Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWANs) like LoRaWAN enable IoT applications with low-power and long-range characteristics. While LoRaWAN class B mode is server-initiated downlink communication-oriented, its uplink communication, especially in mobile scenarios, remains underexplored. This paper proposes two novel systems, Edge-based SmartSync and Gateway-based SmartSync, aiming to enhance uplink by leveraging class B synchronization. Edge-based SmartSync enables end devices to dynamically adjust the Spreading Factor (SF) based on real-time Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) from beacons, achieving a significant improvement in terms of packet delivery and energy consumption. Gateway-based SmartSync ensures the fair distribution of end devices across a lower SF to further enhance the efficiency of the system. The beacon is reengineered to convey sensitivity limits to end devices. The systems were implemented in the OMNeT++ simulator over a 25 km2 area with 100–1000 mobile devices and evaluated against a baseline using metrics like the Packet Delivery Ratio, collisions, and energy consumption. The obtained results show that both systems are capable of improving the delivery ratio by over 40% and reducing collisions by 80% compared to the baseline, with energy savings exceeding 35%. Proposed systems offer cost-effective, adaptable solutions, paving the way for more reliable IoT deployments.
Mohammad Al Mojamed (Mon,) studied this question.