Application and performance of a Low Power Wide Area Sensor Network for distributed remote hydrological measurements

Communication distances of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are greatly limited in settings where vegetation coverage is moderate or dense, and power consumption can be an issue in remote environmental settings. A newer innovative technology called “Low Power Wide Area Sensor Networks” (LPWAN) is capable of greater communication distances while consuming less power than traditional WSNs. This research evaluates the design and in-field performance of a LPWAN configuration in headwater catchments to measure environmental variables. The performance of the Beta LPWAN deployment indicate reduced signal strength in topographic valleys, but better actual than modelled data transmission performance. System performance during extreme cold temperatures (below – 15 ºC) resulted in increased sensor down time. The configuration of antennae combinations provides the greatest improvement in signal strength and system performance. This technology facilitates remote collection of physically-based, spatially-distributed information within regions with limited accessibility, ultimately advancing data collection capabilities into areas that are not feasible to visit regularly.