Scientists have introduced an innovative hybrid technology called WiLo that combines the advantages of Wi-Fi and LoRa to support Internet of Things (IoT) networks. WiLo allows data to be transmitted over long distances with minimal power consumption, making it ideal for sensor systems in agriculture and smart cities, 3DNews reports with reference to IEEE Spectrum.
Professor Daming Gao from Nanjing Forestry University in China explained that Wi-Fi is limited in range and requires relatively large amounts of power, while LoRa is low-power and can transmit data over long distances. WiLo combines the two protocols, leveraging the strengths of each without the need for additional hardware.
The research team conducted successful experiments using a standard LoRa transmitter SX1280 manufactured by Semtech. To solve the problem of incompatibility between Wi-Fi and LoRa, the scientists developed an algorithm that changes the Wi-Fi data transmission frequency to match LoRa signals.
Technically, the team adapted the Wi-Fi data multiplexing standard (OFDM) to mimic the long-range signals used by LoRa (CSS). This allows standard Wi-Fi devices to communicate over long distances using LoRa technology without the need for additional hardware. In tests, WiLo demonstrated successful data transmission over distances of up to 500 meters.
One of the main advantages of WiLo is the ability to operate the technology on existing equipment, which reduces the cost of its implementation and simplifies scaling. However, scientists plan to address the issues of energy consumption, data transfer rate, and WiLo’s resistance to interference in the future. The next step will be further optimization of the system and testing of WiLo in various IoT conditions.