Deploy Border Gateways
Deploy the Silvanet Border Gateway to ensure it reliably communicates with the Mesh Network and Silvanet Cloud.
Border Gateway deployment steps
Choose which deployment scenario is best suited for your Site.
Scan the Border Gateway's QR code to register the Border Gateway.
Mount the Border Gateway on a pole or tree.
Run the Connectivity test.
Deployment overview
Choose deployment scenario
Mains (via PoE) and router (via Ethernet): Uses mains power supply and a router for Internet connectivity
Mains (via PoE) and mobile networks: Uses mains power supply and cellular networks for Internet connectivity
Remote locations: Uses solar panel and cellular networks for Internet connectivity
Loss of Internet and power supply: Uses solar panel and satellite connectivity.
Choose Border Gateway location
Forest edge: The Border Gateway location should be chosen carefully. If possible, mount the Border Gateway at the edge of a forest.
Sufficient sunlight: If the Border Gateway is powered by only by solar, select a sunny location with direct sunlight.
Mount in an elevated location: To maximize range, install the Border Gateway on a hill, or at least a higher location to maximize range.
Ensure reliable Internet connectivity
Mobile or router: Based on selected scenario, use a router for Internet connectivity (recommended) or mobile connectivity with its built-in 4G/LTE-M with 2G/GPRS fallback.
Satellite for backup: For satellite connectivity, the Border Gateway needs a clear line of sight to connect to a satellite.
Ensure within range to Mesh Network
2 km to 3 km: 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.
Line of sight: Ensure line of sight to at least one Mesh Gateway.
Mount Border Gateway correctly
Above 3 m on pole or tree: Mount the Border Gateway at least 3 m high on the pole or tree and, if possible, higher for better signal propagation.
Stable metal or wooden pole: Mount to a stable metal pole that is unlikely to be moved. Use the provided U-Bolt Clamps to securely hold the Border Gateway and can be tightened accordingly without damaging the device. Also, on a pole, the Border Gateway does not interfere with a living tree over the lifetime of the Border Gateway.
Correct diameter for pole (60.3 mm): 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.
Mount towards the top of pole: 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.
Healthy tree: If the Border Gateway is attached to a tree, ensure it is attached to a healthy tree and not expected to be cut down.
Clear any obstructions
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 Border Gateway in case of power failure.
If it is installed on a tree, the solar panel should not be covered by branches
Mount solar panel correctly
Towards sun (at noon): Mount the solar panel facing the sun at 12:00 noon (northern or southern hemisphere).
True south/north: 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.
Direct sunlight: Select a location with direct sunlight (such as a hillside) and keep it free from branches that obscure direct sunlight.
Use backup Border Gateway, if required
For 1000 sensors or more: Ideally, for deployments greater than 1000 sensors, provide a backup Border Gateway.
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