Silvanet Border Gateway (Gen 3)

Dryad's 3rd Generation Silvanet Border Gateway provides connectivity between the Silvanet Mesh Network and the Silvanet Cloud Platform. It is assumed to be always on (24 hour operation) to listen for messages sent by Wildfire Sensors in the Site. It now incorporates NFC for offline device registration and local debugging.

Gen 3 Border Gateways are available in two models:

• SBG-3S (with Satellite option): In addition to mobile and Ethernet connectivity, this model provides Satellite connectivity for deployment in areas lacking mobile network coverage. Available in North America and Europe only.

• SBG-3 (without Satellite option): This model provides mobile and Ethernet connectivity but does not include Satellite connectivity.

About

The Border Gateway operates using its solar panels or in combination with a mains power supply and solar panels. Connectivity to the Internet can use its built-in wireless modem (LTE-M/NB-IoT) or use a wired connection (Ethernet with PoE Injector). SBG-3 provides Satellite connectivity (Europe and North America only).

Satellite connectivity allows deployments in remote locations lacking mobile network coverage, ensuring reliable communication even in the most isolated areas.

Key features

Gen 3 Border Gateways have an updated design to provide a improved mounting experience and a better power supply. The new design simplifies installation and prevents theft/vandalism of the device. Other highlights include:

• Durable mounting bracket: A separate endurable mounting bracket is first attached to a tree or pole. Afterwards, the Border Gateway is clipped onto the bracket. Holes are provided to lock the Gateway to the bracket. The mounting bracket keeps the Border Gateway 10 cm away from the tree or pole to improve signal connectivity.

• Built-in antennas: All antennas are now integrated in the device: LTE-m/NB-IoT, LoRaWAN and Satellite (SBG-3S only). This prevents damage or theft of the antennas.

• Integrated NFC: Integrates NFC for registering and connectivity testing (using the Silvanet Deployment app) and for offline local debugging.

• Redesigned casing: New endurable casing design (weather/UV proof) provides IP66 Ingress protection for both Border Gateway and Solar Panels. Connectors are now integrated into the casing (with waterproof caps) for solar panels, PoE Injector and for an optional M2M SIM card.

• Improved energy capacity: 60% more power capacity compared to Gen 2 Border Gateway for a longer and more reliable power supply.

• Two solar panels: To increase energy supply, two solar panels are now provided that provide 40 W + 40 W = 80 W of energy supply to the supercapacitors. They use the same mounting system as the Border Gateway. The solar panels can be mounted facing the sun (at 12:00 noon) while the Gateway can be mounted in line of sight to the nearest deployed Mesh Gateway.

General features

• Ease of use

  • Quickly mount on trees or poles through the the use of mounting brackets for both Border Gateway and Solar Panel.

  • Maintenance-free for 10 to 15 years.

  • FUOTA support for remote firmware updates.

• Mesh network connectivity

  • LoRa connectivity to support Wildfire Sensors

  • LoRaWAN enables communication with other Mesh Gateways

• Multiple deployment scenarios

  • Wireless only: LTE-m/NB-IoT (Model SBG-3 only)

  • Wired + wireless: Ethernet and LTE-m/NB-IoT (Models SBG-3 and SBG-3S)

  • Satellite only: For remote, isolated areas (Model SBG-3S only)

• Energy supply

  • Solar panels only

  • Mains power supply and solar panels

• eSIM plus an external SIM slot

  • Built-in IoT eSIM for worldwide network coverage.

  • An external SIM port allows customer-specific M2M SIM cards to be inserted. The SIM must support NBIoT / LTE-M. (Contact Customer Support for more details).

  • Provides 4G/LTE-M (with 2G/GPRS fallback) and NB-IoT mobile connectivity.

• PoE Injector (included)

  • Allows for Ethernet connectivity.

  • For use with a mains power supply.

• EchoStar satellite connectivity

  • S-band EchoStar Mobile LoRa satellite network connectivity

  • Ensures off-grid operations in remote areas without mobile network coverage.

  • Available in North America and Europe only.

• Regulatory compliance

  • USA: FCC, PTCRB

  • Canada: IC

  • Europe: CE RED

  • CB Scheme

Delivered components

• 1 Border Gateway

• 2 Solar Panels

• 3 mounting brackets

• 6 C-Clamps

• 12 tree nails

• Cables for Solar Panels

• PoE Injector and power cable

• RJ45 CAT6 Ethernet network cable for use with PoE

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Gen 3 Silvanet Border Gateway are (LxWxD) 51 cm x 34 cm x 10 cm and weighs 4 kg (with mounting bracket). With the mounting bracket, it is 18 cm deep.

The dimensions of the Solar Panel is (LxWxD) 67 cm x 35 cm x 8 cm (18 cm with mounting bracket).

Connectors

Connectors are located on the lower side of the Border Gateway.

• SIM Card slot for a customer-specific M2M SIM card that supports NBIoT / LTE-M.

• PoE Connector for connecting the Border Gateway to a Mains power supply using the provided PoE Injector.

• Solar Panel connectors for the two provided Solar Panels.

LoRa radio parameters

• ISM bands: NA902-928, AU915, EU868, AS923

• Tx Power: <27 dBm (local regulations)

• LoRa antenna gain: 0.75 dBi

• Receive channels: 5

• Transmit channels: 1

Power supply

As the Border Gateway must be "always on", how it obtains an energy source must be carefully considered.

Mains using PoE Injector

A PoE Injector is provided to connect the Border Gateway to a mains power source. If a router is available, it can be connected via Ethernet to the PoE.

Solar panels

In most deployment cases, the two Solar Panels can provide sufficient energy (2 x 40 W = 80 W) to supply power for storage in the supercapacitors (which have a 30% increased storage capacity). This allows the Gateway to be "always on" under even the most challenging environmental conditions (such as where sunlight may be limited during part of the year).

If a mains power source is used, the Solar Panels guarantee the Border Gateway continues to receive an energy source should a temporary power outage occur.

NFC for provisioning

The Border Gateway provides NFC to allow users to configure the Border Gateway using the Deployment app in locations without mobile connectivity (or when offline). It also allows for local debugging.

With the Silvanet Deployment app running on a Smartphone, a deployer holds their Smartphone near the embossed NFC symbol on the Border Gateway to register the device. Afterwards the Gateway can be mounted on a tree or pole.

Firmware updates

The Border Gateway supports FUOTA (Firmware Update Over The Air). Using FUOTA, the Border Gateway can successfully and securely receive firmware updates even if its power supply is interrupted.