Monday 03 March 2025
For centuries, humans have relied on the internet to connect with one another and access information. However, this connectivity is often limited by geographical boundaries and infrastructure. A team of researchers has made a significant breakthrough in addressing this issue by developing a system that extends the public internet over long-range wireless networks.
The new system, called ILoRa, uses LoRa technology to bridge the gap between remote locations and mainstream networks. LoRa is a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology that allows devices to communicate with each other over long distances using low-frequency radio waves. By combining LoRa with internet protocols, the researchers have created a system that enables users in remote areas to access the public internet.
The system works by using a special node called an Access Point Node (APN), which connects to the internet via a wired connection and then transmits data to other nodes in the network using LoRa technology. These nodes are strategically placed throughout the area, allowing devices connected to them to communicate with each other and access the internet.
The researchers tested ILoRa by setting up a network in an area with no existing internet infrastructure. They used a smartphone as a client device to test the system’s performance, accessing web pages and APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) over the LoRa network. The results showed that the system was able to transmit data at speeds of up to 1.06 kbps, which may seem slow by modern standards but is sufficient for many common internet activities.
One of the key benefits of ILoRa is its energy efficiency. The APN node consumes only 0.162A of current, making it an ideal solution for remote areas where power infrastructure is limited. Additionally, the system’s low-power design allows devices to run for extended periods on a single battery charge.
The researchers also evaluated the system’s performance under different conditions, including varying chunk sizes and data transmission rates. They found that larger chunk sizes resulted in better performance and faster data transfer speeds. However, they also noted that smaller chunk sizes were sufficient for many common internet activities, making the system suitable for a wide range of applications.
The implications of ILoRa are significant. The system has the potential to extend internet access to millions of people around the world who currently lack reliable connectivity. It could also enable new applications and services in areas where infrastructure is limited or non-existent.
Cite this article: “Extending Internet Connectivity with ILoRa: A Breakthrough in Long-Range Wireless Networks”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Internet, Lora, Wireless Networks, Long-Range, Public Internet, Remote Areas, Low-Power Wide-Area Network, Lpwan, Access Point Node, Apn, Energy Efficiency.
