The Border Gateway (BG) is a key component of your Silvanet Mesh Network. Proper installation ensures optimal connectivity and reliable operation of your deployment. This article walks you through the mounting process for a Silvanet Border Gateway Gen 3.
When deploying Silvanet devices, always begin by installing the Border Gateway, as it serves as the primary connection point to the cloud.
Test your hardware and ensure successful connectivity before going to the field.
Before mounting the Border Gateway, activate the device using the Deployment app to provide its GPS location with the Silvanet Cloud.
Dryad Silvanet Tutorial Deployment Video
Placement Best Practices
- Install devices according to your Site Plan.
- Prioritize maximum sunlight exposure and ensure line of sight from the ground if possible.
Line of Sight & Coverage Guidelines
Achieving a clear line of sight (LoS) between gateways and sensors is critical. Here are coverage expectations based on terrain and height:
| Forest Type | Coverage Range | Mounting Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Forest | 300–700 m | ≥ 3 meters | Clear LoS required |
| Dense Forest | 200–500 m | ≥ 3 meters | Dense vegetation impacts range |
| Open Area | 1–3 km | 5–10 meters | Use for long-distance backhaul |
Deployment scenarios
The Gen 3 Border Gateway can be deployed using the supplied PoE (Power over Ethernet) to connect to a mains power supply. The solar panels must always be connected to the Border Gateway.
The Gen 3 Border Gateway can also be deployed using solar panels only without use of the PoE.
Mount to metal/wood poles
If a 60 mm (2.3 inch) wooden or metal pole is available, use the provided U-Clamps to attach the Border Gateway and solar panels to the pole.
- Prepare U-Clamps: Place the U-Clamps around the pole, through the mounting bracket and hand tighten the bolts to the U-Clamps.
- Tighten U-Clamps: After placing the mounting bracket at the correct location on the pole, use the 17 mm wrench to tighten the nuts. Do not use excessive force to prevent damage to the mounting bracket.
- Repeat for solar panel brackets: Repeat these steps for the two solar panel mounting brackets. The mounting bracket for the Border Gateway can face the Silvanet Mesh Network while the solar panels can be directed towards the sun at 12:00 noon.
- Mount Border Gateway and solar panel to brackets: Clip the Border Gateway and solar panels to the brackets. You can use locks to secure the devices to the brackets.
- Attach cables to Border Gateway: Connect the solar panels to the Border Gateway using the supplies cables.
- (Optionally) Use PoE to provide power: If a mains power supply is available, connect the PoE Injector to the mains
Mount to trees
- If the Border Gateway is attached to tree, the tree must be stable, healthy and and unlikely to be removed. It should survive most typical wind storms.
- Find a mounting location at least 3 m above forest floor: Once a tree has been selected, use a safety strap to hold the ladder to the tree. Then, with an assistant stabilizing the ladder at the bottom locate a position on the tree that is approximately 3 m above forest floor.
- Prepare mounting areas: For the Border Gateway and solar panels, remove any branches and other obstructions at the deployment height. This allows the solar panel to have good irradiation from the sun to charge the device. Carefully remove a small portion of the bark with an axe or chisel where the holes in the tree will be drilled. This allows the gateway to hang vertically on the tree.
- Drill two holes 70 mm apart for top loops: With a distance between the holes at 70 mm, drill approximately 6-7 cm (2 1/5 inches) into the tree for the top loops of the mounting brackets. Ensure you do not split the tree or drill on an angle. Use the 10mm drill bit.
- Hammer the top treenails into the tree: Carefully hammer the treenails through the top loops of the mounting brackets.
- Drill the bottom holes: With the mounting brackets attached at the top, carefully drill the bottom two holes using the lower holes as templates. Be careful not to damage the bracket while doing so. Also, use a drill bit with a sufficient length to ensure the holes are at the correct depth.
- Hammer the bottom treenails into the tree: Carefully hammer the treenails through the bottom loops into the tree. Check to ensure the mounting bracket is securely attached to the tree and cannot move.
- Attach the devices to the mounting brackets: Clip the Border Gateway and solar panels to the brackets. You can use locks to secure the devices to the brackets.
- Connect the cables: Connect the solar panels to the Border Gateway using the supplies cables.
- (Optionally) Use PoE to provide power: If a mains power supply is available, connect the PoE Injector to the mains.
Critical Mounting Warnings
- Do not deploy the Border Gateway horizontally or upside down.
- Ensure all connector caps are tightly sealed when not in use.
- Never deploy the device without a connected solar panel, even if using PoE.
-
Avoid obstructed locations (e.g., behind trees or inside structures).
- Lack of LoS will result in connectivity failure.
Final Checklist
- Tested connectivity at office
- Re-scanned and linked on-site
- Mounted at optimal height
- Clear line of sight confirmed
- Solar panel connected
- All unused ports sealed
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