IoT cannot exist without low-energy, wireless transmission of sensor data. LoRaWAN is a protocol that enables flexible communication between sensor/actuator nodes and gateways gateways acting as base stations and interfaces to the Internet. However, potential users have to build their own network infrastructure, which can be a burden for educational and private users. Existing networks are often closed or otherwise inaccessible. The Things Network is a solution to overcome these obstacles. Across the globe, volunteers install gateways which are open to other users keen to transfer data, while commercial participants can also open their gateways to the network. The Things Network also hosts LoRaWAN network servers and offers affordable hardware and a lot of support.