Exploring the Characteristics and Limits of LoRaWAN

This paper provides real-world measurements based on experiments with LoRaWAN. We also detail our motivation and methods for reliably transporting image data over LoRaWAN. This paper initially situates LoRa among existing and emerging wireless link types and provides a primer for those experienced with traditional wireless technologies. Some unique measurements, based on experiments, show the real-world relationship between payload size, spreading factor and airtime to demonstrate the characteristics of LoRaWAN. Furthermore, data on the reliability of transmissions given different payload sizes and the benefits of multiple overhearing gateways is provided. Finally, the limits of LoRaWAN are explored by describing an approach to recover lost LoRaWAN frames efficiently. The efficient reliability mechanism enables the transport of images over LoRaWAN.