LoRaWAN: The dilemma of optimal transmission parameter

Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) technologies, particularly LoRaWAN, have gained significant attention for their ability to facilitate long-range communication with low power consumption, making them ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. However, achieving optimal performance in LoRaWAN systems requires careful selection of transmission parameters such as spreading factor, bandwidth, and coding rate. This paper addresses the dilemma faced by network designers and operators in determining the optimal transmission parameters for LoRaWAN deployments. We provide an overview of the key parameters and their impact on network performance, considering factors such as latency, packet delivery rate, and energy efficiency. Furthermore, we discuss the trade-offs involved in parameter selection. Through simulations, we evaluate the performance of different parameter configurations under various network conditions and provide insights into achieving the best balance between coverage, capacity, and energy consumption in LoRaWAN deployments. Findings from the study established that using high coding rate and bandwidth only provides minimal improvement in packet delivery rate particularly at large distances but at the cost energy consumption while spreading factor remains the most important transmission parameter in LoRa networks.