Рубрика: IoT LoRaWAN Research

Семинар по коммуникации в экстремальных условиях для науки и устойчивого развития

Posted on by Aziz Soltobaev

On November 2023 we had a privilege to participate in the Workshop on Communication in Extreme Environments for Science and Sustainable Development held in Trieste, Italy. The workshop had been organized by our partner organization Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). The workshop brought together researchers and practitioners who shared insights and expertise on building sustainable communication networks, use of low power internet of things as well as learning advanced technologies and protocols for connecting unconnected. We have explored how 6G networks, new forms of sattelite connectivity, non-terrestrial networks and underground communications could help connect the unconnected. The Days of Delay Tolerant Network and Lora mesh Labs helped to gain practical skills and learn new tools to consider in the future communication projects.

We as Internet Society Kyrgyz Chapter shared our experience on using Internet of Things and LoRaWAN technologies for climate monitoring and early warning in mountainous areas. This 2-year project aimed to explore how LoRaWAN and Lora-enabled devices in conjuction with open source solutions could be utilized in extreme climate conditions, mountainous areas to monitor such natural disasters as mudflows, landslides, glacier lake outburst floods and help relevant decision makers to take mitigation actions.

Kyrgyz Republic has over 4000 lakes mostly caused by glaciers and located in altitude between 2500 and 4000 meters. Currently, there are about 5000 active landslides registered in the country. Over the last 30 years 593 landslide disaster events were recorded in Kyrgyzstan.

Our research project is funded by the Internet Society Foundation research grants component.

LoRawanCentralAsia climateresilience climatetech sustainabletech internetofthings 6GCentralAsia #spacecommunicationskyrgyzstan

Устройства Интернета вещей с поддержкой LoRa помогут повысить готовность сообществ на стихийные бедствия в Кыргызстане

Posted on by Aziz Soltobaev

ISOC Research Team had received additional Lora-enabled devices designed to help rural communities and farmers residing near landslides improve well-beings.

Early on September, the Internet Society Kyrgyz Chapter had received request from the Ministry of Emergency Situations to install smart devices such as weather and landslide monitoring devices in the southern parts of the republic.

Desk research of the list of locations revealed that in some instances local communities live near the potential source of natural disaster. In the southern parts of the country, low-income families and communities are more vulnerable to consequences of natural disasters such as landslides, mudflows, earthquakes. Mostly because local residents primarily engaged in livestock farming and agriculture cannot afford better living conditions and economic opportunities in safer regions.

In the meantime, nowadays the scientific research project utilize the potential of Lorawan communication gateways for less than 1% of its capacity. Based on the available data, we decided to get more affordable low-cost Lora-enabled devices that could help farmers to grasp the potential of precision agriculture (smart farming) and improve their economic wellbeing.

In addition to the weather monitoring devices that should be installed in order to monitor pilot locations and help to build early-warning systems, we are planning to install sample devices to manage water irrigation of lands, monitor soil health and track animals gazing on landslides.

We plan to provide collected information in user friendly mobile interface and telegram bots so that local farmers could benefit most of technology as well as participate in monitoring of natural disasters.

The benefit of this initiative for the research project is securing the equipment integrity and data collection sustainability in the long term range.

 

#SmartFarming, #PrecisionAgriculture, #IoTinAgriculture, #SmartIrrigationSystems, #LoRaWANTechnology, #AgriculturalSensors, #ConnectedFarming, #WirelessSensorNetworks, #IoTDevicesforAgriculture, #FarmAutomation, #LoRaDevices, #AgriculturalMonitoring, #IoTinCropManagement, #DataDrivenAgriculture, #SustainableFarming, #PrecisionIrrigation, #SmartCropMonitoring, #FarmtoCloudConnectivity, #IoTSolutionsforAgriculture, #AgTechInnovations

Illustrative image of smart agriculture devices

Завершены монтажные работы на пилотной площадке озера Адыгене

Posted on by Aziz Soltobaev

Анализ монтажных работ, проведенных в августе, и отзывы монтажной бригады показали, что предложенная схема расположения и структура не устойчива к погодным условиям на высоте 3600м.

На основе консультаций со специалистами ЦАИИЗ, Института водных проблем и МЦТФ были предложены некоторые изменения в каркасе композиции для хранения солнечных панелей, а также в ее расположении.

Монтажная бригада переносила конструкцию с одного холма на другой, проводила сварочно-укрепительные работы на высокогорном ледниковом озере Адыгене.

