Por qué LoRaWAN es la mejor opción para el seguimiento de IoT de largo alcance y bajo consumo

12 de octubre de 2024
Casos prácticos de IoT

12 de octubre de 2024
Casos prácticos de IoT

Introducción

The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized asset tracking, providing innovative Soluciones to monitor and manage resources effectively. Among the various connectivity technologies available, LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) stands out as an optimal choice for factories, harbors, campuses, parking lots, hospitals, and even nationwide tracking projects. This paper explores the advantages of LoRaWAN, particularly in the context of a parking lot, factory, warehouse, or livestock tracking, and demonstrates why it is the best connectivity technology for such endeavors.

Ventajas de LoRaWAN

LoRaWAN, cobertura de largo alcance

Tecnología LoRaWAN is renowned for its extensive coverage capabilities, spanning several kilometers. This is particularly beneficial for a parking lot where cars may be spread across large areas, including buildings, open spaces, and remote locations. The ability to cover long distances ensures that tracking devices can communicate effectively with puertas de enlace, regardless of their location.

Distancia de comunicación del rastreador de insignias Lansitec:
· 5 km a SF9 con algunos edificios y bosques entre la puerta de entrada y el rastreador.
· 19 km a SF9. La puerta de enlace está en un edificio de 30 m de altura en la costa y el rastreador está en un barco.

Puerta de enlace solar Bluetooth:
· 3 km a SF9 con algunos edificios y bosques entre la puerta de entrada y el rastreador.

La distancia puede ser mayor aumentando el SF a 10, 11 o 12.
To know more about LoRaWAN coverage, please refer to “¿Cuáles son los factores que afectan el alcance de LoRaWAN en IoT??”

The long-range coverage feature makes LoRaWAN ideal for the following tracking projects:
· Seguimiento de vehículos y llaves en los estacionamientos de los concesionarios
· Seguimiento de pescadores y trabajadores en alta mar

LoRaWAN, bajo consumo de energía

One of the significant advantages of LoRaWAN is its low power consumption. Devices using LoRaWAN can operate for extended periods on a single battery charge or one small non-chargeable battery, which is crucial for tracking applications where frequent battery replacements would be impractical. This feature reduces maintenance costs and ensures continuous monitoring of personnel, cars, and assets without interruption.

La baja corriente TX y RX en comparación con la red celular también reduce el requisito de salida de batería, por lo que tenemos más opciones de batería.

Unidad de control numérico: nRF52832
Radiofrecuencia LoRa: SX1262
SF9
Tamaño de los datos: 9 bytes
Mensaje confirmado
Corriente TX promedio del sistema: 110,78 mA
Corriente RX promedio del sistema: 4,97 mA
Consumo total de energía: 16,01 mC, 0,00445 mAh

LoRaWAN, rentabilidad

LoRaWAN is an affordable solution for asset tracking. The technology does not require expensive infrastructure, making it accessible for all projects with limited budgets. It uses the ISM band, which is free to use worldwide so that everyone can build their own LPWAN.

LoRaWAN has low operational costs, such as minimal battery replacements, various LoRaWAN puertas de enlace and network servers (NS) at different costs, and low data transmission fees, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness. Some LoRaWAN puertas de enlace have a built-in network server, which is ideal for small projects.

Además, podemos encontrar opciones adicionales para varios proveedores, incluidos fabricantes de dispositivos, NS y proveedores de aplicaciones en LoRa Alliance, para optimizar nuestra solución.

Opciones de red LoRaWAN

One of the significant benefits of LoRaWAN is that anyone can build their on-premise or cloud-based LoRaWAN network for different kinds of projects. In addition to a private network, users can tap into existing nationwide networks in countries like France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. These established networks provide comprehensive coverage and infrastructure for LoRaWAN-enabled devices.

Para quienes buscan un enfoque más descentralizado, Helium ofrece una alternativa interesante. La red de Helium opera a escala global y se basa en una red distribuida de puntos de acceso mantenidos por usuarios individuales. Este modelo descentralizado permite una cobertura más amplia y una mayor flexibilidad, lo que lo convierte en una opción atractiva para aplicaciones de IoT (Internet de las cosas) en todo el mundo.

Satellite-based LoRaWAN communication offers another way to track live stock, vehicles and containers. It includes some unique features:

LoRaWAN Cobertura global: Satellite connectivity ensures that LoRaWAN devices can communicate from virtually anywhere on Earth, even in remote or rural areas with limited terrestrial network infrastructure.

