Análise de propagação de dispositivos LoRa em área de Mata Atlântica

Abstract

In recent years, technological advances have transformed the use of electronic devices into an indispensable part of everyday life. This progress has driven the emergence of new demands, especially in the area of the Internet of Things (IoT – Internet of Things) which connects physical objects, users, and the Internet, with the aim of optimizing tasks such as measurement, monitoring, and remote control of devices. Among the wireless communication protocols used in IoT applications, LoRa (Long Range) technology stands out for its ability to operate over long distances, with low power consumption and moderate transmission rates, which makes it ideal for applications that do not require high bandwidth. This technology is particularly attractive for projects that require broad coverage and simplified infrastructure. Based on this perspective, this Dissertation proposes the use of LoRa technology in wireless networks for environmental monitoring, with experimental measurements performed in two distinct scenarios: an area of Atlantic Forest in the Benjamim Maranhão Botanical Garden (JBBM) and Campus I of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), both located in João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. The study aims to evaluate the electromagnetic propagation of transmitted signals, validating the system performance in environments with different topographic characteristics and interference levels. The analysis of mobile radiofrequency propagation considers theoretical and empirical models to predict the signal behavior in both scenarios. The results include the evaluation of the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), allowing a comparison between propagation in densely vegetated areas and in a university environment with urban infrastructure. This study aims to contribute to the development of sustainable and technological solutions in environmental monitoring, aligning with the demands for low-energy cost networks and simplified maintenance, with potential application in conservation and natural resource management initiatives.