LoRaIn: Making a Case for LoRa in Indoor Localization

In this paper, we analyze the feasibility of using LoRa, an emerging low-power wide-area networking technology, in indoor localization. We define seven criteria upon which a wireless technology's prospect as an indoor localization system depends largely. For comparison, we take two other popular wireless technologies (BLE and WiFi) that have been previously proposed in many modern indoor localization systems. We deploy these three technologies in multiple line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight indoor scenarios including corridors, open spaces, spaces with a varying number of walls, and across floors of multi-storied buildings. Considering the coverage, stability and regularity of signals, accuracy of localization, responsiveness, power, and cost–we conclude that LoRa is a feasible choice for indoor localization solution, especially in wide and tall indoor environments like warehouses and multi-storied buildings.