Design Considerations for Time-Slotted LoRa(WAN)

Abstract

One of the most common issues in wireless networks is the problem of increasing the network capacity by alleviating or eliminating collisions with the minimum possible cost. The combination of time division protocols together with efficient slot allocation mechanisms is an effective way to achieve scalability and provide high reliability. In this paper, I describe the parameters that must be taken into account when designing LoRa(WAN)-based time-slotted protocols. I show that the LoRaWAN case differs from any other synchronous wireless solution mainly due to the characteristics of the LoRa physical layer and the regional radio duty cycle restrictions. I also propose a frame structure which has been adopted during the implementation of a time-slotted LoRa approach.