Bridging Theory and Practice in IoT Education Using a Modular ESP32-LoRa Training Kit

Abstract

The growing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has created a strong demand for educational platforms that effectively demonstrate long-range, low-power wireless communication. However, most existing IoT training tools focus on short-range connectivity or are insufficiently modular for instructional use. This project addresses this gap by designing and developing a modular, PCB-based ESP32-LoRa training kit tailored for IoT education. The objective is to provide a hands-on platform that enables students to understand sensor integration, long-range communication, and real-world radio-frequency behavior. The system is built around the Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 and custom-designed sensor and actuator PCBs. Experimental evaluation was conducted in two phases: sensor accuracy validation and LoRa link performance testing under line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions. In this work, only temperature sensor was tested. Results show high sensor reliability with low mean absolute error, while communication trials achieved a packet delivery ratio of 94% at 50 m in LOS conditions and maintained 64% in NLOS environments at a signal-to-noise ratio of −9.8 dB. The transition from breadboard to double-layer PCB significantly reduced noise and improved signal integrity. Overall, the proposed training kit provides a robust and effective educational tool for teaching long-range IoT communication principles.