In large-scale IoT deployments, LoRaWAN is widely chosen for its long-range coverage, ultra-low power consumption, and easy deployment advantages. However, as the number of devices grows exponentially, challenges such as battery replacement costs, spectrum congestion, and backend processing load become increasingly severe. The Change of Value (COV) algorithm offers a new paradigm to address these issues.
From periodic uploads to event-driven intelligence
Traditionally, IoT devices adopt fixed periodic uploads to send sensor data to the server. While simple, this approach often results in transmitting redundant data when environmental changes are minor, wasting energy and spectrum resources.
The COV algorithm adopts an event-driven principle — data uploads are triggered only when a measured value exceeds a configurable threshold. This minimizes unnecessary transmissions, preserves energy, and focuses system resources on meaningful changes.
Key advantages of COV in LoRaWAN networks
1️⃣ Maximizing battery life
Communication is the largest power drain in battery-powered devices. By drastically reducing transmission frequency, COV helps push battery longevity closer to theoretical limits, reducing maintenance costs and field visits.
2️⃣ Alleviating spectrum congestion
LoRaWAN uses an Aloha-like random access protocol. Frequent, synchronized uplinks can lead to high collision rates and degraded system capacity. By cutting down unnecessary traffic, COV effectively frees up spectrum, supporting more devices per gateway.
3️⃣ Improving stability and scalability
In massive deployments, such as tens of thousands of smart meters or environmental sensors, network stability is critical. COV mitigates data storms and allows for staggered, smooth reporting, greatly improving reliability.
EdgeBus implementation: intelligent and flexible
Manthink’s EdgeBus architecture brings additional intelligence and adaptability to COV implementation:
- Dynamic threshold configuration: Supports individualized thresholds for each data type, such as temperature, humidity, voltage, and current, catering to diverse application needs.
- Heartbeat integration: Even when no significant changes occur, periodic heartbeat packets maintain connectivity and ensure the platform always knows the device’s status.
- Data aggregation and compression: Edge-side data aggregation and compression reduce uplink payload sizes, further conserving bandwidth and power.
- Remote batch management: With ThinkLink LoRaWAN Network Server, users can batch configure thresholds and parameters remotely, dramatically simplifying large-scale maintenance.
Supported product lines
EdgeBus-enabled COV functionality is already integrated into various Manthink products:
- OMx22S LoRaWAN module: Supports multiple industrial protocols, ideal for rapid integration in metering and sensing products.
- RDO21x / RDI22x DTU: Robust outdoor and DIN-rail models designed for harsh industrial environments.
- SE72 Temperature & Humidity Sensor: IP65-rated, ultra-long battery life, perfect for long-term environmental monitoring.
Conclusion: COV as a cornerstone for future-ready low-power IoT
As IoT scales continue to grow, the demand for efficient, reliable, and easily managed systems intensifies. COV, empowered by EdgeBus, is becoming a foundational technology to enable low-power, intelligent, and scalable IoT deployments.
Manthink will continue to enhance COV integration alongside remote configuration, FUOTA (firmware over-the-air upgrades), and ADR (adaptive data rate) to help users build secure, efficient, and intelligent LoRaWAN solutions.