Sensor Networks for Forestry Applications operating with Limited Power Supply using LPWAN COTS Equipment

The use of sensor networks using LPWAN communication for long-term forest health monitoring is challenged by the lack of power supply in the forest environment. LPWAN technologies as available provide long battery life for smart sensors. However, the power consumption of current COTS LPWAN gateway equipment is considerable in relation to energy harvesting options for forestry applications. Therefore, in this paper, the configuration and operation of LPWANs, as originally designed, is modified in order to further lower its average power consumption. COTS LPWAN equipment is activated and deactivated on an interval-based schedule. Mechanisms for the synchronization of operation phases for mass deployment of smart sensors and gateways are presented. An experimental setup of a solar-powered implementation in the forest is presented, and the developed mechanisms are evaluated.