Researchers from the Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco in Peru have developed a low-power wireless communication system designed to address connectivity and energy efficiency challenges in rural and certain urban areas. The team, led by Fabrizio André Farfán Prado, includes William César Pérez Campos, Steisy Anahi Carreño Tacuri, Favio David Cabrera Alva, and Harold Jacobed Carhuas Lizarbe. Their work, published in the IEEE Xplore Digital Library, focuses on transmitting text messages using LoRa technology, which is known for its long-range capability and low power consumption.
The researchers integrated the LoRa DXLR01 module, operating in the 433 MHz band, with an ESP32 microcontroller. This combination allows the system to capture, process, and send messages efficiently. The LoRa module is configured to maximize both transmission range and energy efficiency. Messages are sent using Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation, which improves signal penetration in obstructed areas and reduces the likelihood of errors. On the receiving end, the ESP32 interprets the data and displays it on an LCD screen. Additionally, the received information is sent to the ThingSpeak platform, enabling remote storage and visualization without relying on conventional network infrastructure.
Tests conducted in a controlled environment demonstrated an average latency of 3.2 seconds for text transmission. The system’s capabilities were verified for applications such as remote monitoring, infrastructure management, and access control. This technology could be particularly useful in the energy sector for monitoring remote assets, managing infrastructure, and ensuring secure access to facilities. The researchers’ work highlights the potential of LoRa technology to provide reliable and energy-efficient communication solutions in areas where traditional networks are unavailable or limited.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.