Stricter requirements for IoT
– Future-Proof your Network today

The European industry is entering a new era of demands for cybersecurity and connected operational security. The EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and changes to the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) will come into full effect by 2027. This means all connected products – including sensors and gateways – must:

  • be updatable and capable of vulnerability management,
  • have secure two-way communication,
  • and be built according to ‘security by design’ principles.

Currently, heavy industry often uses LoRa-based sensors with one-way communication, which is no longer compatible with upcoming regulations. This creates vulnerability, lack of control, and future compliance risks. Challenges in existing LoRa solutions
One-way communication (uplink only) means firmware and security updates cannot be performed.

  • No possibility for key rotation or contingency management in incidents.
  • Difficult to meet EU requirements for vulnerability management and patchability.
  • High operational risk – no redundancy or local intelligence if network fails.
  • Risk of sales bans or certification issues after 2027.

Solution – Wittra’s Hybrid Gateway and Hybrid Network

Wittra’s Hybrid Network is based on a gateway that integrates several wireless technologies into a single platform:
6LoWPAN Mesh, LoRa, Mioty, and UWB (Ultra-Wideband).

This combination enables both the transfer of sensor data and RTLS (Real-Time Location Services) with high accuracy, all without cabling.

The Hybrid Network thus provides secure two-way communication, OTA updates, and local edge intelligence – features missing in traditional LoRa solutions.

Key features

  • Multi-radio gateway: 6LoWPAN Mesh, LoRa, Mioty, and UWB.
  • RTLS capability: precise positioning of assets and personnel.
  • Full two-way communication and OTA updates for nodes.
  • Edge logic and local redundancy – operates even without cloud connection.
  • Secure encryption (TLS/IP security) between gateway, cloud, and sensors.
  • Wireless installation – rapid commissioning in complex industrial environments.
  • Open standards – no vendor lock-in.


Business and security advantages of Hybrid Network

  • Cybersecurity: Meets CRA and RED requirements; includes vulnerability management, patchability, and authentication.
  • Operational reliability: Edge processing and fallback capability – operations continue even during network outages.
  • Flexibility: Simultaneous support for different sensor and positioning technologies.
  •  Lifecycle cost: OTA updates and remote diagnostics reduce service costs.
  • Future-proofing: Platform ready for new standards and expansion.
  • Data quality & traceability: Enables real-time positioning and validated sensor data.

Risks of Not Upgrading

  • Incompatibility with upcoming EU requirements, risking sales and procurement bans.
  • Permanent security gaps in non-upgradable sensors.
  • No possibility for remote control or isolation in incidents.
  • Lost competitiveness when customers require CRA- or ISO 27001-compliant systems.
  • Higher operating costs due to manual updates and field visits.

Recommendation

For organizations in heavy industry, the following is recommended:

  1. Inventory existing LoRa networks and identify non-upgradable nodes.
  2. Plan a phased upgrade to Wittra’s Hybrid Network between 2025–2027.
  3. Prioritize critical environments (steel plants, airports, energy systems, foundries).
  4. Document the migration as part of the company’s cybersecurity strategy.
  5. Implement the Hybrid Gateway as a central node for both sensor data and RTLS services.

Result:

 A future-proof, secure, and robust IoT ecosystem – ready for new EU regulations and the increased level of digitization required by heavy industry.

To find out more, contact us at info@wittra.io