APPLICATION OF THE INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) IN HYDRO-METEOROLOGICAL MONITORING NETWORKS: ARCHITECTURE, PERFORMANCE, AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Climate change, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and pressures for sustainable development have created an urgent need to modernize meteorological and hydrological (MH) monitoring systems. Traditional monitoring networks in Vietnam and many developing countries still face limitations regarding station density, data transmission latency, scalability, and operational costs. The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a breakthrough solution due to its capability to connect distributed sensors, enable real-time data processing, and integrate artificial intelligence. This paper investigates the application of IoT in MH monitoring networks, focusing on system architecture analysis, technical performance evaluation, and identification of implementation challenges within the context of implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Party Central Committee on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation. The study employs systematic literature review, network simulation (NS-3/MATLAB), and multi-criteria analysis (AHP-SWOT) based on empirical data from pilot stations in Vietnam. Results propose an optimized layered IoT architecture for MH monitoring, integrating multi-parameter sensors, LPWAN communication protocols (LoRaWAN/NB-IoT), edge computing, and cloud platforms supporting digital twin modeling. Performance evaluation demonstrates that the IoT system achieves average latency under 2.1 seconds, packet loss rate below 1.8%, 68% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional GSM systems, and measurement accuracy meeting WMO standards. The study also identifies challenges related to protocol standardization, data security, remote area operation sustainability, inter-sectoral data sharing mechanisms, and digital workforce capacity. The paper concludes that integrating IoT into MH monitoring networks is not merely a technical upgrade but a strategic driver for implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW, promoting digital transformation in the natural resources and environment sector, enhancing forecasting capacity, early warning systems, and climate change adaptation decision-making. Key policy, technical, and institutional recommendations are proposed to guide synchronized, secure, and sustainable implementation in Vietnam...