Computer modelling of LoRa network parameters using the FLoRa simulator

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the results of calculating the parameters of the LoRa network obtained by computer modelling with the results of experimental measurements. To fulfil this purpose, the methods of computer modelling of signal loss were used. Specifically, the study described a modification of the FLoRa simulator to estimate signal losses during propagation, perform computer simulations in FLoRa, and compare the findings obtained with the data obtained during the experiment. In addition, the RSSI values obtained in the simulation were compared with the experimental values. The functionality of the FLoRa software simulator was extended by adding signal power loss values to the simulation results table. Using the FLoRa software, the study simulated the signal power loss along the propagation path at frequencies of 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 2.4 GHz. A comparative analysis revealed that the simulation results for different spreading factors and different signal frequencies correspond to the experimental data. It was found that the received signal power values are represented in the software as RSSI values. The signal power at the input does not correspond to the RSSI values and depends on the concrete type of receiver chip, and therefore the RSSI calculation methodology should be adjusted. It was confirmed that the results table should display both the signal strength at the receiver input and the RSSI value. To improve the accuracy of the FLoRa computer model, specifically, the calculation of RSSI values, it was proposed to consider the specific features of measuring these values by different types of LoRa receiver chips. The obtained findings can be used to improve the accuracy of modelling and, accordingly, the quality of designing networks based on LoRa technology