Astep-by-step guide to integrating third-party LoRaWAN devices into the Manthink ThinkLink LoRaWAN network server. This setup enables seamless communication between Milesight UG56 gateway, WS101 sensor, and Manthink’s enterprise-grade NS platform using standard protocols like GWMP.
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Whether you’re deploying smart building solutions, industrial monitoring systems, or city-wide IoT networks, this integration ensures secure, scalable, and vendor-neutral LoRaWAN connectivity.
Let’s walk through the full process.
✅ Prerequisites
Before starting, ensure:
✅ 1× Milesight UG56 LoRaWAN Gateway
✅ 1× Milesight WS101 LoRaWAN Temperature & Humidity Sensor
✅ Running instance of ThinkLink Edge TKE132 LoRaWAN Server
✅ Computer with access to the TKE132 web interface
✅ NFC handheld tool or NFC-enabled device to configure WS101
⚙️ This guide uses AS923 frequency band as an example but can be adapted for EU868, US915, etc.
🖥️ Step 1: Login to TKE132 and Obtain IP Address
ThinkLink Edge runs locally on-premise. To begin, retrieve its IP address via the configuration portal:
🌐 Enter in browser:
http://www.thinklink-edge:19091
📌 Log in to tke-conf and record the actual IP address assigned to TKE132 (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
🔁 Note: This step is typically needed only during initial setup or after network changes. Save this IP — it will be used in the UG56 configuration.
📎 Reference:[EN] TKE13 ThinkLink-Edge Specification
🌐 Step 2: Configure Milesight UG56 Gateway
Now configure the UG56 to forward packets to TKE132 via GWMP protocol (port 1770).
2.1 Access UG56 Web GUI
Open browser and go to default IP:
👉 http://192.168.1.1
2.2 Navigate to Packet Forwarder Settings
Go to:
🔧 LoRaWAN > Packet Forwarder > General
Click “+” to add a new Network Server destination.
2.3 Set GWMP Connection Parameters
Fill in:
Enable: ✅ Checked
Type: Semtech (standard GWMP mode)
Server Address: TKE132_IP_ADDRESS
Port Up: 1770
Port Down: 1770
✅ Click “Save & Apply”
➡️ The UG56 will now forward all received LoRaWAN uplinks to TKE132.
🔐 Step 3: Add UG56 Gateway to ThinkLink Whitelist
Next, authorize the gateway in ThinkLink.
In ThinkLink Web UI:
📍 Go to:
Gateways > Add Gateway
Fill in:
EUI: Copy from UG56’s label or status page
Type: Select GWMP
PIN Code: User-defined (optional management field)
✅ Submit
Your gateway is now authenticated and ready to relay data.
📡 Step 4: Register WS101 Device in TKE132 (OTAA Mode)
To allow the sensor to join, pre-register its credentials in OTAA mode.
In TKE132:
📍 Operations > Device Management > LoRaWAN Profiles > New
devEuiFrom WS101 physical label or NFC read
standard AS923
app_keye.g., 88888888888888888888888888888888
💡 Other fields (lw_ver, class_mode) are auto-filled based on selected standard.
✅ Save profile
Now TKE132 expects this device to connect via OTAA.
🛠️ Step 5: Configure WS101 Sensor for Re-Joining
Use the handheld configurator or NFC app to update the WS101 settings so it can join the new network.
In Configuration Tool:
📍 Find LoRaWAN settings screen
Setting
Value App Key
Same as above app_key
Device EUI Verify matches devEui
App EUI Auto-read; verify match
Region AS923
Join Mode OTAA
✅ Click Write / Save to push config to sensor
🔁 After write completes, WS101 restarts and attempts OTAA join.
🟢 Success indication: LED behavior per user manual (e.g., solid light = joined)
🧩 Step 6: Add Payload Decoder (Thing Model)
Raw hex payloads need decoding. We’ll import Milesight’s official decoder.
6.1 Get Decoder Script
Find the Payload Decoder JavaScript function in:
📄 ws101-user-guide-en.pdf — Page 13 Or GitHub repo: @milesight-iot
Example snippet:
function Decoder(bytes, port) {
var decoded = {};
// temperature, humidity parsing logic...
return decoded;
}
6.2 Create Thing Model in ThinkLink
📍 Go to:
Model Management > Thing Model > New
Type: ChirpStack (since TKE132 uses ChirpStack core)
Name: WS101_AS923_Decoder
Decoder Code: Paste full script into editor
✅ Save model
This allows TKE132 to interpret raw binary data from WS101.
💾 Step 7: Create Operational Device & Mount Model
Final step: Register operational device and bind payload model.
📍 Operations > Device Management > Devices > Add
EUI Must match registered devEui
Name e.g., WS101_Lab_Sensor
Type LoRaWAN
✅ Save device
Then go to:
📎 Device Details > Thing Model Section > Add
Select previously created model: WS101_AS923_Decoder
✅ Confirm binding
✅ DONE!
You should now see real-time temperature and humidity updates under:
📍 Real-time Data or History Data dashboards in ThinkLink.
🔍 Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Problem Solution
❌ UG56 cannot reach TKE132
➜ Verify IP and ping test; check firewall allows UDP port 1770
❌ Gateway not appearing online
➜ Confirm correct EUI and type=GWMP in whitelist
❌ WS101 fails to join
➜ Double-check app_key, devEUI, region, and join mode
❌ No decoded data shows up
➜ Ensure thing model is mounted and decoder script is correctly pasted
❓ Uncertain about signal quality
➜ Temporarily bring WS101 closer to UG56
💡 Tip: Always validate configurations at each stage before moving forward.
🚀 Why This Integration Matters
This workflow demonstrates how Manthink ThinkLink Edge (TKE132) provides vendor-agnostic LoRaWAN infrastructure support:
Accepts any LoRaWAN gateway via Semtech GWMP
Supports any sensor with customizable payload decoders
Integrates natively with BACnet, Home Assistant, ThingsBoard CE
Delivers enterprise-grade security, scalability, and edge autonomy
It’s ideal for integrators, system builders, and facility managers who demand interoperability without lock-in.
🌐 Ready to Try It Yourself?
🔌 ThinkLink — An open, flexible LoRaWAN application platform that supports any global-standard LoRaWAN device and enables seamless integration with BACnet, Home Assistant, and ThingsBoard.
✨ Available in two versions:
☁️ Cloud Version:
Free forever for up to 1,000 devices
👉 https://thinklink.manthink.cn
📦 Edge Version (TKE13x):
Self-hosted, high-performance edge appliance for large-scale deployments
Supports 1,000+ devices with local processing
📘 Learn more about our products:
🔗 https://www.manthink.cn
📱 Explore product lines:
📶 LoRaWAN Outdoor Gateway: GDO51 Series
📦 DTU Solutions: KC21 / KS31 / KS32
🌡️ Environmental Sensors: Temp & Humidity, IAQ Sensor
⚙️ NS Platform: ThinkLink
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