Analysis of Latency and MAC-layer Performance for Class A LoRaWAN

TL;DR

This paper develops analytical models to evaluate LoRaWAN uplink performance, including latency, collision rate, and throughput, considering regulatory constraints and sub-band strategies, validated through simulations.

Contribution

It introduces new analytical models for LoRaWAN uplink performance that incorporate sub-band selection and combining, aiding resource optimization.

Findings

Sub-band selection significantly impacts QoS.

Models accurately predict performance metrics.

Optimization of resource allocation is possible.

Abstract

We propose analytical models that allow us to investigate the performance of long range wide area network (LoRaWAN) uplink in terms of latency, collision rate, and throughput under the constraints of the regulatory duty cycling, when assuming exponential inter-arrival times. Our models take into account sub-band selection and the case of sub-band combining. Our numerical evaluations consider specifically the European ISM band, but the analysis is applicable to any coherent band. Protocol simulations are used to validate the proposed models. We find that sub-band selection and combining have a large effect on the quality of service (QoS) experienced in an LoRaWAN cell for a given load. The proposed models allow for the optimization of resource allocation within a cell given a set of QoS requirements and a traffic model.