# Border Gateway guidelines

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.

{% hint style="info" %}
**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](#deployment-scenarios) below.
{% endhint %}

## Deployment overview

### Deployment scenarios

* [**Wired (mains and router)**:](https://docs.dryad.app/dryad-documentation/silvanet-deployment/border-gateway-deployment-scenarios#wired---mains-and-router)\
  Uses mains power supply and a router.
* [**Wireless (mains and mobile network)**](https://docs.dryad.app/dryad-documentation/silvanet-deployment/border-gateway-deployment-scenarios#wireless---mains-and-mobile-networks):\
  Uses mains power supply and mobile networks.
* [**Wireless (solar and mobile networks)**](https://docs.dryad.app/dryad-documentation/silvanet-deployment/border-gateway-deployment-scenarios#wireless---solar-and-mobile-networks):\
  Uses solar panels only and cellular networks for Internet connectivity.
* [**Satellite (solar only)**](https://docs.dryad.app/dryad-documentation/silvanet-deployment/border-gateway-deployment-scenarios#satellite---no-mobile-and-mains-power-source):\
  Uses solar panels only and satellite connectivity.

### Deployment locations

The Planning tool is used to determine the Latitude and Longitude the Border Gateway. For example, in the [Planning tool tutorial](https://github.com/dryad-networks/dryad-web-docs/blob/main/docs/planning-tool-tutorial.md), the location of the Border Gateway was determined as shown.

<figure><img src="https://2403147378-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKqvtUjx9C2FEFg7nicAx%2Fuploads%2Fzjbkfo1nrBzLNaEVxQAi%2Fpt-border-gateway-completed.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7367933a-f980-4091-bba0-f22a3eb523c8" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Border Gateway placed showing Latitude and Longitude</p></figcaption></figure>

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.

<figure><img src="https://2403147378-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKqvtUjx9C2FEFg7nicAx%2Fuploads%2F9eKYM4mNbwd8xPj0rDAq%2Fpt-exported-plan-bg.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8585c570-4d57-48f9-92ce-d52cc00ce178" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Exported Summary document</p></figcaption></figure>

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.

### Range to Mesh Gateways

* **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.

{% hint style="info" %}
**See Also**

For more information, see [Gateway ranges](https://docs.dryad.app/dryad-documentation/site-planning/planning-guidelines/gateway-ranges).
{% endhint %}

### Reliable power supply

* **"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.

{% hint style="info" %}
Gen 3 Border Gateway includes two solar panels. For more information, see [Silvanet Border Gateway (Gen 3)](https://docs.dryad.app/dryad-documentation/silvanet-suite/silvanet-suite-gen-3/silvanet-border-gateway-gen-3).
{% endhint %}

### **Mounting guidelines**

* **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.

## Load balancing

Use backup Border Gateway, if required. Ideally, for deployments greater than 1000 sensors, provide a backup Border Gateway. This also provides load balancing.

<figure><img src="https://2403147378-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKqvtUjx9C2FEFg7nicAx%2Fuploads%2FjeACLkeIFOEVYeRNfBhS%2Fdp-range-ratio-overview.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=50056528-8951-493e-b630-68974e568052" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Load balancing with backup Border Gateways</p></figcaption></figure>