A LoRa-Based Optimal Path Routing Algorithm for Smart Grid

For smart grids, suitable communication technologies and routing algorithms are very important in data transmission. Among various data transmission technologies, LoRa is an Internet of Things (IoT)-based wireless communication technology, characterized by its long communication distance up to a few kilometers and low power consumption. Therefore, LoRa is an appropriate candidate for data transmission in smart grids. In this study, the performance of a LoRa device is examined. Based on the experimental results, a routing algorithm that uses the AODV is developed for the LoRa device, and the algorithm enables a long-chain topology suitable for data transmission in a smart grid. A multi-hop mechanism is simulated to ensure a high final receiving rate of packets, by finding the optimal path with the least number of hops in the transmission topology for a power transmission line. The simulation results show a great performance of the proposed algorithm in long distance transmission.