Feasibility Analysis of LoRa Mesh Network Deployment in Rural Areas

Long Range (LoRa) technology has emerged as a cost-effective solution for Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity in rural areas where traditional networks struggle due to infrastructure limitations. While conventional LoRa networks use star topologies, mesh networks can enhance coverage and resilience through multi-hop communication. This study evaluates the feasibility of deploying a LoRa-based mesh network in a rural area. A field deployment of ten self-powered nodes was conducted, supported by simulations and real-world measurements. The analysis covers link budget calculations, network scalability, energy efficiency, and packet transmission reliability. Results show that the network extends communication range via multi-hopping, with an average onehop distance of 1 km and a maximum of 2 km. The total network coverage reached $10.22 \mathrm{~km}^{2}$, demonstrating effective range expansion through multi-hop communication. Meanwhile, drive testing confirmed a maximum transmission range of 3 km but revealed high packet loss in mobile scenarios. Additionally, simulation model calibration highlighted discrepancies due to foliage-induced attenuation. Overall, findings confirm that a LoRa mesh network is a viable solution for rural IoT applications, providing scalability, reliability, and energy efficiency for smart agriculture and industrial monitoring.