Из-за задержки монтажных работ исследовательская группа не смогла настроить шлюз и датчики Лораван в этом году. Холодные погодные условия и трудности экспедиции. Мы надеемся завершить работу к маю 2024 года.

Завершены монтажные работы на озера Адыгене 3600 метров

Posted on by Aziz Soltobaev

The construction team had built masts, photovoltaics on established locations on Adygene lake.

A month ago, the joint research team had visited high glacier mountain lake, collected initial data. The desk analysis of the data showed that there are some spots that could be feasible for establishing connection between lora-enabled devices and nearest cellular tower located in a distance of about 25 and 40km from the lake in Chuy valley.

Considering that pilot location is located in high altitudes, where harsh winter conditions and regularly windy, the team built design of construction masts and tower.

The construction team prepared all ready-to-built parts and materials, carried all materials on foot to the base and finished construction of tower and solar panel for the communication device as well as towers for environment monitoring internet of things.

We expect to setup and connect it on September, 2023.

Partnering with Ilbirs Foundation

Posted on by Aziz Soltobaev
On August 11, 2023, ISOC Kyrgyzstan Chapter — Aziz Soltobaev and Talant Sultanov — teamed up with representatives from the Ilbirs Foundation and SMART consultant Michael Hotte for a crucial meeting about protecting nature and wildlife.
The main decision from their discussion was to use Lorawan technology for better wildlife monitoring. This advanced technology can transmit data even in places without cell service, making it easier to react quickly to environmental changes.
We proposed to consider use of lora-enabled devices with machine learning tools to use as camera traps as well as to fight poachers. We hope to find innovative solutions to enable Ilbirs Foundation with practical technological solutions to reach their mission: keeping nature safe and ensuring a better, safer future.
ilbirs foundation

Картирование покрытия LoRa в Кыргызстане

Posted on by Aziz Soltobaev

In a pioneering initiative, the Internet Society Kyrgyz Chapter has embarked on a groundbreaking project to test and map LoRa-enabled gateway coverage in select pilot locations. This endeavor marks a significant leap forward in the realm of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, aiming to enhance connectivity, streamline data collection, and fortify research efforts.

Mapping LoRa-enabled gateway coverage is a crucial step in advancing IoT infrastructure of the country. LoRa (Long Range) technology, known for its extended range and low power consumption, is increasingly employed in diverse applications, including environmental monitoring, agriculture, and smart city solutions. The success of these applications relies heavily on the optimal placement and coverage of LoRa gateways.

The process of mapping LoRa-enabled gateway coverage involves a meticulous survey of the targeted area, considering topography, geographical features, and potential interference. The ISOC Kyrgyz Chapter, in collaboration with local partners, is employing cutting-edge techniques to identify strategic locations for LoRa gateways. These gateways serve as crucial communication hubs, facilitating the seamless transfer of data between IoT devices and the central network.

The benefits of mapping LoRa-enabled gateway coverage are manifold. Firstly, it ensures that IoT devices within the coverage area can efficiently communicate with the network, enabling real-time data transmission. This is particularly vital for research initiatives focused on environmental monitoring, where timely and accurate data is imperative for informed decision-making.

Secondly, the strategic placement of LoRa gateways optimizes network efficiency, reducing the chances of signal interference and packet loss. This, in turn, enhances the reliability and stability of IoT applications, making them more robust in challenging environments.

From a research perspective, the mapped data provides valuable insights into the performance and limitations of LoRa technology in specific geographic contexts. Researchers can analyze coverage patterns, identify potential dead zones, and fine-tune gateway placements for maximum efficacy. This iterative process of testing and mapping contributes to the continuous improvement of IoT infrastructure, fostering innovation and advancements in diverse fields.

In conclusion, the ISOC Kyrgyz Chapter’s initiative to test and map LoRa-enabled gateway coverage in pilot locations is a commendable stride towards harnessing the full potential of IoT technology. By strategically placing gateways and optimizing coverage, this effort not only enhances connectivity and data reliability but also lays the groundwork for transformative research endeavors that leverage the power of the Internet of Things for natural disaster monitoring and prediction.

Поход на высокогорное озеро Адыгене

Posted on by Aziz Soltobaev

21 июля исследовательская группа ISOC отправилась в экспедицию к ледниковому озеру Адыгене, стратегически расположенному в 60 км к юго-юго-западу от Бишкека. Это высокогорное ледниковое озеро, расположенное на высоте 3600 м в верховьях долины реки Адыгене, левого притока реки Ала-Арча является нашей следующей пилотной локацией для размещения IoT-датчиков, предназначенных для мониторинга паводков, вызванных прорывами ледникового озера.

