Hidden Node Probability in LoRa With Listen-Before-Talk

LoRa networks use listen-before-talk (LBT) in unslotted ALOHA to accommodate numerous sensors, often across areas exceeding 10 km. Due to potential hidden nodes, devices may incorrectly detect idle channels. This letter investigates the effectiveness of LBT in LoRa, focusing on the hidden node probability (HNP) across different annuli with distinct spreading factors, considering Nakagami-m fading and path loss. We analyze the impact of HNP on the MAC layer performance of unslotted ALOHA, demonstrating LBT’s reliability and efficiency in large-scale sensor deployments.