Implementation of LoRa in A Luggage Tracking System Using GPS

Abstract

Luggage is an item that is often carried when traveling and is often the target of theft, loss, or mix-ups. Therefore, a tracking system is needed that can monitor the location of luggage in real time. This study implements LoRa (Long Range) technology in a luggage tracking system, with the help of a Ublox NEO-6M GPS module and a NodeMCU ESP32 microcontroller. This system sends luggage location data from a LoRa transmitter to a LoRa receiver, which is then forwarded to an Android application via a Bluetooth connection. In addition, this study also analyzes network performance based on the parameters of delay, throughput, packet loss, and RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). The test results show that the system is capable of sending data up to a maximum distance of 160 meters, with the best performance at a distance of 20–80 meters, marked by low delay, high throughput, and low packet loss. At a maximum distance of 160 meters, the delay value was 12.685 ms, the throughput was 4.37 bps, the packet loss was 60%, and the RSSI was –102.2 dBm. Based on a total of 90 test data points, the average test values showed a delay of 2777 ms, throughput of 10.87 bps, packet loss of 23.33%, and RSSI of -95.5375 dBm. This system can be used for luggage tracking without requiring an internet connection, allowing it to function in areas with limited network coverage.