Installing Mesh Gateways

Install the Silvanet Mesh Gateway to either trees (with treenails) or metal poles (with U-Clamps).

Steps

1. Read the Mesh Gateway deployment guidelines.

2. Locate the planned deployment location using the Silvanet Deployment app.

3. Scan the QR Code of the Border Gateway to register the device.

4. Attach the Mesh Gateway to a pole or tree.

5. Attach the LoRa antenna to the Mesh Gateway.

Attaching the Mesh Gateway to a pole

1. Loosely attach the U-Clamps to the Mesh Gateway, then slide the Mesh Gateway onto the pole from the top, if possible.

   

   Arrange clamps around pole

2. Ensure the Gateway is oriented properly (facing the sun at 12:00 noon) with the antenna connector facing upwards. You may need assistance holding the Mesh Gateway.

   Maximizing radio transmissions

   Ensure the pole is not interferring with radio transmission. Ensure the top of the Mesh Gateway is level with the top of the pole.

   

   Mesh Gateway antenna is above top of pole

3. Hand-tighten the nuts on the U-clamps, then use the 17 mm wrench to tighten the nuts (do not use excessive force to prevent damage to the Border Gateway). Ensure the Mesh Gateway is securely connected to the pole and cannot move.

4. Attach the LoRaWAN antenna to the Mesh Gateway.

   

   Mesh Gateway deployed on pole

Attaching the Mesh Gateway to a tree

1. Once a tree has been selected, use a safety strap to hold the ladder to the tree, then with an assistant stabilizing the ladder at the bottom. Locate a position on the tree that is approximately 3 m above forest floor and facing the sun (at 12:00 noon). Remove any branches that might interfere with maximum sunlight irradiation.

2. If required, carefully remove a small portion of the bark with an axe where the holes for the treenails will be drilled. The Mesh Gateway needs to hang vertically on the tree.

   

   Remove small area of bark at the install location

3. Drill the top holes using the 10mm drill bit approximately 6–7 cm into the tree. The distance between the holes must be 70 mm.

   Note

   When drilling into a hardwood tree, start with a smaller drill bit then drill to the final size with the 10 mm drill bit. Also, ensure you are using a drill bit for wood, not for steel or concrete.

   

   Drill two holes space 70 mm apart

   Note

   If you plan on drilling the bottom holes before attaching the Mesh Gateway to the tree, you can use the Mesh Gateway as a template to locate the positions to drill the bottom holes.

4. Hammer the treenails through the top loops of the Mesh Gateway into the drilled holes. Be careful not to damage the device while doing so. You may need an assistant to support the Mesh Gateway while hammering the treenails into the tree.

   

   Mesh Gateway attached at the top

5. With the Mesh Gateway attached to the tree at the top, drill through the bottom loops of the device approximately 6-7 cm into the tree. Do not damage the Mesh Gateway while drilling through the loops.

   

   Drill the bottom two holes

6. Carefully hammer the treenails through the bottom loops into the holes so as not to damage the device.

7. Attach the LoRaWAN antenna to the Mesh Gateway.

   Note

   To maximize the radio connection of the Mesh Gateway, the antenna should have at least a finger-width distance from the trunk.

   

   Finger width distance from tree

8. Check to ensure the Mesh Gateway is securely connected to the tree and does not move.

   

   Mesh Gateway deployed 2 cm away from the tree

   

   Completed deployment

9. Run a connectivity test to ensure the Mesh Gateway is connected to at least two Mesh Gateways, according to the prepared Connectivity plan.