Smart parking system integrates IoT gateways, display devices, parking sensors, and software application interfaces to enhance parking management and improve the overall parking experience. It provides valuable information on parking availability, facilitates efficient parking space allocation, and offers convenient services to drivers, such as mobile applications for parking guidance and payment systems.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the concept and components of implementing IoT technology in parking management. It highlights the role of IoT gateways and the benefits of smart parking systems. The article also recommends the optimum communication interface and IoT gateway for smart parking systems.
What Is a Smart Parking System Using IoT?
Smart parking systems aim to improve the efficiency and convenience of parking management.
Smart Parking System Using IoT
A smart parking system using IoT is an advanced technology solution that utilizes IoT devices, smart sensors, and connectivity to optimize parking management and enhance the parking experience for drivers. It integrates various components and technologies to provide real-time information on parking space availability, streamline operations, and improve overall efficiency.
Many components are involved in designing and implementing a smart parking system. A few components may be used in the system are listed below.
- IoT Sensors (e.g., ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, magnetic sensors)
- IoT Gateways
- Communication Infrastructure
- Central Server/Cloud Platform
- Mobile Applications/Interfaces
- Payment Systems
- Signage and Display Systems
- Security Systems (surveillance cameras, license plate recognition systems, access control mechanisms)
- Backup Power Systems (UPS, generators)
How IoT Parking System Works with Different Protocols?
In a smart parking system using IoT, various communication interfaces are used to enable connectivity and data exchange between the different components of the system. The two most commonly used protocols are LoRaWAN and BLE, which are used with IoT gateways to bring support to smart parking systems.
How LoRaWAN Parking System Works?
In a smart parking system, LoRaWAN serves as a crucial communication protocol, enabling seamless connectivity and efficient data exchange between various components.
Parking Sensors
LoRaWAN-enabled parking sensors are deployed in individual parking spaces to detect occupancy. These sensors utilize various technologies such as ultrasonic, infrared, or magnetic field sensing to determine the presence of a vehicle. When a vehicle occupies or vacates a parking space, the sensor captures this information.
LoRaWAN Transceivers
The parking sensors are equipped with LoRaWAN transceivers that facilitate wireless communication. These transceivers utilize LoRa modulation, which enables long-range transmission of data while consuming minimal power. The LoRaWAN transceivers within the sensors transmit the occupancy status and other relevant data to nearby LoRaWAN gateways.
LoRaWAN Gateways
Gateways act as intermediaries between the parking sensors and the central server. They receive data from multiple sensors within their range and aggregate the information. LoRaWAN gateways are connected to the internet and employ cellular, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi connections to relay the collected data to the central LoRaWAN server.
DSGW-210B, an exceptional LoRaWAN gateway, is a game-changer for smart parking. With its long-range communication capabilities, it collects data from parking sensors, ensuring real-time parking occupancy updates. The gateway’s compact design, effortless deployment, and robust security features make it an excellent choice, enhancing parking efficiency and elevating the overall user experience.
Central Server
The central server serves as the core component of the smart parking system. It receives the data forwarded by the LoRaWAN gateways and processes it. The LoRaWAN server analyzes the occupancy information, updates the parking status in real-time, and maintains a database of parking availability.
User Interface
The central server interacts with various user interfaces, such as mobile applications, websites, or digital signage. This allows users to access real-time parking information, including available spaces, parking rates, and navigation assistance.
A star-of-stars topology is supported by the LoRaWAN network design. It enables many parking sensors to interface with neighboring gateways, which transfer data to the central server. This decentralized method makes it easier to deploy and maintain parking sensors across a large area.
The long-range communication capabilities of LoRaWAN are ideal for smart parking systems covering large parking lots or distributed parking spaces. Because of the low power consumption of LoRaWAN devices, parking sensors can function on battery power for extended periods of time, reducing maintenance requirements.
Furthermore, the scalability of LoRaWAN allows the system to manage a high number of parking sensors and gateways, making it perfect for handling several parking spaces at the same time. Through data analysis, the centralized server can give real-time parking availability information, enhance parking operations, and provide important insights.
How BLE Parking System Works?
BLE technology, along with BLE beacons, offers several advantages when integrated into a smart parking system. Let’s explore how BLE works in this context:
BLE Gateway
A BLE beacon gateway in a smart parking system serves as a link between BLE-enabled devices like smartphones and BLE beacons and the central management system. The gateway receives data from BLE beacons installed in parking spaces, collects occupancy information, and communicates it to the central system.
For the best smart parking system, choose the DSGW-030 BLE 5 gateway. It provides easy communication with BLE-enabled devices, such as smartphones and beacons, thanks to its support for BLE 5 technology. This gateway improves the entire parking experience for users by maximizing parking space use and providing real-time parking availability updates.
BLE Beacons
BLE beacons are small, battery-powered devices that periodically transmit signals using the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol. These beacons are strategically placed in individual parking spaces or throughout the parking area.
Mobile Apps
Users can install a mobile application on their smartphones, which scans for nearby BLE beacons and captures their UUIDs. The application utilizes the RSSI to estimate proximity to the beacons, thereby determining parking space occupancy.
