IoT based smart campus management built on LoRa network

Converting a simple campus into smart campus by automating different tasks while also keeping in mind the risks of security is not an easy task. Due to pre-installed OS on many IoT based devices and no regular updates these devices are prone to hacking. Instead of exposing wireless sensors directly

Project Title

IoT based smart campus management built on LoRa network

Project Area of Specialization

Internet of Things

Project Summary

Converting a simple campus into smart campus by automating different tasks while also keeping in mind the risks of security is not an easy task. Due to pre-installed OS on many IoT based devices and no regular updates these devices are prone to hacking. Instead of exposing wireless sensors directly to internet they are connected on LoRaWAN(Long Range) network. Sensors include RFID based door locks to classrooms / labs. Water pipes leakage detection in walls/ceilings and noise pollution level inside campus. This data is transmitted on LoRaWAN network instead of WiFi or ethernet inorder to avoid security hacks. Like modifying data/ capturing and altering the data. Since sensors are usually designed and deployed to work on batteries for upto 10 years, they have limited power and computation resources therefore encryption of data at such limited resources is quite challenging.    

Project Objectives

The aim of the project is to highlight the LoRa technology, its usecases and the security/reliability it provides over traditional WiFi/ethernet based networks. 

Project Implementation Method

LoRa network is based upon star topology, where each end node(sensor) communicates directly with gateway. A gateway acts as an intermediary device between end nodes and the cloud where the data is sent.
A gateway is made up of raspberry Pi and LoRaWAN shield. While end nodes are made up of LoRa Feather (Microcontroller) and sensor attached to it. In order to deploy such network, the hardware of gateway should be assembled. Afterwards software configuration of Raspberry Pi is done so that it connects to the TTN (The Things Network Cloud). Once gateway is successfully deployed the end nodes are configured using Arduino LMIC library. After testing that the end nodes are working fine, they are paired with gateway. Node.js MQTT client is configured on Raspberry Pi, in order to receive incoming LoRa packets from end nodes, these packets are then transmitted to cloud by the gateway.

Benefits of the Project

LoRaWan network has already been deployed in more then 52 countries. It is being used to convert cities into smart cities, hospitals into smart hospitals so on. The idea is to develop a prototype of such a system, so that it can be used to convert system in Pakistan as well. 

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

A fully functional working prototype of LoRaWAN deployed gateway connected to the cloud and to the end nodes.

Successfull data transmission between the end nodes and the cloud.  

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

IT

Other Industries

Core Technology

Internet of Things (IoT)

Other Technologies

Cloud Infrastructure

Sustainable Development Goals

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com