LoRaWAN Smart Parking System: Architecture and Advantages

This article explores the fundamentals of a LoRaWAN-based smart parking system, detailing the various elements of its architecture and highlighting the benefits it offers.

Introduction

Traffic congestion is a prevalent problem in urban areas worldwide. Research indicates that approximately 30% of traffic congestion is caused by drivers searching for parking spaces. Numerous systems have been developed to address this issue, employing various wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, Zigbee, SigFox, and LoRaWAN. This article focuses on smart parking systems utilizing LoRaWAN technology.

LoRaWAN is a radio frequency (RF) technology that operates on different frequency bands globally, including 868 MHz, 915 MHz, and 433 MHz. It employs varying bandwidths to support diverse data rates based on requirements. LoRaWAN uses different protocol architectures such as mesh, star, 6LowPAN, etc.

The technology offers several key features: long-range communication (approximately 10 to 30 miles), low power consumption (resulting in a battery life of 15-20 years), and high capacity (supporting millions of messages per gateway). Additionally, LoRaWAN provides privacy and protection against intrusion through the use of the AES-128 algorithm.

Figure 1: LoRaWAN smart parking system architecture

Figure 1 illustrates a simplified architecture of a LoRaWAN smart parking system. It comprises LoRa sensors, a LoRa Gateway (base station), a cloud platform, and applications accessible on laptops, desktops, or smartphones.

• LoRa sensors: A typical LoRa sensor design includes an infrared (IR) or proximity sensor, a microcontroller, memory, and a LoRa transceiver. Powered by a battery, it offers a long-lasting battery life of approximately 20 years. Its wireless nature eliminates the need for AC power, simplifying installation and maintenance. LoRa sensors are installed at various parking slots and are referred to as LoRa End devices in the LoRaWAN network. These sensors interface with the LoRa Gateway.
• LoRa gateway: Similar to a cellular base station, the LoRa Gateway supports long-range communication and is utilized in star network architectures. It supports multiple channels and multiple modem transceivers. It helps decode and demodulate multiple signals on one or multiple channels. A single LoRa Gateway device can support numerous LoRa sensors (approximately 50,000 to 60,000). Multiple LoRa Gateways are deployed across the city to provide connectivity over large areas. Single-hop wireless connectivity is used between LoRa end devices and one or many LoRa gateways. LoRa gateways are interfaced with the cloud or network server using standard IP-based communication.
• Cloud and Server-based GUI Application: The GUI application, running on a desktop, laptop, or smartphone, receives input from LoRa sensors regarding the status of parking slots (empty or occupied) and updates the information in the GUI as outputs for drivers or users of the application. This information can be utilized by parking garages or dedicated parking spaces for the drivers. The GUI application has been developed using .NET, C/C++, VB etc.

LoRaWAN Smart Parking System: Working Operation

The following steps describe how a LoRaWAN parking system operates:

1. LoRa-enabled sensors are installed at parking spots. These sensors detect whether a parking slot is empty or occupied and transmit the information to the LoRa gateway.
2. The LoRaWAN Gateway collects this information and transmits it to the application server.
3. The GUI app running on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device uses the information available on the application server to display which slots are empty, enabling drivers to find available parking spaces.
4. When a driver opens the smart parking app, they can view available slot positions, saving time when parking.

Advantages of LoRaWAN Smart Parking Architecture

Here are the key advantages and benefits of a LoRaWAN smart parking system:

• Increased Revenue for Parking Owners: Parking owners can increase revenue by offering an efficient parking service. Parking information displays and meters can be installed to facilitate the service.
• Reduced Traffic Congestion: The system helps reduce traffic congestion, improving travel for other commuters. This can attract more residents and investments, generating revenue for government entities.
• Easy Maintenance: The long battery life of LoRa sensors simplifies maintenance, reducing costs.
• Long-Range Communication: LoRa Gateways offer long-range RF communication and easier installation compared to cellular base stations. LoRa modulation aids in achieving extended range.
• End-to-End Security: The use of the AES-128 security algorithm provides comprehensive security.
• Efficient Capacity Utilization and Scalability: The technology uses ADR (Adaptive Data Rate), enhancing performance in efficient capacity utilization and scalability.
• IPv6 and 6LoWPAN Compliance: The LoRa system is compliant with IPv6 and 6LoWPAN standards.
• GPS-Free Tracking: The tracking application does not require GPS.