How to Deploy Silvanet Devices Without Cellular Coverage

Deploying Silvanet devices in remote forests or rugged terrain can sometimes mean working in areas with limited or no cellular coverage.

 While Border Gateways (BGs) rely on 4G/LTE or LAN to connect to the Silvanet Cloud, the system is designed with flexibility in mind. Mesh Gateways (MGs) and Wildfire Sensors communicate via LoRa and do not require direct cellular connectivity, so they can still be deployed effectively offline.

Before You Enter the Site

1. Prepare in Advance

• Log in to the Silvanet Deployment App in an area with strong mobile signal.
• Open the Site you plan to work on.
• Cache the map by opening the Map View and allowing it to load completely. This stores the visual data for offline use.
• Ensure the Deployment Packet assigned to you is fully synced.

2. Verify App Permissions

• Make sure the Deployment App has permissions for:
  • Location services (GPS)
  • Mobile data (if briefly available)
  • Camera (for scanning QR codes)

3. Bring Necessary Equipment

• Fully charged smartphone or tablet
• Backup power supply
• Optional: handheld transceivers for team communication
• Paper copy or offline list of planned device locations (as backup)

During Deployment Without Connectivity

❌Border Gateways Require Connectivity

• Border Gateways (BGs) require either cellular or LAN (Ethernet) connectivity.
• If neither is available (cellular or LAN) at the intended location, you must relocate the Border Gateway to a spot with sufficient signal.
• Installing a BG in a location without signal will prevent the entire network from syncing data

✅Deploy Mesh Gateways and Sensors Offline

• MGs and Wildfire Sensors communicate using LoRa and do not require cellular or LAN access during installation.
• You can scan QR codes or use NFC to register these devices and log their GPS coordinates locally.
• They will connect to the network once a Border Gateway is available.

Map Navigation Available

• Cached map data allows you to navigate between planned device locations
• Your GPS dot (live location) will continue to work based on satellite data

Communication Tips

• Use handheld radios to stay in contact with teammates in areas with coverage
• Relay info to a team member who can assist with troubleshooting or data entry

After Returning to a Coverage Area

Sync Your Data in the Deployment app

• As soon as you regain mobile signal:
  • Open the Deployment App
  • All registered MGs and Sensors will automatically sync to the Silvanet Cloud
  • Any notes, photos, or location data will be uploaded

Review in Site Management App

• Log in to dryad.app to verify:
  • Devices have appeared under the correct Site and Packet
  • Deployment statuses are updated

Important Reminders

• Border Gateways require either cellular or LAN connectivity. If neither is available:
  • Do not finalize installation at that spot.
  • Instead, relocate the BG to a position where connectivity is confirmed.
• Mesh Gateways and Sensors can be deployed without cellular or LAN access.
  • They will form a LoRa mesh network and buffer data until a Border Gateway becomes available.

 Summary Checklist