Mesh Augmentation of LoRaWAN-based IoT Networks

Abstract

LoRaWAN is a leading standard and technology for low-power, long-range Internet-of-Things (IoT) communications. However, its single-hop architecture results in limited effective range and excessive power consumption for end devices, especially when deployed in large, remote and RF-challenged environments. Existing solutions are either incompatible with LoRaWAN, or limit relaying to a single hop. We present LIMA, a protocol for augmenting an existing or new LoRaWAN deployment with a mesh network of LIMA Routers. LIMA increases the effective coverage range well beyond the maximum LoRa range via multi-hopping, and significantly reduces the energy consumed by end-devices. LIMA requires no changes to the end-device, the servers or the LoRaWAN standard. LIMA builds routes using reverse path forwarding, tunnels LoRaWAN messages over LIMA, provides transparent extension of the existing Adaptive Data Rate (ADR), and suppresses duplicate forwarding if the device is directly reachable from the Gateway. Simulations using Network Simulator 3 (ns-3) show that LIMA increases the delivery rate, scalability, ED energy consumption by up to 5x, 8x and 12.6x respectively, and reduces latency by up to 2.3x. Table-top and outdoor testing with a prototype constructed using a commercial gateway as a starting point confirm that LIMA can be successfully deployed within an existing LoRaWAN system, and can provide range and energy gains transparently.