A Study of LoRa Coverage: Range Evaluation and Channel Attenuation Model

Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) are nowadays taking a prominent place in Machine To Machine/Internet of Things domain. LoRa outdoor performance within Dakar peninsula, which covers a ground area of 83 Km
²
, was evaluated based on real-life measurements. The measurements were performed with LoRa stations working in the 868MHz ISM band using 14dBm transmit power. Afterwards, by considering a spreading factor of 12, we observed a maximum communication range up to 10km with a good Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI). Based on the collected dataset, firstly we design a channel attenuation model in order to estimate path loss. Secondly, We present a coverage-based model in which we use the results of the channel attenuation model. The obtained results show that if we fix a -120dBm maximum tolerated RSSI, Dakar peninsula could be fully covered with almost 40% Packet Error rate (PER). Furthermore, with -110dBm maximum tolerated RSSI, the PER is 20% but the whole city won't be covered. Another base station should be added in order to have a total coverage.