Performance Evaluation of the Dragino DLOS8N and Four-Faith F8L10GW LoRaWAN Gateways in an Urban Scenario

This study evaluates the performance of two widely used outdoor LoRaWAngateways, the Dragino DLOS8N, and Four-Faith F8L10GW, in a dense urban environment. Urban areas, characterized by dense buildings, vehicle activities, narrow streets, commercial complexes, and substantial interference, present unique challenges to LoRaWAnnetworks, particularly under non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions. Measurements were conducted at distances ranging from 500 to 2000 meters, with key metrics such as Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) assessed across various Spreading Factors (SF). Comparing the Dragino DLOS8N and Four-Faith F8L10GW gateways is essential, as each device has distinct hardware specifications and antenna configurations, influencing network reliability and coverage in identical urban settings. The findings reveal that while both gateways maintain acceptable RSSI levels at shorter distances, SNR deteriorates significantly over longer distances, especially when physical obstructions are present. Notably, the Dragino DLOS8N achieves better range performance due to its higher antenna gain, highlighting the importance of selecting gateways with suitable specifications for urban deployments. These insights provide practical guidance for optimizing LoRaWAndeployment in densely built environments, highlighting the critical role of careful gateway selection and strategic placement in enhancing coverage and reliability. The results are particularly relevant for urban IoT applications, such as smart city infrastructure and industrial automation, where reliable connectivity is essential for data transmission.