LoRaWAN Mesh Gateway Network Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
LoRaWAN networks face range restrictions and reliability issues due to the limitations of single-hop connections and class A terminal receive windows, leading to time-out errors and reduced battery life in IoT applications, especially in areas without internet access.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a LoRaWAN mesh gateway network with multiple terminals and gateways, where a second server takes over communication functions, and encrypted gateway messages are generated to extend the range and reduce power consumption, ensuring compatibility with existing LoRaWAN standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-hop connections are used in LoRaWAN networks, then network simplicity is maintained, but range restrictions and reliability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mesh gateways as intermediary nodes between terminals and the network server. These mesh gateways relay messages through multi-hop connections, extending the network range and improving reliability without requiring changes to terminal devices. The mesh gateway acts as a mediator that forwards communications across multiple hops to reach the ultimate destination.
2Use of energy by moving object
If class A terminal receive windows are used, then power consumption is reduced, but time-out errors occur due to message delivery delays
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh gateway performs preliminary actions by storing incoming messages locally before the terminal's receive window opens. When the terminal wakes up and opens its receive window, the gateway immediately forwards the pre-stored message, ensuring timely delivery without requiring the terminal to keep its receive window open longer than necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh gateway serves as an intermediary that buffers and forwards messages to terminals at the optimal moment within their receive windows. This mediation allows terminals to maintain their low-power class A operation while ensuring reliable message delivery through the gateway's message buffering capability.
3Length of stationary object
If multi-hop mesh network is implemented, then network range is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh gateways implement self-service through automatic mesh network formation and self-configuration. When multiple gateways are deployed, they automatically establish mesh connections and configure routing paths without manual intervention. This self-organizing capability extends network range while minimizing the complexity of deployment and configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution extends the range of LoRaWAN networks, reduces power consumption, and increases terminal lifespan by allowing class A or B terminals to operate without permanent active receive windows, while maintaining compatibility with the LoRaWAN specification and ensuring network reliability.
Implementation Method 1
LoRa uses particularly low energy and is based on chirp frequency spread modulation according to U.S. Pat. No. 7,791,415 B2
Implementation Method 2
Thanks to the so-called spread spectrum technology, communication at different data rates does not interfere with each other and creates a series of virtual channels that increase the capacity of the respective gateways
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for communicating in a LoRaWAN mesh gateway network, wherein the LoRaWAN mesh gateway network has multiple terminals, multiple gateways, and a network server. The LoRaWAN mesh gateway network has a second server suitable for executing server functions of the communication method that are intended for the network server in accordance with the LoRaWAN protocol.