DDFH: Dynamic Dual Frequency Hopping for LoRa Networks

This short paper introduces the Dynamic Dual Frequency Hopping (DDFH), a novel architectural approach for LoRa networks, designed to address the inherent limitations in existing LoRa implementations, including regulatory duty cycle restrictions and security vulnerabilities. The proposed solution employs two distinct frequency hopping mechanisms: LoRa Temporal Frequency Hopping (LTFH) for the management network and LoRa Software-Defined Frequency Hopping (LSFH) for the access network. By implementing a mesh topology based on controlled flooding, the architecture enhances both network scalability and security, making it more suitable for Internet of Things (IoT) applications in demanding environments. A prototype, utilising diverse Single-Board Computers (SBCs) and LoRa modules demonstrates the feasibility of the architecture with 94.66% average received message success rate. Preliminary results suggest significant improvements in network resilience and data transmission efficiency, validating the effectiveness of the DDFH approach. Future work will focus on optimising the system performance and scalability through extensive testing across various environments and deployments.