STUDY OF SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS OF IOT SYSTEMS USING LORAWAN TECHNOLOGY WITH PORTABLE SPECTRUM ANALYZERS

Abstract

The article examines the applicability of portable spectrum analyzers for the investigation of signal characteristics in Internet of Things (IoT) systems, with a particular focus on the LoRaWAN technology. The study emphasizes the relevance of practical signal analysis in the context of rapidly expanding IoT infrastructures, which increasingly rely on low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN) to ensure energy-efficient and long-range connectivity. The proposed methodology integrates the use of the compact spectrum analyzer tinySA Ultra together with a custom-designed test signal generator based on the Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 module. This experimental setup enables the observation of spectral features corresponding to different transmission modes of LoRa devices, including variations in bandwidth and spreading factor. The results obtained demonstrate a correlation with theoretical predictions, thereby validating the feasibility of employing cost-effective portable analyzers in educational and applied research environments.

The paper provides a review of recent publications underscores the multidimensional development of LoRaWAN, ranging from simulation tools and propagation models to spectral monitoring and AI-based optimization techniques. Against this background, the authors propose a practical framework for laboratory training that bridges theoretical knowledge with hands-on experimentation. The developed software module, implemented in Python, facilitates the processing of measurement data exported from the analyzer, including visualization of amplitude-frequency responses and bandwidth estimation. The methodology is extendable to other IoT protocols, including ZigBee, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Wi-Fi, thus broadening its applicability across the spectrum of modern infocommunication systems. By combining affordability, accessibility, and technical rigor, the proposed approach contributes to the advancement of educational practices in electronic communications and supports the preparation of specialists capable of implementing and maintaining IoT infrastructures.