An analytical model for multihop LoRaWAN networks

LoRaWAN is one of the most popular LPWAN technology due to the facility to implement applications that require a low cost, low energy consumption, low data rate, and large coverage area. LoRaWAN is a single-hop star-of-stars topology composed of end-devices that transmit data to be collected by gateways in the coverage area. Multihop networks are receiving the attention of the LoRaWAN community since it allows to extend the coverage area and improve energy efficiency, thus prolonging the network lifetime. In this paper, we propose an analytical model for multihop LoRaWAN networks. The objective of the analytical model is to provide a general and theoretical definition of a multihop LoRaWAN network, considering different device characteristics and network topologies. The analytical model gives new insights into the performance of multihop LoRaWAN networks. We investigate the energy consumption, throughput, delay, and packet delivery ratio of single-hop and multihop relay networks. The results showed that the relay network increases the network performance compared to the regular LoRaWAN network, although there are some limitations on the number of hops and relay characteristics. The development and deployment of multihop LoRaWAN networks are creating new opportunities, and the analytical model presented could be used before real deployments for a better knowledge of limitations and network needs.