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.