# LoRa Communication Using TVWS Frequencies: Range and Data Rate
## 1 Introduction  
Most wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications need to work with low power and provide long-range and wide coverage. Wireless technologies known as low power wide area networks (LPWANs) include wide coverage regions, less bandwidth, small data packet sizes, and extended battery life. For IoT applications that require close to real-time communication, little power consumption, and extensive connection, LPWAN technologies are better suited. Long range (LoRa) is an LPWAN technology by LoRa Alliance that basically operates in the sub-GHz, industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band frequencies [1]. As the name implies, LoRa's long-range transmission capability with less power consumption makes it a key player in IoT networks [2]. LoRaWAN aims to aid terminals running on a single battery for a longer time with enhanced coverage. LoRaWAN networks generally use a star topology where gateways pass messages to and from the end devices and a centralized web server. End devices use single-hop LoRaWAN communications that can be received on one or more gateways and are connected to the network server via IP links. Typically, communication is two-way. For general bandwidth availability, uplink communication between the terminal and the web server is recommended. As it uses the license-freeISM band, parameters such as channel frequency, transmit power, and duty cycle vary with the geographical region, which determines the hardware and protocol design. Smart applications in Industrial IoT (IIoT), cities, homes, buildings, utilities, metering, supply chain and logistics, and agriculture, all benefit from LoRa's adaptability for indoor and outdoor use [3]. Current lifestyles and the lack of licensing requirements have promoted the development and growth of wireless applications such as consumer and commercial WiFi and wireless local area network (WLAN) applications, commercial radio frequency identification (RFID) applications, and other ISM band monitoring applications. As a result, there is a ubiquitous increase in the number of wireless devices occupying the ISM band leading to coexistence and interference issues [4]. Coverage is essential in almost all LPWAN use cases [5]. Therein lies the need to explore available alternative spectrums for such growing wireless and LoRa applications. TV white spaces (TVWS) are the currently vacant portions of the TV spectrum, especially in the 300 MHz-3 GHz, very high frequency (VHF), and ultra high frequency (UHF) bands. This spectrum can be exploited by primary (licensed) or secondary users, who can share it with other users, including digital TV transmitters while using unlicensed equipment. The amount of terrestrial whitespace availability depends on several aspects, such as TV coverage, TV channel usage, geographical features, interference, and so on. Identification of TVWS and allocation is based on database registration or the spectrum sensing-approach to ensure coexistence and interference avoidance with other users [6]. The main focus of this paper is to explore the potential benefits of TVWS for LoRa-based applications. TVWS are capable of transmitting signals over longer distances and do not require perfect line-of-sight transmission. They offer good coverage and stronger signals even in rural areas. TVWS frequencies can offer an alternative spectrum for LoRa-based LPWAN applications with reduced coexistence and interference issues and a further increase in the communication range for outdoor applications. It can also be a good option for dense IoT and WSN applications, as interference can be minimized. Since TVWS frequencies have better penetration capabilities, they are suitable for LoRa-based indoor applications. Thus, TVWS-based LoRa presents a fascinating solution for various applications such as asset monitoring, wildlife and forest fire monitoring, smart agriculture and cities, industrial IoT (IIoT), smart logistics and supply chain management, smart homes and buildings, smart utilities, and metering.