A robust hybrid adaptive data rate mechanism for high-mobility LoRaWAN IoT networks

The performance of Adaptive Data Rate (ADR) mechanisms is critical for ensuring reliable and energy-efficient communication in Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN). However, traditional ADR algorithms, designed primarily for stationary devices, exhibit catastrophic performance degradation in mobile IoT scenarios such as asset tracking and connected logistics. This study addresses the limitations of the standard LoRaWAN ADR logic, which fails to distinguish between transient channel fluctuations and permanent link changes. To bridge this gap, we propose a novel Final Hybrid ADR controller that employs an asymmetric control strategy: it utilizes a tiered, rapid-response mechanism for recovering from link degradation and a confirmation-based, conservative strategy for efficiency optimization. The proposed algorithm is evaluated using a rigorous, physics-based discrete-event simulator validated against theoretical link budgets. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations (n = 20) demonstrate that the Hybrid controller achieves a superior Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) of 87.4%, maintaining robust connectivity even at vehicular speeds (25 m/s). In contrast, the Standard ADR baseline suffers a significant reliability collapse, achieving only 46.8% PDR. Furthermore, while a purely Conservative baseline can achieve near-perfect reliability, the proposed Hybrid approach offers a 27.6% reduction in energy consumption, demonstrating an optimal trade-off between link stability and battery longevity. This research provides a statistically validated, mobility-aware ADR architecture that significantly enhances the operational viability of mobile LoRaWAN systems.