Border Gateway guidelines
Deployed Border Gateways require Internet access and a reliable energy supply (for an always-on functionality).
Last updated
Was this helpful?
Deployed Border Gateways require Internet access and a reliable energy supply (for an always-on functionality).
Last updated
Was this helpful?
Border Gateways are designed to be deployed at the edge of the forest on a pole, tree or permanent structure. The Gateway needs to be free from obstructions, such as branches and structures. It also requires a reliable power supply and access to Internet connectivity.
No Ethernet connectivity and Mains power supply?
The Border Gateway can be deployed in locations without Ethernet connectivity as it can connect to a mobile network.
It also can be deployed in locations without a mains power supply as it can use its solar panel for power supply.
See Deployment scenarios below.
Wired (mains and router): Uses mains power supply and a router.
Wireless (mains and mobile network): Uses mains power supply and mobile networks.
Wireless (solar and mobile networks): Uses solar panels only and cellular networks for Internet connectivity.
Satellite (solar only): Uses solar panels only and satellite connectivity.
The Planning tool is used to determine the Latitude and Longitude the Border Gateway. For example, in the Planning tool tutorial, the location of the Border Gateway was determined as shown.
The Exported Summary document shows the planned location in detail. The forest worker can use this document to deploy the Border Gateway in the Site.
The location of the Border Gateway should meet the following minimum conditions:
Have clear line-of-sight for mobile connectivity: Whether the Border Gateway is installed on a tree or a pole, it needs a clear line of sight for mobile connectivity or, if used, to connect without obstructions for satellite communication.
Access to mains power supply (if available): If the Border Gateway can be powered by a mains available in a building such as a maintenance workshop, this provides a reliable 24-hour power supply.
Near the edge of the forest: Deploying a Border Gateway near the edge of the forest ensures that it has a clear line of sight for mobile connectivity, satellite and at least one Mesh Gateway.
Access to sufficient sunlight: By placing the Border Gateway at the edge of the forest, this ensures it has sufficient daylight free of obstructions to charge the Border Gateway's supercapacitors.
Ideally, mounted in an elevated location: To maximize range, install the Border Gateway on a hill, or at least a higher location to maximize range, such as 5 m or 10 m.
2 km to 3 km to Mesh Gateway: 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.
Ensure a Mesh Gateway is within range: Ensure one or more Mesh Gateways are within range of the Border Gateway.
Line of sight: Ensure line of sight to at least one Mesh Gateway in range.
See also
For more information, see Gateway ranges.
"Always on": As the Border Gateway is considered "always-on", it needs a reliable power supply. As the Border Gateway's LTE-M radio (for connecting with mobile networks) uses a reasonable amount of power it needs a sufficient power supply.
Mains power (recommended): Ideally, it should be installed in a location with mains power but its solar panel is sufficient to charge the supercapacitors throughout the day.
Solar panels always connected: Ensure solar panel(s) are mounted and connected as they serve as a backup power supply, or in some cases, the primary power source.
Gen 3 Border Gateway includes two solar panels. For more information, see Silvanet Border Gateway (Gen 3).
Mount to a stable metal or wooden pole: Mount to a metal or wood pole that is unlikely to be moved. Use the provided U-Clamps to securely hold the mounting brackets (Gen 3). When mounted on a pole, the Border Gateway does not interfere with a living tree over the lifetime of the Border Gateway.
60.3 mm pole diameter: The diameter of a pole must not be greater than 60.3 mm. A 17 mm wrench is used to attach the M10-nuts to the U-Clamps.
Use only healthy trees: When attached to trees, ensure they are healthy and unlikely to be removed.
Mount at least 3 m high 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.
Clear away obstructions:
The Border Gateway needs an unobstructed area to obtain sufficient sunlight to charge the solar panels.
If the Border Gateway is installed on a tree, the solar panel should not be covered by branches.
Mount solar panels correctly:
Mount the solar panels (Gen 3) 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.
If possible, select a location that has direct sunlight (such as a hillside) and keep it free from branches that obscure direct sunlight.
Use backup Border Gateway, if required. Ideally, for deployments greater than 1000 sensors, provide a backup Border Gateway. This also provides load balancing.
