Interconnection of LoRa Based IoT Nodes on 5G

5G along-with loT are two of the most disruptive technologies shaping modern innovation, particularly in the realms of connectivity, sensing, and communication. Their convergence holds immense potential to unlock diverse opportunities, particularly for advanced applications in smart cities. 5G, as a next-generation network, is fully virtualized and designed for seamless integration with non-3GPP technologies, while loT operates as an expansive, low-power ecosystem optimized for sensing and actuation. However, loT's constrained transport capabilities and inherent security vulnerabilities, owing to its low-power architecture, present notable challenges. Before integrating Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) with 5G, it is crucial to address security concerns, especially those related to authentication and the seamless roaming of loT devices across 5G networks. The integration of these technologies is expected to drive significant advancements in smart city infrastructure and beyond, but robust solutions must be developed to overcome the inherent risks. This paper advocates for leveraging existing cellular network authentication frameworks, obfuscating device identities to enhance privacy, storing authentication credentials within home networks to mitigate roaming-related issues, and employing loT gateways to manage device address translation. By implementing these strategies, a secure and seamless integration of 5G and loT can be realized, laying the foundation for a more connected, resilient, and secure future. Additionally, this convergence will facilitate the deployment of Internet of Battlefield Things (loBT) for surveillance-centric applications, broadening the scope of both civilian and defense-related use cases.