CWNP CWISA-102 Exam - Topic 2 Question 38 Discussion

Actual exam question for CWNP's CWISA-102 exam

Question #: 38
Topic #: 2

What is the primary difference between LoRa and LoRaWAN

ALoRa uses RF and LoRaWAN uses light-based communications

BLoRa is the modulation method (using CSS modulation at the Physical Layer) and LoRaWAN is the MAC sub-layer of the Data Link layer

CLoRa is the Physical Layer and LoRaWAN is the Transport Layer

DLoRa is used for communicating across the Internet and LoRaWAN is used only on the local link

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: B

LoRa:This refers to the underlying radio modulation technique using Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS). It defines how data is physically encoded onto the wireless signal.

LoRaWAN:This is the network protocol built on top of LoRa. It manages device communication, network topology, and aspects like security. It operates at the MAC sublayer of the Data Link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model

LoRa vs. LoRaWAN:Key takeaway is that LoRa is the physical layer technology, while LoRaWAN adds the networking layer for management.

References:

LoRa Modulation:Technical explanations of Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS).

LoRaWAN Specification:Official documentation detailing the network architecture and MAC layer functions.

OSI Model:Descriptions of the Data Link layer and its role in networking.

by Benedict at Nov 21, 2025, 09:17 AM

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Jill

7 days ago

D is misleading too. LoRa can work over the Internet.

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Delbert

12 days ago

I feel like A is completely off. RF vs light? No way!

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Amie

17 days ago

C sounds tempting, but it’s not accurate. LoRa is not the Transport Layer.

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Gilma

22 days ago

Agreed! LoRaWAN is definitely the MAC sub-layer.

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Joseph

27 days ago

I think B is the right answer. LoRa is the modulation method.

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Chauncey

2 months ago

I always thought LoRa was just for local links, but B makes sense!

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Ocie

2 months ago

C is wrong, LoRa is definitely not the Transport Layer.

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Kasandra

2 months ago

Wait, are we sure about that? I thought LoRa was more than just modulation.

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Art

2 months ago

Totally agree with B! It's all about layers.

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Theodora

2 months ago

B is the correct answer! LoRa is modulation, LoRaWAN is MAC.

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Erick

2 months ago

C) Definitely the right answer. LoRa and LoRaWAN are like the yin and yang of wireless communication.

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Gladys

3 months ago

I thought LoRa was a new type of lawnmower and LoRaWAN was the instruction manual. Guess I need to brush up on my networking knowledge.

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Ciara

3 months ago

B) Sounds like the correct answer to me. I'm not sure I'd want to dance on LoRa, though.

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Glory

3 months ago

LoRa is the new dance craze, and LoRaWAN is the dance floor, right?

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Louann

3 months ago

I'm leaning towards Option B as well. The question is asking about the primary difference, and that seems to capture the key distinction between the two.

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Ashton

3 months ago

I'm pretty confident that Option B is the correct answer. LoRa is the low-level radio technology, while LoRaWAN is the overall system and network architecture.

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Kenneth

3 months ago

Option B looks right to me. LoRa is the modulation method at the physical layer, and LoRaWAN is the higher-level protocol that builds on top of that.

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Devora

4 months ago

I remember reading that LoRa is the modulation method, so B sounds right to me. The other options don’t seem to fit what I studied.

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Kina

4 months ago

I’m a bit confused about the layers. I thought LoRa was more about the physical aspect, but I can't recall the exact details of the layers.

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Willow

4 months ago

I practiced a question similar to this, and I believe LoRaWAN is definitely the MAC sub-layer. So, I think B might be correct.

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Truman

4 months ago

I think I remember that LoRa is related to the modulation technique, but I'm not sure if it's just the Physical Layer or something else.

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Brynn

4 months ago

B makes the most sense. It’s all about layers!

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Cassandra

5 months ago

Hmm, I'm a bit confused on the difference between the physical layer and the MAC sub-layer. I'll need to review those concepts before answering this.

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Tequila

5 months ago

I think the key difference is that LoRa is the physical layer technology while LoRaWAN is the protocol that defines the MAC layer and network architecture. Option B seems to capture that distinction.

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Candida

1 day ago

I agree, option B really highlights the difference.

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