LoRa Gateway as Internet of Things (IoT) Infrastructure Components on Undip Vocational School

Abstract

Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept that aims to broaden the benefits of continuously connected internet connectivity. The IoT concept infrastructure can be built using existing digital communication standard protocols such as Wifi, Zigbee, Bluetooth, but these three standards have limitations in terms of distance and power consumption. The LoRa communication protocol is a special communication standard that emphasises the aspects of long-distance, low power, low data transfer at relatively low prices. It utilises a gateway to forward messages from nodes. This research focuses on the implementation of open and low-cost LoRa gateway, which will be installed in the area of the Diponegoro University Vocational School Semarang. Communication functionality is tested using The Things Network server. The coverage range of gateway was tested by recording RSSI and SNR values received by the gateway. Test results show RSSI readings above -100 dBm at a radius below 100 m from the gateway. RSSI and SNR values appear to drop dramatically in low elevation conditions, especially if the position of the node-gateway is almost obstructed by the ground surface. The surface obstacle in the form of dense trees and thick buildings also contribute to reducing the quality of signal reception.