Application-aware adaptive parameter control for LoRaWAN

Abstract

Advanced wireless communication technologies are leading towards large-scale, geographically distributed systems, which consist of thousands of co-existing devices with potentially conflicting application requirements, such as high data delivery ratio and low power consumption. At the same time, devices are challenged by varying environmental conditions, which can also lead to degradation in network performance. To ensure the overall network performance and service stability offered by individual devices, the devices must co-exist and adapt to changes in their surrounding environment. In this paper, an application-aware adaptive method is proposed to allow individual devices to dynamically and automatically decide and configure its communication parameters according to its application requirements and environmental conditions. The algorithm aims to enhance and maintain the network performance over time, while allowing every device to satisfy its application requirements. The algorithm is realised on the modern LoRaWAN network protocol. Simulated experiments confirm the proposed algorithm's ability to adapt to changing application requirements at runtime while maintaining network performance. They demonstrate an improvement in packet delivery ratio, energy consumption, and the novel ability to respond to an application's individual performance requirements.