LoRa-based IoT applications on campus: experimental demonstrations and performance evaluation

Abstract

Lora technology is widely used in solving many IoT problems because of its long-range capability and low-cost. However, the model which works in the 2.4GHz frequency and without regional limitations is a novelty and its full capabilities are unknown. In this research the device is test for its transmission capabilities on a university campus because this is the conditions with high 2.4GHz interference from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. The authors also try to find the packet delivery rate and define at what distance LoRa end-node starts to lose connection with its gateway. Along the way receiving signal strength indicator is registered in order to understand the device power level. All of it is done by placing the gateway in the middle of the campus so that it equally reaches the furthermost points, connecting it with a LoRa-based end-node and testing this connection by placing the end-node device in different spots within the area and analysing the connection. LoRa 2.4GHz has shown lower effectiveness in terms of distance in comparison with its sub-GHz counterparts. Receiving signal strength indicator also demonstrated a lower power level in comparison with the mentioned device specifications. However, the LoRa technology still provides bigger distance than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and is cheaper than other protocols used in IoT. Higher results can be achieved by using a better antenna and by eliminating physical obstacles.