  Both physical and MAC-layer need to be jointly optimized to maximize the
autonomy of IoT devices. Therefore, a cross-layer design is imperative to
effectively realize Low Power Wide Area networks (LPWANs). In the present
paper, a cross-layer assessment framework including power modeling is proposed.
Through this simulation framework, the energy consumption of IoT devices,
currently deployed in LoRaWAN networks, is evaluated. We demonstrate that a
cross-layer approach significantly improves energy efficiency and overall
throughput. Two major contributions are made. First, an open-source LPWAN
assessment framework has been conceived. It allows testing and evaluating
hypotheses and schemes. Secondly, as a representative case, the LoRaWAN
protocol is assessed. The findings indicate how a cross-layer approach can
optimize LPWANs in terms of energy efficiency and throughput. For instance, it
is shown that the use of larger payloads can reduce up to three times the
energy consumption on quasi-static channels yet may bring an energy penalty
under adverse dynamic conditions.
