Comparison LoRaWAN and Wi-Fi HaLow: Study Case for Smart Metering in Urban Area

The rapid growth of WiFi technology, predominantly driven by the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, particularly highlights the emergence of the 802.11ah standard tailored for the Internet of Things (IoT) era. This standard endeavors to furnish a cost-effective operational mode capable of servicing numerous devices per cell across expansive coverage areas. This study delves into the IEEE 802.11ah Standard Network Planning for IoT Applications, focusing on enhancing network quality in terms of capacity and coverage to bolster WiFi network efficacy for supporting IoT services. Through simulations conducted for Smart Meters in the Grand Wisata Bekasi Cluster Area, it's discerned that LoRaWAN Coverage Planning necessitates only one site to encompass the Smart Meters, while Wi-Fi HaLow Coverage Planning demands between 7 to 211 sites contingent on the modulation utilized. Examination of various parameters reveals that LoRaWanmaintains a consistent Average Effective Signal Analysis value across spreading factors at −74 dBm, with a stable Average Coverage by Signal Analysis value at −67 dBm. Conversely, WiFi HaLow exhibits a spectrum of Average Effective Signal Analysis values for each modulation, ranging from −69 dBm to −34 dBm, alongside Average Coverage by Signal Analysis values spanning from −60 dBm to −34 dBm.