Optimal SF Allocation in LoRaWAN Considering Physical Capture and Imperfect Orthogonality

Abstract

We propose a theoretical framework for maximizing the LoRaWAN capacity in terms of the number of end nodes, when they all have the same traffic generation process. The model optimally allocates the spreading factor to the nodes so that attenuation and collisions are optimized. We use an accurate propagation model considering Rayleigh channel, and we take into account physical capture and imperfect SF orthogonality while guaranteeing a given transmission success probability to each served node in the network. Numerical results show the effectiveness of our SF allocation policy. Our framework also quantifies the maximum capacity of single cell networks and the gain induced by multiplying the gateways on the covered area. We finally evaluate the impact of physical capture and imperfect SF orthogonality on the SF allocation and network performances.