OPTIMAL LONG-RANGE-WIDE-AREA-NETWORK PARAMETERS CONFIGURATION FOR INTERNET OF VEHICLES APPLICATIONS IN SUBURBAN ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of Long-Range wireless technology parameters on signal propagation in suburban environments is investigated. Wireless propagation modeling provides information about the wireless channel and its impact on communication links. Received signal strength and coverage area are evaluated to determine signal path loss. The operating frequency of 433 MHz Long Range Wireless Area Network is utilized with different spreading factors, bandwidths, and code rates. Empirical propagation models are utilized to predict a mathematical model based on measured empirical signal strength in a suburban site in Baghdad City. The measured signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio values were obtained through drive tests in an Internet of Vehicles environment to design a network that could accurately report vehicle locations. The LoRa parameters affected the calculated path loss exponent, leading to various predictions in the network design. The path loss exponent exhibited instability due to the presence of obstacles and different long-range parameter settings. Path loss exponent deviation fluctuates due to bandwidth and spreading factor variations. Path loss exponent reduced at higher coding rates for more protection purposes. Packet ratio reception improved as the coding rate increased. To minimize the impact of the path loss on network design, an optimization policy was employed to determine the best parameters that resulted in the lowest path loss. The optimal path loss obtained at LoRa configuration parameters settings with spreading factor (7), bandwidth (500 kHz), and code rate (4/5).