An intelligent gateway for LoRaWAN coverage extension

Abstract: LoRaWAN is one of the most adopted low-power wide-area networks, which use theproprietary LoRa modulation developed by Semtech to provide high sensitivity at lowdata rates for long ranges. LoRaWAN providing coverage using single-hop gatewaysto thousands of end-devices (sensors) running on batteries. Each gateway requires aconnection to the internet or a private network (Ethernet, 3G/4G, Wifi) to communicatewith the network server. In obstructed areas, with mountains, foliage, or simplyvast areas, multiple gateways are required to provide coverage for the end-devices.Internet/mobile coverage might be missing in some areas. Which quickly brings upthe cost of internet connection in these areas, unless a solution is developed that routesmessages between the gateways using the existing LoRa radio communication standard.Thus reducing required internet connections while providing coverage. This solutionwas developed and evaluated, with a focus on supporting LoRaWAN deviceswith bidirectional capabilities, following the regional regulations, and providing arouting protocol that minimizes the extra data that comes with routing messages overa network. Experiments of three gateways showed that the solution provides a functioningrouting protocol, with as low as 3 extra bytes for routing. While fast enough toprovide bidirectional communication support for end-devices located farthest awayfrom the gateway with the server connection.