Wireless Sensor Networks in Precision Agriculture
Wireless Communication Protocols
In the agricultural domain, IoT-WSNs collect precise and extensive real-time field data. Various communication protocols, including ZigBee, Wi-Fi, SigFox, and LoRaWAN, find typical applications in SA. These technologies significantly contribute to sustainable and precision agricultural production by ensuring long-distance coverage, low data packet loss, low power consumption, and effective connectivity. Various communication protocols have been introduced in the last few decades due to the rapid increase in IoT devices and WSN technologies. Each protocol has its own specifications depending on the bandwidth, number of free channels, data rate, battery timing, price, and other factors.
Short-Range Technologies
Short-range technologies are commonly used in IoT applications to enable communication between devices within a limited proximity. These technologies are well-suited for scenarios where devices must exchange data within a small coverage area, typically spanning from a few meters to a few kilometers. There are several short-range technologies, each with unique characteristics and advantages suited for specific purposes.
Bluetooth Low Energy
Bluetooth low energy (BLE) is a wireless communication protocol often considered a suitable choice for WSNs due to its low power consumption, short-range capabilities, and ability to connect numerous devices simultaneously. It is ideal for applications where battery life and energy efficiency are critical factors in sensor data collection.
RFID
RFID systems consist of a reader and a transponder, which have a minimal radio frequency, called the RF tag. This tag is programmed electronically with distinctive information that has a reading characteristic.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is the most common communication protocol that enables devices to communicate over a wireless signal. Wi-Fi is commonly used to connect devices in a local area network (LAN) and for internet access.
ZigBee
ZigBee is a wireless communication protocol widely used in precision agriculture to monitor environmental conditions related to crops’ health. It is based on the wireless 802.15.4 standard. It was developed for personal area networks by the ZigBee alliance.
Long Range Technologies
Long-range technologies are designed to transmit data or signals over considerable distances, typically much farther than short-range technologies like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Long-range technologies are commonly used in various applications, such as long-distance wireless communication, remote monitoring, tracking, and more. They are essential for scenarios where data needs to be transmitted reliably over extensive geographical areas.
Cellular
In the context of WSNs, cellular protocols are generally considered long-range compared to other common WSN protocols like ZigBee or Bluetooth, which are considered short-range because cellular networks can cover much larger geographical areas with greater signal strength.
LoRaWAN
LoRaWAN is a low-power, wide-area networking protocol developed to enable communication among low-energy devices in various IoT applications. It operates over unlicensed radio frequencies, allowing for long-distance communication with minimal power consumption.
SigFox
Sigfox is a French company that provides a global network service for IoT devices using ultra-narrowband modulation. Sigfox operates in the license-free sub-gigahertz radio frequency bands, such as EU868, US902, and AS923.
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