LoRaWAN Escalabilidad: LoRaWAN satellite networks can accommodate a large number of devices, making them suitable for large-scale IoT deployments.

LoRaWAN Rentable: LoRaWAN satellite Soluciones often offer a more cost-effective alternative to traditional satellite communication technologies.

LoRaWAN Fiabilidad: La comunicación por satélite proporciona un alto nivel de confiabilidad y resiliencia, incluso en entornos difíciles.

Users can even use peer-to-peer communication (in addition to LoRaWAN) in cases where only a few devices and a simplified network are needed, such as a fisherman alert and tracking system.
So, the LoRaWAN network is flexible, and it can be as small as a ship to track sailers and fishermen, or nationwide to track contenedores, Paletasy activos de alquiler.

Capacidad de la red LoRaWAN

El Capacidad de la red LoRaWAN No es un problema en la mayoría de los sistemas de monitoreo, ya que la frecuencia de los informes es baja, de minutos a horas, o puede ser activada por eventos. Sin embargo, en un proyecto de seguimiento, los usuarios desean rastrear activos o personal cada varios segundos o minutos.

Ejemplo 1:

Rastreador GNSS: 750 piezas
Intervalo de informe: 5 minutos
Tamaño de los datos: 9 bytes
SF7, LoRaWAN gateway capacity rate is 3.6%
SF8, LoRaWAN gateway capacity rate is 7%
SF9, LoRaWAN gateway capacity rate is 14%

Para maximizar la capacidad de la red y minimizar la pérdida de paquetes, es mejor mantener la tasa de capacidad por debajo de 15%.

Ejemplo 2:

Rastreador GNSS: 50 uds.
Intervalo de informe: 15 s
Tamaño de los datos: 9 bytes
SF7, LoRaWAN gateway capacity rate is 5%
SF8, LoRaWAN gateway capacity rate is 10%
SF9, LoRaWAN gateway capacity rate is 20%

Para una evaluación detallada de la capacidad de la red, consulte nuestro “Canal 8 Capacidad de la red LoRaWAN Evaluación”, PN: 511-00054.

As we can tell from example 1 and 2, the capacity of a LoRaWAN network is a function of its gateway density. Spreading Factor (SF), data size, and bandwidth determine the capacity of a one-gateway network. We can also expand the network capacity by adding more communication channels: from 8 to 16 uplink channels in EU868 or from 8 to 16 or more (up to 64) in US915, AU915 and CN470. The capacity can also be increased by adding more LoRaWAN puertas de enlace.

Para Pasarelas Bluetooth y sensores that are static, using an adaptive data rate (ADR) mechanism is essential. The main goal of ADR is to save the battery power of the LoRaWAN end nodes. Having the end nodes closest to a gateway transmits using the lowest spreading factor minimizes their time on air and prolongs their battery life. More distant sensores transmit at a higher spreading factor. A trade-off is made between battery power and distance, given that a higher spreading factor allows for a gateway to connect to devices that are further away

However, for a tracker that is mobile, it is better to use a fixed data rate to save power while it roams at different distances to the LoRaWAN gateway. The fixed data rate also maintains stable communication for a mobile device, i.e., Rastreadores.

Roaming y movilidad LoRaWAN

En LoRaWAN, end nodes are not connected to a specific gateway. Instead, data transmitted by a node is typically received by multiple puertas de enlace and forwarded to the central network server, where the messages are verified and forwarded securely to the APP. Intelligence and complexity are transferred to the network servers that manage the network and will filter redundant packets received, perform security checks, schedule acknowledgments through the optimal gateway, perform adaptive data rates, and more. If the node is mobile or moving, there is no need to pass control from gateway to gateway, which is a key feature that allows the asset tracking application.

LoRaWAN de alta seguridad

Security is a paramount concern in any tracking project, especially when dealing with sensitive data. LoRaWAN employs robust encryption standards, ie. AES-128, to ensure that data transmitted between devices and puertas de enlace is secure and protected from unauthorized access. This high level of security is essential for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of tracking information.

Tamaño de la carga útil de LoRaWAN, velocidad de datos y latencia

LoRaWAN offers a versatile data transmission profile with a maximum application payload of 11-242 bytes (depending on the frequency band and spreading factor), data rates ranging from 255bps to 50kbps, and latency typically measured in seconds depending on the RECEIVE_DELAY setting). While these parameters may not always surpass NB-IoT, CAT-M, or Cat-1 in every aspect, they are well-suited for many tracking applications.

