Deploy Border Gateways
Deploy the Silvanet Border Gateway to ensure it reliably communicates with the Mesh Network and Silvanet Cloud.
Prerequisites
Line of sight to at least one Mesh Gateway.
Deploy the Silvanet Mesh Gateway to a healthy tree or to a stable self-standing poles that is unlikely to be moved.
Deploy at least 3 m high on the structure and, if possible, higher for better signal propagation.
Deploy on the side of the tree or pole that faces the sun (where it would be at 12:00 noon). This allows the solar panel to face the same direction, as the panel cannot be behind the solar panel.
Attach to a stable metal pole using U-Bolt Clamps. This securely holds the device and can be tightened accordingly without damaging the device. Also, the device does not interfere with a living tree over the lifetime of the Border Gateway.
The diameter of a pole used to support the Border Gateway must not be greater than 60.3 mm. A 17 mm wrench is used to attach the M10-nuts to the U-Bolt Clamps.
To maximize the radio contact when attaching the Border Gateway to a pole, put the Gateway on top of the pole (if possible) so that the LoRa antenna is above the top of the pole.
If the Border Gateway is attached to a tree, ensure it is attached to a healthy tree and not expected to be cut down.
Guidelines
| Guideline | Description |
|---|---|
Range | The range of a Border Gateway to a Mesh Gateway is approximately 2 km to 3 km. The actual range may vary depending on environmental conditions. |
Location | Due to its power supply and Internet connectivity requirements, the location should be chosen carefully. Deploy the Border Gateway at the edge of a forest and near a power supply. To maximize range, install the Border Gateway on a hill, or at least a higher location to maximize range. If the Border Gateway is powered by solar, select a sunny location with direct sunlight. If it is installed on a tree, the solar panel should not be covered by branches. |
Power supply | Provide a power supply from a Mains supply (solar panel as backup). See Power supply for details. |
Internet | Use Ethernet for Internet connectivity (recommended), otherwise use mobile connectivity with its built-in 4G/LTE-M with 2G/GPRS fallback. Also, provide a clear line of site for Satellite backup. For satellite connectivity, the Border Gateway provides a satellite antenna to connect the Silvanet Network to the Internet. It therefore needs a clear line of sight to connect to a satellite. |
Deployment height | 3 m height on trees or poles. When deployed near public areas, we recommend deploying the device at least 3 meters above the forest floor. |
Obstructions | The Border Gateway needs clear line of site to mobile networks. Whether the Border Gateway is installed on a tree or a pole, it needs a clear line of sight to communicate via wireless mobile networks or satellite communication. It also needs an unobstructed area to obtain sufficient sunlight for the solar panel to charge the device in case of mains power failure. |
Solar panel orientation | Install the solar panel facing the sun at 12:00 noon (northern or southern hemisphere). Use a compass to identify true South (in the northern hemisphere) or true North (in the southern hemisphere). This maximizes the amount of light that hits the solar panel. Also, select a location with direct sunlight (such as a hillside) and keep it free from branches that obscure direct sunlight. |
Backup Gateway | Ideally, for deployments greater than 1000 sensors, provide a backup Border Gateway. |
Procedures overview
Once the planned location is found, Scan the QR Code of the Border Gateway to register the Device ID with Silvanet Cloud.
Attach the Border Gateway to a pole (recommended) or to a tree.
Attach the antennas.
Attach the Solar Panel to the same pole or tree.
If a router is available for use, connect the Border Gateway to Ethernet over PoE.
Attach Border Gateways to poles
If a 60 mm (2.3 inch) wooden or metal pole is available, you can use the provided U-Clamps to attach the Border Gateway to the pole.
Loosely connect the U-Clamps to the Border Gateway, then slide the gateway onto the pole from the top (if possible).
Hand-tighten the nuts, then use the 17 mm wrench to tighten the nuts. Do not use excessive force to prevent damage to the Border Gateway.
Attach the antennas. The LoRa antenna is attached to the top connector; LTE antenna on the bottom connector; satellite antenna is on the side.
Attach the solar panel to the pole above the Border Gateway. And if used, connect the Ethernet cable to a router.
