Secure LoRa frequency-hopping communication device

Abstract

Secure LoRa communication device with frequency hopping The invention relates to a device combining the use of the LoRa communication protocol with frequency range hopping techniques. The device thus constituted allows to benefit from the advantages of both approaches. A large post with low power consumption and low detectability thanks to LoRa and resilience to jamming and interception thanks to frequency evasion.

Description

Title of the invention: Secure LoRa communication device with frequency hopping

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic module using the LoRa protocol with frequency evasion by ranges while having low power consumption.

[0002] Frequency hopping is a technique used in wireless communications to improve security and resistance to interference. This method involves changing the transmission frequency at regular intervals that are synchronized between the transmitter and receiver. The idea is to make it more difficult to detect and intercept signals, as well as to reduce the risk of interference from other devices operating on the same frequency. By hopping frequencies at a rapid and pre-established rate, the communication system can evade interception or jamming attempts, thereby increasing the security and confidentiality of wireless transmissions. This technique is frequently used in secure wireless systems and other sensitive applications.

[0003] LoRa (Long Range) is a low-power wireless communication technology designed primarily for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Unlike traditional frequency-avoidance schemes, such as the frequency-hopping technique used in extended spectrum, LoRa uses a spread-spectrum modulation based on frequency modulation and a technique called "chirp spread spectrum". Chirp spread spectrum modulation allows LoRa to achieve long ranges while maintaining low power consumption. In general, LoRa's robustness to interference and its ability to pass through obstacles make it less vulnerable to the typical problems encountered by other wireless technologies.Although LoRa does not use frequency evasion in the traditional sense, it has built-in mechanisms to manage interference and maintain reliable communications in harsh environments.

[0004] Thus, by coupling a frequency evasion approach by frequency range hopping and a LoRa approach, the device thus created, the subject of the present patent, has unrivaled advantages of range, discretion and robustness while being low consumption, constituting one of the main characteristics of the invention.

[0005] The modules as described above are also characterized by their capacity to constitute several communication network topologies:

[0006] - Point-to-Point (P2P) Network: A direct communication between two LoRa devices. It is a simple and straightforward configuration, ideal for applications requiring a direct link between two points.

[0007] - Point-to-Multipoint (P2MP) Network: A central LoRa device communicates with multiple peripheral devices. This can be useful in applications such as surveillance, or any other case where a central point needs to collect data from multiple remote sensors.

[0008] -Mesh Network: A mesh network where each device can act as a relay node to extend the network's reach. This improves network coverage and resilience, allowing data to find the most efficient path between nodes.

[0009] -Private Network: An organization can deploy its own LoRaWAN network for specific needs, for example in a corporate campus or an industrial facility. This gives full control over the network and its performance.

[0010] -Hybrid Network: A combination of multiple configurations to meet specific needs. For example, a hybrid network may include P2P links for direct communication between some devices and a mesh network to extend the range.

[0011] The invention differs from the state of the art by the use of the LoRa communication protocol for multi-channel communication with hopping of disjoint frequency ranges. This characteristic allows the invention to have strong resilience in noisy environments or even to radio frequency jamming. In addition, this multi-frequency capability using the LoRa protocol makes the detection of communications between devices difficult to detect and intercept.

[0012] The device that is the subject of this patent can be used as a communication component for any object or sensor requiring the transmission of information to or from one or more other centralizing peripheral(s). It can also be used for sending commands to mobile devices such as drones.

[0013] The device, coupled with a screen and a keyboard-type control means, can be used for the bidirectional transmission of text-type data. Text input can also be performed by voice and then an automatic transcription system by language recognition. In this use case, the transmission laws between devices can be adapted to guarantee the resilience of the transmission, its robustness to RF jamming but also its security by fragmented transmissions on several channels and / or by adding a layer of encryption before sending. In doing so, the devices constitute a resilient and discreet “walkie-talkie” type radio communication system.

[0014] Thus, the invention differs from the state of the art by coupling two different approaches to the use of frequencies for communication purposes.

