# Getting Started

## About Datacake LNS

Datacake LNS is designed to bridge a gap that customers often face when taking their first steps with LoRaWAN technology. Recognizing the challenges associated with connecting external LoRaWAN Network Servers (LNS) to Datacake, we decided to develop our own integrated LNS solution. This integration allows users to directly add their LoRaWAN gateways and devices to Datacake, eliminating the need for any external LNS. This development simplifies the process for users, making it more straightforward and accessible.

### Key Features

* **Direct Integration:** Users can now add their own LoRaWAN gateways and any LoRaWAN device directly to Datacake without the need for an external LNS.
* **Simplified Process:** Adding gateways and devices is done through the Datacake frontend, known for its user-friendly interface, making the process especially easy.
* **No Gateway Required:** Don't have your own Gateway? You can still add devices to the Datacake LNS using over 20k public Gateways!

### Clarification on Datacake LNS Usage

{% hint style="success" %}
There are **no hard limits on the number of gateways or devices** when using Datacake LNS. Deployments can scale according to project requirements.
{% endhint %}

Datacake LNS is designed to provide a seamless LoRaWAN experience directly within the Datacake platform. It enables users to onboard gateways and devices quickly without requiring external network server infrastructure.

Unlike traditional setups that rely on separate LoRaWAN Network Servers, Datacake LNS is fully integrated into the platform and can scale with your deployment.

For many projects, Datacake LNS provides everything required to run a production LoRaWAN network, including gateway management, device connectivity, and direct integration with dashboards, automation, and analytics.

Third-party LoRaWAN Network Servers such as The Things Stack, Loriot, or Actility remain fully supported for users who already operate networks on those platforms or require specific ecosystem integrations.

## How to get started

### Add your first LoRaWAN Gateway

Learn how to add your first Gateway to Datacake by visiting the following subpage of this tutorial.

{% content-ref url="gateways" %}
[gateways](https://docs.datacake.de/datacake-lns/gateways)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### Add your first LoRaWAN Device

Discover how to directly add LoRaWAN devices to Datacake by following the instructions provided on this subpage of the getting started guide.

{% content-ref url="devices" %}
[devices](https://docs.datacake.de/datacake-lns/devices)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Don't have a gateway yet? If you are within range of a third-party Gateway, you can still use Datacake LNS. Check our tutorial here:

[add-devices-without-gateway](https://docs.datacake.de/datacake-lns/add-devices-without-gateway "mention")
{% endhint %}

## Background Information

You find a video showing you the background information about our LNS on the following subpage.

{% content-ref url="add-devices-without-gateway" %}
[add-devices-without-gateway](https://docs.datacake.de/datacake-lns/add-devices-without-gateway)
{% endcontent-ref %}