Interconnected glowing nodes in a dense forest, symbolizing D2D communication.

Can Trees Talk? Unveiling the Secrets of Device-to-Device Communication in Forests

Beau Callahan in Tech & Innovation June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the Future of IoT: How D2D Communication in Forest Environments Can Revolutionize Data Transmission and Connectivity"

In an era defined by unprecedented technological advancement, the Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly becoming an integral part of our daily lives. From smart homes to wearable devices, IoT connects billions of devices, creating a vast network of interconnected systems. However, the capabilities of IoT extend far beyond urban landscapes, with potential applications in more remote and challenging environments like forests.

Unlike conventional cellular communication that relies on network infrastructure, Device-to-Device (D2D) communication enables direct communication between devices, bypassing the need for a central base station. This technology holds immense promise for IoT applications in areas where traditional network coverage is limited or non-existent, making it an ideal solution for forest environments. Imagine hikers staying connected, environmental sensors transmitting real-time data, and emergency responders coordinating efforts, all through D2D communication.

Recent research has focused on understanding and optimizing D2D communication in forest terrains, addressing challenges such as signal attenuation, path loss, and interference. A groundbreaking study conducted in a forest in Denmark sought to measure path-loss characteristics in a D2D communication scenario, evaluating the coverage range of a Narrow Band IoT (NB-IoT) system at 917.5 MHz. This article delves into the methodology, findings, and implications of this research, shedding light on the future of wireless communication in natural settings.

Decoding Forest Signals: How Path-Loss Measurements Reveal Communication Potential

Interconnected glowing nodes in a dense forest, symbolizing D2D communication.

Understanding path-loss is crucial for deploying effective wireless communication systems, especially in complex environments like forests. Path-loss refers to the reduction in power density of an electromagnetic wave as it propagates through space. In simpler terms, it’s how much the signal weakens as it travels from one device to another.

The Danish study employed a meticulous measurement campaign to quantify path-loss in a forest environment. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

Frequency Selection: Researchers chose to operate in the LTE band 8 at 917.5 MHz, carefully evaluating licensed frequencies to minimize interference with existing communication systems.
Measurement System: A purpose-built measurement system with a high dynamic range of 180 dB was developed to accurately capture signal strength over distances exceeding 2.5 km.
Terrain Analysis: The study was conducted in Rold Skov, a forest in Denmark, selected for its varied terrain and accessibility.
Data Collection: Measurements were taken at 71 different locations, with transmit and receive antennas positioned at a height of 1.5 meters.
Data Processing: The collected data was analyzed to determine path-loss characteristics and estimate the coverage range of an NB-IoT D2D communication system.

The results indicated that a D2D system with antennas at 1.5 meters could achieve a range of approximately 2 km, given the 164 dB path-loss limit specified for NB-IoT. These findings offer valuable insights into the potential of D2D communication for applications like environmental monitoring, search and rescue operations, and recreational activities in forest environments.

The Future is Green: How D2D Communication Can Protect Our Forests

The research highlights the feasibility and potential of D2D communication for NB-IoT systems in forest environments, providing a foundation for future innovations in the field. As IoT continues to expand, D2D communication will likely play a crucial role in enabling connectivity in remote and challenging locations. Think of smart sensors monitoring forest health, transmitting data directly to researchers without the need for extensive infrastructure. Envision hikers using D2D-enabled devices to stay connected and safe, even when out of cellular range.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1049/cp.2018.0389, Alternate LINK

Title: Propagation Measurements For Device-To-Device Communication In Forest Terrain

Journal: 12th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP 2018)

Publisher: Institution of Engineering and Technology

Authors: J. Hejselbæk, J.O. Nielsen, C. Drewes, Wei Fan, G.F. Pedersen

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Device-to-Device (D2D) communication and how does it specifically benefit IoT applications in forest environments?

Device-to-Device (D2D) communication facilitates direct communication between devices, eliminating the need for a central base station. This is particularly valuable in environments like forests where traditional network coverage is limited or absent. Hikers can maintain connectivity, environmental sensors can transmit real-time data, and emergency responders can coordinate efforts effectively through D2D communication. Unlike cellular communication, which relies on infrastructure, D2D enhances IoT applications by ensuring connectivity in remote areas.

Can you explain path-loss and why is it so important in the context of wireless communication in forests?

Path-loss is the reduction in the power density of an electromagnetic wave as it travels through space, essentially describing how much a signal weakens as it propagates from one device to another. Understanding path-loss is crucial for deploying effective wireless communication systems, particularly in complex environments such as forests. Quantifying path-loss helps in estimating the coverage range and optimizing the performance of Device-to-Device (D2D) communication systems.

What were the key methodologies and findings of the Danish study on Narrow Band IoT (NB-IoT) Device-to-Device (D2D) communication in forests?

The Danish study measured path-loss characteristics for a Narrow Band IoT (NB-IoT) system at 917.5 MHz within a forest environment. Researchers operated in the LTE band 8 to minimize interference, used a measurement system with a high dynamic range to capture signal strength, and conducted measurements at 71 locations in Rold Skov forest, Denmark. The data collected was analyzed to determine path-loss and estimate the coverage range, revealing that a D2D system with antennas at 1.5 meters could achieve a range of approximately 2 km, given the 164 dB path-loss limit for NB-IoT.

What practical applications of Device-to-Device (D2D) communication in forest environments are supported by the research findings?

The findings suggest that Device-to-Device (D2D) communication can significantly enhance environmental monitoring by enabling smart sensors to transmit data directly to researchers without needing extensive infrastructure. It also supports recreational activities by allowing hikers to stay connected and safe even when out of cellular range. Furthermore, D2D communication can aid in search and rescue operations, facilitating better coordination among emergency responders in remote forest areas.

What are the main challenges to Device-to-Device (D2D) communication in forest terrains, such as signal attenuation and interference, and how can they be addressed?

Signal attenuation, path loss, and interference are critical challenges that affect Device-to-Device (D2D) communication in forests. Signal attenuation refers to the reduction in signal strength due to obstacles like trees and foliage. Path loss describes the signal weakening over distance, while interference involves disruptions from other signals. Overcoming these challenges requires strategic frequency selection, optimized antenna placement, and advanced signal processing techniques to ensure reliable communication. Further research is needed to explore advanced techniques for mitigating these factors in diverse forest terrains.