[0015] The invention is distinguished in particular from patent WO2017129447AL2017-08-03 which describes a computer synchronization method for a node in a cellular network. It describes a method for synchronizing a first LoRa gateway intended to allow the first to operate according to the class B communication mode. Our concept uses the resources of LoRa technology and protocol to transmit data, some of which will indicate the frequency band (LoRa NI, LoRa N2, Lora NN) as well as the communication channel number and the operating class. Depending on the context of use, several synchronization modes exist between the modules such as synchronous emissions allowing the sharing of a clock, the exchange of keys at initialization or even the use of blockchain between the modules.

[0016] The invention differs from patent WO2017068305A1 which describes a method for waking up a base station, corresponding actuator, base station and system. The invention relates to a method for waking up a base station (BS) of an access network of a first telecommunications network (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G). The waking up of the station occurs from a hibernation mode following the detection of a specific data packet received via a wired interface. The module is entirely autonomous and its intrinsic security is based on the activity of an accelerometer. It can be taken out of hibernation mode by a message received in the manner of "Wake on Lan".

[0017] We know the patent EP4199548A1 which describes a secure loT beacon in a localization and data exchange system. This patent describes a known and standard LoRa networking mechanism and adapted to beacons that can be mobile and make it possible to cover a dense network of beacons and nodes which does not correspond to the B2S mode. In addition, the solution described in this patent has the defect of not being protected against cyber attacks, in particular on the short-range Bluetooth link which does not guarantee the security of the flows. Our module does not integrate Bluetooth communication. This patent claims a conventional electronic platform equipped with inputs-outputs and an encrypted communication protocol. This patent indicates that the beacon can be configured to transmit using a LoRa communication link in the ISM EU 868MHz or ISM US 915 MHz frequency band.The LoRa modules embedded in the module covered by this patent make it possible to cover several distinct communication frequency bands and are not limited to ISM alone. The security and communication integrity aspect of the module covered by our patent is achieved by an original frequency evasion mechanism including band and channel hopping.

[0018] The Internet of Things (IoT) has strong applications in the field of security where it is developing rapidly. It provides resilient and discreet connectivity via a cohesive network, thus increasing local situational awareness, risk assessment and reducing response time.

[0019] Integrating signals from a diverse and dynamic set of sensors, including static ground sensors and human-worn sensors as well as Remote triggering of effectors safely by the field man who must not be detected, intercepted or blocked, represent many critical challenges facing the implementation of communications solutions in disturbed or hostile environments.

[0020] Existing communication networks are not suitable for IoBT applications in terms of range, autonomy and cost. In addition, depending on where the deposited modules are to be positioned, coverage by conventional communication media may not be possible and / or available or even desirable, if only for reasons of security and discretion.

[0021] To achieve these objectives and overcome all these difficulties, the invention uses LoRa technology and frequency evasion by range hopping.

[0022] We know the patent EP3637845A1 which describes a communication method based on a frame transmission protocol. This patent proposes a communication method in order to transmit a significant quantity of data on a LoRaWAN type network. Our module which is the subject of this patent is based on technological bricks which already integrate the entire frame communication protocol and containers intended to transport the useful data. Our module which is the subject of this patent is designed for small quantities of uplink or downlink data.

[0023] The fields of application of this innovative approach are enormous. Indeed, as soon as wireless communication is necessary, the device finds its place. Moving from the Internet of Things, to the monitoring of industrial machines or even secure communications, the device redefines the state of the art of long-distance secure communications, with low electromagnetic signature, low consumption for a low volume of data to be transmitted.

[0024] The inputs / outputs of the communications cards as described above are multiple and integrate or can integrate in particular modules such as: GPIO, I2C, SPI, UART, USB, Ethernet, etc.

[0025] This versatility of inputs / outputs makes the use of the device almost direct for monitoring of the sensor type deposited in energy autonomy or even its integration into already existing systems to increase their communication capacity.

[0026] In the case of the autonomous sensor, the device can integrate a GPS module as well as one or more complementary sensors and communication modules.

Claims

Claims

1. LoRa communication module, with frequency evasion over several disjoint frequency ranges, capable of constituting different topologies of communication networks.

2. Communication device as described in 1 characterized in that it is coupled with a computer screen allowing the sending and receiving of text data.

3. Communication device as described in 1 and 2 characterized in that it integrates voice recognition for text transcription.

4. Device as described in 1 characterized in that it performs effector management.

5. Device as described in 1 characterized in that it is energy autonomous and integrates one or more sensors allowing remote situation monitoring.