LoRa is short for Long Range Radio and is designed primarily for M2M and IoT applications. The trade-off for the extra distance is reduced speed and bandwidth but for the applications it is aimed at this is not an issue.
The 433 MHz LoRa radio module uses a special radio modulation. This enables data transmission up to 2 Km line of sight using simple wire antennas or up to 20 Km with directional antennas and some adjustment to settings.

LoRa packet radios are simpler than WiFi or BLE as you do not need to associate, pair or scan for connections. When you send data, any modules tuned to the same frequency and with the same encryption key receives it. The receiver can then send a reply. The modules split the data into packets, error correct and can also auto-retransmit.

These modules are great for use with Arduino or other microcontrollers particularly for something like a sensor network.

Each radio module is supplied with headers, a 3.3 V voltage regulator and levelshifter that can handle 3 to 5 V dc power and logic so you can use it with 3 V or 5 V devices. Some soldering is required to attach the header.

- Packet radio with ready-to-go Arduino libraries
- Transmits on the amateur or license-free ISM band
- SX1276 LoRa based module with SPI interface
- Use a simple wire antenna or spot for uFL / SMA antenna
- +5 to +20 dBm up to 100 mW Power Output Capability (power output selectable in software)
- ∼100 mA peak during +20 dBm transmit, ∼30 mA during active radio listening
- Range of approximately 2 km, depending on obstructions, frequency, antenna and power output
- All radio modules are sold individually and can only talk to radios of the same part number. For example, LoRa 433 MHz can only talk to LoRa 433 MHz.
- Dimensions: 29 x 25 x 4 mm (1.14" x 1.0" x 0.2")
- Weight: 3.1 g

Wireless Modules - Adafruit