LoRaWAN for ITS: Overcoming Connectivity Challenges in Remote Areas

Vehicular networks have transformed Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) by enabling Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communications, enhancing road safety and traffic efficiency. However, these technologies face significant challenges in rural and mountainous environments, where communication infrastructure is limited. In this context, LoRaWAN emerges as a viable solution to extend coverage in vehicular networks, providing connectivity in remote areas where traditional solutions, such as LTE-V2X and 5G-V2X, are insufficient due to their reliance on dense infrastructure.This paper evaluates the use of LoRaWAN in V2I communications in remote areas using FresSim, a simulation tool based on Fresnel Zone analysis and geospatial data. In particular, LoRaWAN coverage has been evaluated considering the strategic placement of gateways, achieving connectivity extension up to 140 km with only five gateways. The results confirm that LoRaWAN enables the transmission of emergency alerts and vehicular data in hard-to-reach environments with minimal infrastructure, optimizing resource utilization and providing an efficient alternative to enhance V2I connectivity on rural roads and highways.