LoRaWAN range extension for environments with high attenuation

Abstract

LoRaWAN Range Extension for Environments with High Attenuation Martin Böhm, Olaf Gebauer, Diederich Wermser Research Group Communication Systems Ostfalia University Salzdahlumer Str. 46/48 38302 Wolfenbüttel, Germany {ma.boehm | ola.gebauer | d.wermser}@ostfalia.de Abstract: The deployment of widespread LPWAN sensor networks, such as LoRaWAN, in high attenuation environments like forests and mines, faces a significant challenge due to the considerable reduction in communication range. LoRaWAN gateways are typically deployed to expand network coverage. These gateways require internet connectivity, often realized using cellular networks. However, in such deployment areas, cellular coverage may be limited or entirely unavailable. The use of LoRaWAN range extenders to extend coverage is inevitable. However, current LoRaWAN range extenders provide only limited coverage extension as they lack multi-hop support, necessitating the presence of online gateways. In this work, a new approach for LoRaWAN range extenders, named the LoRaWAN GW2ED Range Extender, is presented. Briefly explained, the new solution combines a LoRaWAN gateway, a local middleware, and an LoRaWAN end-device without the need for internet access by the range extender. The new approach is compared to other range extender solutions. The implementation of the concept is illustrated by architecture and sequence diagrams. In field tests within a dense forest, each PoC LoRaWAN GW2ED Range Extender extended the LoRaWAN range by an additional kilometer. This new approach is fully compatible with the LoRaWAN specifications as well as with LoRaWAN Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) end-devices.