Multicast Routing Protocol for LoRa Mesh Networks in Safety Critical Communications

The risk reduction, in case of catastrophic events, is strongly conditioned by the possibility of performing mechanical actuation in extreme conditions and without electric energy. Many devices, which implement security features and fulfill these specifications, are on the market, however the capability to transfer data and information through reliable technologies is also required in order to monitor and coordinate the safety systems. A possible candidate that could provide a communication link, even in the absence of electricity, is LoRa technology, even if it has some problems and limitations mainly due to the topological configuration of the LoRaWAN communication network and the increasing number of devices and users. This paper reports a proposal to improve the reliability of LoRa data transfer in very severe environmental conditions and on large areas. Some accurate simulations conducted on a LoRa network, make it possible to verify the effectiveness of the proposed communication strategy.