Modeling and Simulation of LoRa in OPNET

Abstract

LPWA networks are getting attention as a solution to support massive number of IoT devices. LoRa is one such low-power based long-range technology. In this paper, we discuss methods to build a LoRa simulation environment. We first discuss the characteristics of the LoRa PHY and MAC layers, defined in the LoRa and LoRaWAN specifications. Then, we show how LoRa PHY and MAC functions can be realized in the OPNET simulation environment. For LoRa PHY implementation, we adopted LoRa modulation curve based on BER vs Eb/No. We also implemented various process models depends on LoRa node model for LoRa MAC functions. We conclude with future directions for performance enhancement.