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v7.0
Understanding LoRa
The transmission mode is set to 1 by default. The user should explore other transmission modes, with a better range-time
balance. For example, if we go from mode 1 to mode 5, sensitivity is reduced in 8 dB, thus range will be 40-50%. But on the other
hand, packets will be sent in just 20% of time. This makes a great difference in terms of energy consumption, because in general
terms, more time transmitting means more battery consumption.
Figure: Example of simple transmissions in LoRa (no ACK)
Besides, we should consider that the transmission channel is shared by all the nodes in the network. This is important since only
one packet can be transmitted at the same time. So the slower the packet transmission is, the worse is the channel availability.
This fact has a dramatic impact in the number of nodes that a LoRa network can have. The developer must consider the number
of nodes to install and run careful availability tests before deploying the network.
Libelium tests have checked that there is possible to set up a network with 8 different nodes sending frames every minute. This
has been done using mode 1 which implies the worst time restrictions but best range. For the time synchronization, the RTC of
Waspmote has been used to open temporal windows so as to perform the sending process.
15.3. LoRa VS XBee 868/900 MHz
Tests demonstrate that the LoRa module has much better long-range performance than other communication modules,
including XBee 868 or 900. Dozens of km are easily achievable in good conditions thanks to the extremely low sensitivity that
the disruptive LoRa technology offers. Even in urban environment, LoRa can reach some km in range. Both things are impossible
for XBee.
However, XBee 868 or 900 win in terms of time of transmission. Basically, they complete a transmission cycle, including ACK
reception, in less than 200 ms. The LoRa module takes more time as seen in the previous table (even in mode 10, which is the
fastest mode).
Time of transmission is directly related to battery consumption, so XBees 868 and 900 need less energy to work (60-80% less
than LoRa). In other words, a battery will last longer with XBee.
15.4. For what applications is LoRa a good option?
LoRa is a very good choice for solar or mains-powered nodes transmitting every 10 or 15 minutes in networks with low or
medium number of nodes.
LoRa is also the best option for very wide networks, with long-range links. Other communication modules just cannot get more
than few km.
Figure: Example of transmissions with ACK reception in LoRa