Uso de retransmissores para aumento de cobertura em redes LoRaWAN: uma análise da literatura

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a paradigm that focuses on the interconnectivity of devices, rather than end users, with long-range and low-power networks, being known as LPWANs (Low Power Wide Area Networks), one of the most important technologies in this process. The LoRaWAN technology stands out among LPWAN technologies due to the open source code, low cost and ease of deployment. Despite providing long range, many devices could be located in areas with limited, intermittent or even inexistent coverage. In a LoRaWAN network, this problem can be solved with the installation of more gateways and the infrastructure to connect them to the servers infrastructure, which could be impracticable. An alternative is to use relay stations, which have simplified functions, have lower cost and use the same transmission technology from the considered network. As the relays impose changes in the network topology, adds a new kind of device and a communication dynamic that was previously unforeseen. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze which is available in the literature about the subject, both in terms of academic works and technical standards, which was published during the execution of this work. Therefore, this work aims to study the use of relay stations in LoRaWAN for coverage increase in areas with limited network infrastructure. As a result, it is obtained an analysis of the devices available in academic studies and the main features of the technical standards, presenting a comparison of features, advantages, advantages, use cases and other considerations of interest. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the relaying techniques in LoRaWAN and its potential to expand the coverage in areas with low network network infrastructure, providing a theoretical foundation for those who wants to develop new techniques or to start the deployment of LoRaWAN relay stations.