The major LoRaWAN versions are: 1.0 (2015), 1.0.1, 1.0.2 and 1.0.3 (minor revisions), 1.0.4 (2020, with improved security) and 1.1 (2017, with significant changes — four session keys: FNwkSIntKey, SNwkSIntKey and NwkSEncKey on the network side, plus AppSKey on the application side — and a dual-security model).

Versions 1.0 through 1.0.4 remained compatible with one another and brought incremental improvements. Version 1.1, published in 2017, introduced a major security overhaul: separation of the Network Server and Join Server, derivation of FNwkSIntKey, SNwkSIntKey and NwkSEncKey on the network side and AppSKey on the application side, roaming support and 32-bit frame counters. In 2026, the installed base is still overwhelmingly on 1.0.x (~80 %); 1.1 represents roughly 15 % of new deployments. Compatibility: a 1.0 device works on a 1.1 Network Server; the reverse is generally not true.

Check the version supported by both your devices and your Network Server before procurement — running a 1.1 device on a 1.0 Network Server downgrades it silently to 1.0 security and forfeits the benefits of the new key model.