
Limit: depends on local WiFi coverage.
Lora: Your Wifi unit has lora onboard and is switchable for expansion.
The easiest way to start.
LoRa
Best for: multiple tanks spread across a large site.
Practical fit: long-range device-to-gateway coverage across real farm or commercial layouts.
Limit: range depends on terrain, buildings and placement.
Urban/Dense Areas: 2–5 km (high interference, buildings).
WTFNOW use: expansion without turning every tank into its own network problem.
Cellular
Best for: remote single tanks or remote grouped sites.
Practical fit: backhaul where WiFi is not available.
Limit: needs separate subscription.
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WTFNOW use: direct cellular devices or LoRa gateways with cellular backhaul.
Bluetooth
Best for: very short-range local setup or service.
Practical fit: nearby interaction when the user is standing by the unit.
Limit: not suited to wide site coverage.
WTFNOW: not used as the main monitoring transport.
Why LoRa matters
LoRa is the important step when a site moves beyond one tank close to the house or shed. It gives the monitors direct communication back to one gateway, so the system does not depend on a chain of nearby devices relaying each other. That keeps the layout simpler and easier to reason about as more tanks are added.
In practical terms, the gateway can sit where WiFi or cellular is available, while tanks can be farther away around the site. That is why LoRa is the scale-out path in WTFNOW. It is not a node system. Each monitor talks back to the gateway directly.
Actual LoRa range depends on terrain, structures, and placement.
How WTFNOW uses these together
One tank near the building
Start with the WiFi monitor and get readings online quickly.
More tanks across the site
Keep the same monitor platform and add a LoRa gateway.
Grouped remote site
Use LoRa devices back to one cellular gateway instead of giving every tank its own cellular path.
Single remote tank
Use the direct cellular device when there is no point adding a gateway.
Why not Bluetooth for site-wide monitoring?
Bluetooth is useful when a person is standing near a device. It is not the right fit when the job is site-wide tank visibility across yards, sheds, pump houses or grouped tanks. WTFNOW is built around connections that keep reporting back without the user needing to be nearby.
Choose the path that fits the site
Start with the simplest install that works now, then scale into LoRa or cellular only when the site needs it.