Адыгене, расположенный на морене ледника, включает в себя еще три озера на юге и юго-востоке. Самое юго-восточное озеро, расположенное на высоте 3640 метров, образовалось вдоль северного края ледника, южным берегом примыкая к самому леднику. Озеро имеет длину 188 метров и ширину 70 метров в самом широком месте, имеет периметр 550 метров и площадь 17 142 квадратных метра. Ручей течет с северо-восточной стороны и после 330-метрового пути сливается с небольшим моренным озером. Кроме того, в южной части озера расположены еще десять небольших моренных озер.

Под руководством нашего партнера – Института водных проблем АН КР – на ледниковом озере Адыгене проводиись мониторинги с использованием различных технологических средств. Станция Адыгене, созданная в 2008 году, играет ключевую роль в изучении высокогорных озер и ледников, одновременно защищая местное население от потенциальных прорывов. Рядом со станцией установлена традиционная метеорологическая станция, где исследователи вручную собирают ежедневные данные с помощью датчиков и получают информацию с автоматической станции.

Первоначально из-за отсутствия покрытия мобильной связи использовалась геостационарная спутниковая связь. Однако из-за бюджетных ограничений от этого варианта отказались, учитывая непомерные для бюджета Института ежемесячные расходы в размере от 200 до 500 долларов США на связь.

Признавая наличие прямой видимости с определенных участков с базовыми станциями Чуйской долины, исследовательская группа Кыргызского отделения ISOC и ICTP предложила внедрить LoRaWAN технологию, которая могла быть обеспечить круглосуточный мониторинг в режиме реального времени, 7 дней в неделю по более доступному ежемесячному тарифу на подключение к GSM за 3 доллара.

Руководствуясь этим стратегическим обоснованием, члены Кыргызского отделения ISOC и стажеры Института водных проблем отправились в утомительный шестичасовой поход к месту происшествия. Путешествие характеризовалось сложным рельефом, переходом от жаркой летней погоды к дождливой и ветреной погоде, сопровождавшейся колебаниями температуры до 20 градусов.

Достигнув пункта назначения, команда тщательно оценила возможности подключения, определила потенциальные места для установки коммуникационного шлюза, определила типы необходимых измерений и датчиков и наметила необходимые установки мачт. После напряженного дня поздно вечером команда вернулась на главную дорогу национального парка Ала-Арча. На основе собранных данных был сформулирован комплексный план работ и логистики для установки инфраструктуры Интернета вещей на ледниковом озере Адыгене.

Обеспечиваем регулярное техобслуживание LoRaWan сети и сенсоров

Posted on by Aziz Soltobaev

The ISOC Kyrgyz Chapter team has been actively engaging in routine maintenance visits to our pilot locations. Since the initial installation of LoRa-enabled sensors, certain units have necessitated additional on-site attention to ensure optimal performance.

In some instances, ensuring the proper functioning of sensors called for tasks such as excavation from the soil, recalibration, and subsequent reburial. In other cases, the effective operation of sensors demanded the application of specific, albeit previously undocumented, installation techniques. Additionally, challenges arose in certain cases due to inconsistent sensor quality from specific vendors.

To address these complexities, interns from the Institute of Water Problems were actively involved in the process. Their participation served a dual purpose – to offer hands-on training and education and to facilitate the exchange of expertise with students.

As we continue to progress through the data collection stage of our research project, these maintenance efforts remain instrumental in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our LoRa-enabled sensors in diverse environmental conditions.

Панель данных LoraWan IoT Кыргызстан

Posted on by Aziz Soltobaev

The team created beta version of the dashboard visualization of the project data collected from pilot locations.

The dashboard represents visualization of the following data: relative air humidity, air temperature, solar irradiation, atmospheric pressure, precipitation, wind speed, wind direction. The other dashboard represents visualization of the following data: soil moisture and precipitation, water level. Dashboards are available in Kyrgyz, English and Russian languages. Some dashboards are specially designed for local communities to use for the benefit of community.

We believe in open source solutions. That’s why we use Grafana — a multi-platform open source analytics and interactive visualization web application.The information gathered from Lora-enabled sensors through Lorawan communication gateways and transmitted to the central server via GSM network. Collected IoT telemetry data stored on servers and then visualized using Grafana software. Up-to date information is available via link: http://dashboard.isoc.kg

Note. Since its scientific project, some publicly available data may have wrong parameters or data due to internal experiments, settings, tuning, etc. Please consult before use in research purposes.