A Comparative Analysis of Power Consumption and Security Features in LoRa and LoRaWAN Messaging Devices

In the evolving landscape of the Internet of Things (IoT), the quest for reliable and efficient communication in remote and underserved regions remains a formidable challenge. This research investigates the transformative potential of Long Range (LoRa) technology, specifically within the LoRaWAN framework, to enhance rural connectivity through an innovative messaging system. Emphasizing the imperative of securing data transmission, the proposed system exclusively integrates the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to fortify communication channels. This study systematically explores the multifaceted impact of AES encryption on computational efficiency and power consumption. A distinguishing feature lies in the device’s seamless transition between encryption modes, ensuring optimal performance across varying communication scenarios. The elucidated system architecture details the end-to-end process of message composition, transmission, and reception. The implementation phase comprehensively covers hardware specifications, software intricacies, and the seamless integration of LoRaWAN security measures. The messaging flow, from user input to transmission, exemplifies the device’s efficacy in real-world scenarios. Additionally, this research introduces a novel comparative power consumption analysis. By scrutinizing the device’s behavior under diverse communication scenarios, including the nuanced power consumption implications of switching between encryption modes, the study provides valuable insights for practitioners into the energy efficiency of communication.