RYLR998 vs. RYLR993: Choosing Between P2P LoRa and LoRaWAN for Your IoT Deployment

Reyax offers two LoRa module families based on the Semtech SX1262 chipset: the RYLR998 for proprietary point-to-point (P2P) communication, and the RYLR993 for dual-mode LoRaWAN + P2P operation. Both modules use AT commands over UART, both run on the same SX1262 platform, and both operate at 868/915 MHz ISM bands. The difference is in the network architecture they support, and that difference determines which module fits your deployment.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	RYLR998 (P2P)	RYLR993 (LoRaWAN + P2P)
Chipset	Semtech SX1262	Semtech SX1262
Frequency	868 / 915 MHz	868 / 915 MHz
TX Power	+22 dBm	15.5 dBm
Range (LOS)	16+ km	10+ km
Modes	Proprietary P2P	LoRaWAN Class A/C + P2P
Interface	UART AT commands	UART AT commands
Device Auth	Network ID matching	LoRaWAN OTAA/ABP
Downlink	On receive window	LoRaWAN Class C: always listening
ADR	Manual (AT command)	Automatic (LoRaWAN ADR)
Certifications	FCC, CE, NCC	FCC, CE
Sleep Current	< 2 uA	Module-dependent

The most significant technical difference is transmit power: +22 dBm on the RYLR998 versus 15.5 dBm on the RYLR993. This 6.5 dB difference translates to roughly double the range in ideal conditions, because the RYLR998 can push more power into the LoRa signal. For deployments where maximum range from a single gateway is critical, agricultural monitoring across large farms, or industrial sites spanning several kilometres, the RYLR998’s higher TX power provides a tangible advantage.

When to Choose RYLR998 (P2P)

Private networks with a single gateway. If your deployment has a central gateway and sensor nodes that all communicate directly with that gateway, a farm, a factory, a campus, P2P mode on the RYLR998 is the simplest architecture. Each node sends data to the gateway’s address. The gateway receives from all nodes. No network server, no join procedures, no device provisioning beyond setting the network ID and address.

Maximum range is critical. The RYLR998’s +22 dBm TX power gives it the longest range of any Reyax LoRa module. For deployments in Hyderabad agricultural belts or Pune industrial zones where sensors are distributed over several kilometres, the extra power budget matters.

Fastest time to prototype. P2P mode with AT commands is the quickest path from “unboxing” to “data flowing.” Configure network ID and address, send AT+SEND, and data appears at the receiver. No network server setup, no LoRaWAN provisioning. Teams evaluating LoRa for the first time typically start with RYLR998 P2P.

Cost-sensitive, small-scale deployments. P2P mode requires no LoRaWAN gateway hardware (which is more expensive than a simple LoRa receiver) and no network server infrastructure. For deployments with fewer than 100 nodes, the infrastructure savings are significant.

When to Choose RYLR993 (LoRaWAN + P2P)

Managed networks at scale. LoRaWAN provides device authentication (OTAA or ABP), adaptive data rate (ADR), and standardised device management. When deploying hundreds or thousands of nodes across a city, smart metering, utility monitoring, smart city infrastructure, LoRaWAN’s network management features simplify operations.

Public LoRaWAN network availability. Some Indian cities are building public or semi-public LoRaWAN infrastructure. If your deployment area has an existing LoRaWAN network, the RYLR993 in LoRaWAN mode can connect directly to it without deploying your own gateways.

Downlink commands are needed. LoRaWAN Class C on the RYLR993 enables the node to receive downlink commands from the network server at any time (not just after a transmission, as in Class A). This is useful for actuator control, opening a valve, switching a relay, adjusting a setpoint, where the cloud platform needs to send commands to field devices.

Dual-mode flexibility. The RYLR993’s ability to switch between LoRaWAN and P2P mode via AT commands means a single hardware design can serve both network architectures. A product designed in Bengaluru for sale across India can operate in LoRaWAN mode in cities with gateway infrastructure and fall back to P2P mode in rural areas without it.

Migration Path

For teams starting with P2P and planning to scale to LoRaWAN later, the recommended approach is:

1. Prototype with RYLR998: fastest setup, maximum range, lowest cost for initial validation
2. Pilot with RYLR998: deploy 20-50 nodes in P2P mode to validate the application
3. Scale with RYLR993: when the deployment grows beyond what P2P management can handle, switch to RYLR993 in LoRaWAN mode

Both modules use the same SX1262 chipset and similar physical footprints, so the PCB design for one module can accommodate the other with minimal layout changes.

The 433 MHz Alternative

Both the RYLR998 and RYLR993 operate at 868/915 MHz. For Indian deployments that want to use the 433 MHz ISM band (authorised in India with favourable propagation characteristics), the RYLR498 provides P2P LoRa at 433 MHz with pin-compatible footprint to the RYLR998. There is currently no LoRaWAN-capable Reyax module at 433 MHz, so 433 MHz deployments use P2P mode exclusively.

Why Buy from GSAS

GSAS Micro Systems provides both the RYLR998 and RYLR993 from Indian inventory with INR invoicing. Our team helps Indian IoT teams evaluate the P2P vs. LoRaWAN tradeoff for their specific deployment scenario, and provides module selection guidance, antenna consultation, and network architecture review.

Engineering teams across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR can access local technical support. Contact GSAS for evaluation samples or to discuss your LoRa module selection.