IEEE 802.15 Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) PHY Interference Model

Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) are an interesting technology to provide wireless connectivity to low-power and low-cost devices over large distances in license exempt frequency bands. This goal is mainly achieved by very low payload bit-rates. However, the low rates result in long on-air times that make the LPWAN signals vulnerable to interference from other devices also operating in these frequency bands. This problem is especially relevant for LPWAN base-stations that are typically equipped with highly exposed antennas, resulting in high interferer signal levels. The IEEE 802.15 Interest Group Low Power Wide Area has therefore developed an interference model to analyze the impact of interferer signals on LPWAN transmissions. This paper presents the interference model as well as the underlying approach. Furthermore, it shows simulation results using the developed open source implementation of the interference model. These results highlight the relevance of interference in these networks.