Run a connectivity test to ensure the Border Gateway is connected to the Silvanet Cloud.
Attach Border Gateways to trees
If the Border Gateway is to be attached to a tree, ensure the tree is stable and unlikely to be cut.
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.
Remove any branches and other obstructions at the deployment height. This allows the solar panel to have good irradiation from the sun to charge the device. Carefully remove a small portion of the bark with an axe or chisel where the holes in the tree will be drilled. This allows the gateway to hang vertically on the tree.
With a distance between the holes at 70 mm, drill approximately 6-7 cm (2 1/5 inches) into the tree for the top loops. Ensure you do not split the tree or drill on an angle. Use the 10mm drill bit.\z When drilling into a tree, first drill a pilot hole using a small drill bit (1/4 inch / 6mm) then drill the final hole with the 10mm drill bit. Also, ensure you are using a drill bit for wood. This ensures the wood in the tree does not split.
Carefully hammer the treenails through the top loops of the Border Gateway into the holes.
Carefully drill the bottom two holes using the lower holes as templates. Be careful not to damage the Gateway case while doing so. Also, use a drill bit with a sufficient length to ensure the holes are at the correct depth.
Carefully hammer the treenails through the bottom loops into the tree. Check to ensure the Border Gateway is securely attached to the tree and can not move.
Attach the antennas. The LoRa antenna is attached to the top connector; LTE antenna on the bottom connector; satellite antenna is on the side.
Attach the solar panel to the tree above the Border Gateway. And if used, connect an Ethernet cable from a router.
Run a connectivity test to ensure the Border Gateway is connected to the Silvanet Cloud.
Solar panel deployment
After installing the Border Gateway, attach the solar panel to the same pole or tree to provide a backup power supply.
After attaching the Border Gateway to either a pole or a tree, the solar panel needs to be attached to the same location, preferably above the Border Gateway. Garden wire is used to secure the solar panel to the support structure (tree or pole).
The cable from the Border Gateway to the solar panel is pre-connected and is 2 m long.
Prerequisites
Ensure the solar panel is attached to the same tree or pole used for the Border Gateway.
Locate the deployment location towards where the sun would be at 12:00 noon. This allows the solar panel to have maximum sunlight irradiation during daylight hours.
Ensure the solar panel cable is placed in such a way that it cannot be damaged by human or animal incidents.
If the deployment location is a public area, we recommend the minimum height for both the Border Gateway and the solar panel to be 3m above the forest floor. A higher deployment allows for better connections to Mesh Gateways.
Ensure the solar panel is tightly connected to the tree or pole so that it cannot slip or turn during strong winds or other environmental actions.
Attach solar panel to pole or tree
Cut two equal lengths of provided garden wire, each being twice the circumference of the tree or pole.
While the solar panel is at ground level, insert the garden wire through the holes.
Climb the ladder with the panel and place the solar panel on the opposite side of the tree or pole and pull it tight against the tree or pole using the top wire, then twist the cable tight. Ensure the panel faces south towards where the sun would be at 12:00 noon.\
Follow the same procedure with the lower cable.
Twist the two ends of the cables together and bring the twisted cable within the back of the panel.
Ensure the solar panel is tight against the tree and pole and cannot move.
The following shows a completed Border Gateway and solar panel deployment.
Border Gateway to Ethernet (PoE) connectivity
An Ethernet connection provides a continuous power supply to the Border Gateway through the provided PoE Adapter, which is connected to a mains power supply. The Border Gateway provides a sealed RJ45 connector to attach an Ethernet cable to the device.
If Ethernet is used, then deploy the Border Gateway as close as possible to the router and, ideally, on top of the building that houses the router.
Open the Ethernet connector by unscrewing the cap.
Disassemble the Ethernet connector, including the end cap, sealing ring and housing.
Lead the Ethernet cable through the end cap, sealing ring and housing.
Connect the Ethernet cable with the Ethernet socket in the connector.
Reassemble the connector. Carefully seat the sealing rings in the housing without damaging the barbs, then screw the end cap on the housing and screw the housing to the connector.
Connect the supplied Ethernet cable to the PoE and then connect an Ethernet cable from the PoE to a router.
Plug in the PoE to a mains power supply.
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