Coverage Characterization of LoRaWAN Sensor Networks for Citrus Orchard Monitoring

Abstract

LoRa emerged as one of the most promising technologies in the Internet of Things. It brought the possibility of transmitting over very long distances (in the kilometers range), at low energy cost and using the unlicensed frequency band. This allows the construction of low-cost networks with massive area coverage, as long as no obstructions are present. When obstacles exist in the field, or are expected, a characterization of the coverage turns out to be necessary in order to implement a fully operational network. This is particularly relevant in orchards and tree farms where this technology can be very useful for monitoring purposes. In this work we present the results from a coverage and range test performed prior to the deployment of a LoRaWAN sensor network in a citrus orchard. The measurements were done respecting specific physical constraints regarding sensor and gateway positioning which allowed to infer realistic information about signal quality. Our results indicate that this type of network deployment has a more detrimental effect in the LoraWAN communications’ quality then previously reported for forest environments.