Deploy Border Gateways

Deploy the Silvanet Border Gateway to ensure it reliably communicates with the Mesh Network and Silvanet Cloud.

Border Gateway deployment steps

Deployment overview

  • Choose deployment scenario

  • 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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