Multi-hop Uplink for Low Power Wide Area Networks Using LoRa Technology

Abstract

Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs) is a promising wireless communication technology that supports delivery packets in the local network of the Internet of Things (IoT). This technology aims to reduce power transmission, widen coverage area, reduce a cost, and increase scalability. The LPWANs is characterized by a star topology network that allows nodes can transmit directly to the gateway. However, this topology can cause nodes that located far from the gateway consuming more amounts of energy so that their battery will be rapidly dropped and die earlier. This work aims to evaluate the performance network in multi-hop uplink of LPWANs communication for LoRa in terms of energy saving. The network was constructed in a star topology with a gateway as its Center Point. Also, it has five rings and several branches. The nodes were deployed in the rings. Each node has several children. Results show the multi-hop model can decline significantly the uplink communication in terms of energy saving. This model can be an alternative uplink communication of LPWANs to prolong the network lifetime of the LPWANs.