Proximity Detection
When a vehicle equipped with a BLE-enabled device comes within range of a BLE beacon, the beacon’s signal is detected by the device. By measuring the RSSI, the application can determine if the parking space is occupied or vacant.
Real-time Parking Availability
The mobile application collects data from nearby beacons and sends it to a central server. The server processes this information and maintains a real-time parking availability database. Users can access the application to view the availability of parking spaces, making informed parking decisions.
Navigation Assistance
Utilizing the received signal strength and known beacon locations, the mobile application can provide navigation assistance to users. It guides them to the nearest available parking spaces within the parking area, improving the overall user experience.
Integration with Payment Systems
BLE can be integrated with payment systems, allowing users to pay for parking directly through the mobile application. This simplifies the payment process and eliminates the need for physical payment at parking meters or kiosks.
BLE’s low power consumption allows BLE beacons to operate on battery power for extended periods, reducing maintenance requirements and ensuring continuous beacon availability. Furthermore, BLE offers excellent device interoperability, enabling BLE-enabled smartphones and other devices to communicate seamlessly with the beacons.
Given its short-range communication capabilities, BLE is well-suited for localized smart parking systems, such as parking garages or indoor parking areas. Deploying BLE beacons in each parking space enables accurate detection of vehicle presence, providing real-time parking occupancy information.
Smart Parking Communication Interfaces Conclusion
Select BLE when
- Enclosed parking garages or compact lots, the parking space is comparatively tiny.
- Real-time parking occupancy updates are crucial.
- It is necessary to use proximity-based detection, such as identifying nearby automobiles with cellphones or BLE beacons.
- Integration with mobile payment and navigation applications is a top focus.
- Considering that BLE technology is generally accessible and available, the system must be affordable and simple to implement.
Select LoRaWAN when
- The parking area is huge and includes several dispersed parking places or sizable outdoor parking areas.
- Data collection from the area’s scattered remote parking sensors requires long-range connectivity.
- Low-power consumption is essential since LoRaWAN devices have longer battery lives and may operate continuously.
- Scalability and supporting an increasing number of linked devices and sensors are the main concerns.
- Since LoRaWAN may enable more applications than only parking systems, integration with a larger IoT ecosystem is necessary.
Benefits of Smart Parking System Using IoT
The smart parking system market using IoT technology offers opportunities for growth, innovation, market differentiation, and long-term partnerships. Manufacturers can capitalize on the expanding market by delivering high-quality and specialized equipment and contributing to developing efficient and sustainable parking solutions.
Increased Demand for IoT Equipment
Implementing smart parking systems creates a higher demand for equipment such as parking sensors, IoT gateways, Wi-Fi devices, networking equipment, smart security cameras, anti-theft alarm systems, and other communication devices. Equipment manufacturers can capitalize on this growing market, and experience increased sales and revenue.
Market Differentiation
Manufacturers of IoT equipment for smart parking systems can differentiate themselves from competitors by offering specialized and tailored solutions. By providing high-quality, reliable, and efficient equipment, they can establish a strong brand reputation and gain a competitive edge in the market of smart parking systems.
Collaborative Partnerships
Equipment manufacturers can form partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders in the smart parking ecosystem, such as parking management companies, IoT gateway providers, and system integrators. These collaborations can lead to mutually beneficial relationships and create joint product development and market expansion opportunities.
Business Diversification
Smart parking systems based on IoT gateways have the potential to be deployed in various locations and industries beyond traditional parking lots, such as smart cities, airports, commercial buildings, and residential complexes. Equipment manufacturers can explore new markets and diversify their business by offering IoT solutions for different applications.
Data-Driven Insights
Smart parking systems generate a wealth of data on parking occupancy, usage patterns, and customer behavior. Equipment manufacturers can leverage this data to gain valuable insights to improve smart parking products, identify market trends, and drive innovation in their equipment offerings.
Where Can the Smart Parking System Using IoT be Used?
IoT-enabled smart parking systems can be deployed in a variety of places and circumstances, including:
Urban Areas
Smart parking systems are especially useful in densely populated urban areas where parking spaces are scarce and in high demand. IoT-based solutions can aid in optimizing parking spot utilization, reducing traffic congestion, and improving the entire parking experience for residents, commuters, and visitors.
Parking Garages
Smart parking systems can be used to efficiently manage and monitor the occupancy of individual parking spaces in parking garages. Users may simply identify and reserve parking spots by giving real-time parking availability information, decreasing the time spent searching for an available space.
Shopping Malls
IoT-enabled parking systems can be installed in shopping malls and retail centers to assist customers in locating available parking spaces. This increases customer happiness, decreases traffic congestion, and encourages more effective parking facility use.
Airports
Smart parking systems can improve airport parking by giving real-time information about available parking spaces. This allows travelers to schedule their parking ahead of time, saving time and minimizing stress during peak travel times.
Train Stations and Transportation Hubs
To assist travelers in finding parking spots near public transportation, IoT-based parking solutions can be introduced at train stations and transportation hubs. Real-time availability information and navigation aid can help to simplify the process of using public transportation.
