A systematic review of LEO satellite services for IoT

Abstract

The term "Industry 4.0," or the "fourth industrial revolution," is used to describe a period of significant technological advancement within the manufacturing sector. This revolution is characterized by the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, augmented reality, additive manufacturing, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and cybersecurity, into the manufacturing processes. In this context, the IoT plays a pivotal role in the collection and transmission of data in real-time, thereby facilitating informed decision-making and process optimization. Nevertheless, the implementation of this technology is confronted with considerable challenges pertaining to connectivity, particularly in remote locations. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites have been identified as an effective solution, providing global connectivity and support for IoT applications in inaccessible regions. The present study conducts a systematic review of research on the use of LEO satellite constellations, addressing issues of coverage, latency, protocols, and data transmission efficiency for the IoT. A search of databases such as Scopus and Google Scholar, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology, yielded forty relevant articles for analysis. The results underscore the significance of Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN), protocols such as Long Range (LoRa) and Long-Range Frequency Hopping Spead Spectrum (LR-FHSS) in IoT satellite communication, while also highlighting the challenges and advances in integrating space and terrestrial networks. Consequently, this review serves as a valuable foundation for future research and practical applications in Industry 4.0.