Estudios de caso e implementaciones prácticas de LoRaWAN

Autos y llaves en el estacionamiento de los concesionarios

Solución Lansitec B-Mobile® combina Balizas Bluetooth, and Bluetooth gateway with LoRaWAN to provide seamless cars and keys tracking capabilities. Here’s how it works:

Balizas Bluetooth:Estos pequeños dispositivos se pueden colocar en las llaves y colgar en los espejos retrovisores. Anuncian continuamente su presencia.

Puertas de enlace Bluetooth:Ubicado estratégicamente Pasarelas Bluetooth detect these balizas when they come into range. These puertas de enlace then transmit the beacon data (major, minor, battery status, and RSSI) over LoRaWAN redes.

LoRaWAN: Offers wide-range and low-power tracking. With up to 5 km range in urban areas and over 20 km in rural environments, LoRaWAN puertas de enlace cover large areas. The Chirp Spread Spectrum modulation ensures resilience to interference.

Beneficios

Experiencia del cliente mejorada:El seguimiento en tiempo real mejora el servicio al cliente durante las auditorías y las interacciones.

Baliza Bluetooth Batería de larga duración: Balizas Bluetooth can last over 5 years, ensuring persistent tracking.

Puerta de enlace solar Bluetooth: El Recepción Bluetooth on the Bluetooth gateway can continuously receive nearby balizas and report to a LoRaWAN immediately. The low power consumption enables the Bluetooth gateway to be free from maintenance.

Seguimiento de contenedores

Users can deploy LoRaWAN puertas de enlace on ports between islands, factories, and warehousing to provide seamless connectivity.

Seguimiento de contenedores: El Lansitec Rastreador de contenedores LoRaWAN Proporciona visibilidad en tiempo real durante el tránsito entre islas. Siempre sabrá dónde se encuentran sus contenedores, ya sea en barcos, camiones o en patios de almacenamiento.
Attach these Rastreadores to pallets, machinery, or other assets in factories and warehouses. Monitor movement, optimize workflows, and prevent loss or theft.

Monitoreo del uso de la máquina: Realice un seguimiento de los patrones de uso de los equipos. Identifique maquinaria inactiva o detecte anomalías en su funcionamiento.

Gestión de activos: Whether its tools, spare parts, or valuable inventory, this tracker streamlines asset management with Bluetooth and transits the information over LoRaWAN.

Seguimiento de trabajadores

El rastreador de insignias y el sensor de casco de Lansitec se pueden usar para rastrear a los trabajadores en un sitio de construcción, una plataforma petrolera o una planta de energía eólica en el mar.

Rastreador de insignias

El rastreador de insignias Lansitec está diseñado en base a GNSS, Bluetooth 5.0 y tecnología LoRa. Permite el rastreo en interiores y exteriores. La insignia se utiliza principalmente para la gestión de personal y activos.
Su acelerador de 3 ejes integrado se puede utilizar para determinar el estado de movimiento del terminal, lo que puede ayudar a ahorrar batería y mejorar la experiencia del usuario.

Ver el producto

Sensor de casco

El sensor de casco Lansitec está diseñado en base a GNSS, Bluetooth5.0 y Tecnología LoRaWAN. It supports indoor and outdoor tracking.
Admite varias funciones que contribuyen a una fácil gestión en entornos industriales. Su acelerador de 3 ejes integrado se puede utilizar para determinar el estado de movimiento del terminal. Por lo tanto, puede ayudar a ahorrar batería y mejorar la experiencia del usuario.

Ver el producto

Seguimiento de alta precisión UWB

LoRaWAN can be used for data synchronization and transmission in a UWB high-precision tracking system. Anchors deployed 20~30m away from each other can be battery-powered for more than 5 years with the benefit of the low power consumption of LoRaWAN. Rastreadores con LoRaWAN and UWB forward the distance information to a LoRaWAN gateway for the server to calculate its position.
In this LoRaWAN-based UWB tracking solution, both anchors and Rastreadores are battery-powered, significantly reducing the deployment maintenance effort.

No dude en ponerse en contacto con nosotros para obtener más información sobre la solución de seguimiento UWB basada en LoRaWAN.

Conclusión

LoRaWAN emerges as the best connectivity technology for a regional tracking project due to its long-range coverage, low power consumption, cost-effectiveness, and high security. By leveraging LoRaWAN, parking lots, seaports, hospitals, and construction sites can effectively monitor and manage their assets, ensuring enhanced security and operational efficiency.