Offices and Business Centers
To efficiently manage parking spaces for employees, clients, and visitors, smart parking systems can be installed in office complexes and business centers. Parking reservation systems, optimized space utilization, and access control and security measures can all be enabled with IoT technology.
Healthcare Facilities
Smart parking systems can be installed in hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities to make it easier for patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals to locate parking spaces. In healthcare settings, real-time availability updates and navigation aid can minimize stress and improve the overall experience.
Stadiums and Event Sites
Smart parking systems can be used to manage parking during large-scale events at stadiums and event sites. Real-time information regarding available parking spaces and traffic flow can assist visitors in smoothly navigating the parking area.
Dusun Application for Smart Parking
DSGW-210B
The DSGW-210B is a full 8-channel Indoor Gateway that uses the LoRaWAN protocol and has built-in Ethernet connectivity for easy setup. Furthermore, it has an onboard Wi-Fi configuration (supporting 2.4 GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi) that allows it to be simply established through the default Wi-Fi AP mode. This LoRaWAN gateway achieves a high level of reliability thanks to its industrial-grade components.
LoRaWAN Connectivity
The Dusun DSGW-210B gateway supports LoRaWAN connectivity, which is an ideal protocol for smart parking systems. LoRaWAN enables long-range communication, allowing the gateway to receive data from parking sensors spread across a wide area, such as outdoor parking lots or distributed parking spaces.
Compact and Indoor Design
The DSGW-210B is designed for indoor use, making it suitable for smart parking deployments in buildings, parking garages, or other covered parking areas. Its compact size allows for easy installation and integration into existing infrastructure.
Easy Deployment and Management
The DSGW-210B LoRaWAN gateway offers straightforward deployment and management capabilities. It can be easily connected to existing network infrastructure via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, providing seamless integration into the smart parking system. The gateway is equipped with a web-based interface, simplifying the configuration and monitoring processes.
Secure and Reliable Communication
The DSGW-210B implements robust security features to ensure secure communication between the gateway and the central server. It supports encryption and authentication mechanisms, protecting the integrity and privacy of data transmitted over the LoRaWAN network. This enhances the overall reliability and trustworthiness of the smart parking system.
Scalability and Flexibility
The DSGW-210B gateway supports a large number of connected devices simultaneously, making it scalable for monitoring and managing multiple parking spaces. It can handle the incoming data from numerous parking sensors and relay it to the central server for processing and analysis. This scalability allows for the expansion of the smart parking system as the number of parking spaces grows.
Power Efficiency
The DSGW-210B is designed to operate with low power consumption, ensuring efficient energy usage and prolonged operation without frequent power source replacements. This feature is especially important in smart parking systems where devices such as gateways need to run continuously while conserving power.
DSGW-030
The DSGW-030 is a multi-protocol smart home hub gateway that supports both regular Bluetooth 5 and the latest ZigBee 3.0 protocols. The USP port is optional, however a WLAN/LAN port is included. Wi-Fi and Ethernet are two backhaul choices. Compared with DSGW-210, it has better cost-effectiveness.
Reliable Performance
The DSGW-030’s MTK7688 processor, 64MB RAM, and 16MB Flash memory provide sufficient processing power and storage capacity for handling data-intensive tasks in smart parking systems. This ensures smooth operation and real-time data processing for parking occupancy detection, payment systems, and user management.
Multi-Protocol Support
The Dusun DSGW-030 gateway supports multiple communication protocols, including BLE, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi. This versatility allows you to integrate various devices and sensors used in a smart parking system, enabling comprehensive monitoring and control of parking spaces, including occupancy detection, lighting control, and access management.
BLE Functionality
With built-in BLE 5 support, the DSGW-030 BLE to ethernet gateway can seamlessly communicate with BLE-enabled devices, such as smartphones or BLE beacons. This enables proximity-based detection of parking spaces and facilitates real-time parking availability updates.
Programmability
The DSGW-030’s Linux@OpenWrt OS and development resources, such as the SDK, toolchain, and API reference, enable developers to create custom applications tailored to the specific needs of smart parking systems. This programmability allows flexibility in implementing parking algorithms, data analysis, and integration with other smart city systems.
OTA Updates
The DSGW-030 Bluetooth gateway hub supports Over-the-Air (OTA) firmware updates, enabling seamless upgrades and maintenance without physical access to the gateways. This feature is crucial for ensuring the gateway’s security, performance enhancements, and compatibility with future technology advancements.
Smart Parking FAQs
Which sensors are employed in Smart Parking?
These IoT gateway sensors can be based on a range of sensing technologies, the most prevalent of which are magnetometers, infrared, ultrasonic, and radar.
How far away do parking sensors work?
Most cars include front sensors that can detect items up to four feet away and back sensors that can detect objects up to eight feet away. The data will be sent to the cloud server via the IoT gateway.
What is the goal of a loT-based parking system?
What is the goal of a loT-based parking system?
The primary goal of a smart parking solution is to accurately identify a vehicle’s presence or absence in a specific parking space and to transmit this data to a system for viewing and analysis to parking asset managers and/or enforcement officials.
