Mesh Gateway Installation Guide

This article describes how to install a Mesh Gateway (MG) in the field using the Silvanet Deployment App.

The installation process is designed to be quick and simple. In the field, you only need to mount the device and scan it. No additional configuration is required.

Important Notes

• The Silvanet Deployment App is continuously improved. Screens and steps shown in this article may differ slightly depending on the app version you are using.

• The installation flow described in this guide applies primarily to Gen 3 Mesh Gateways.

• Gen 2 Mesh Gateways may display additional steps in the Deployment App and follow a slightly different registration flow.

Always follow the instructions shown in the Deployment App during installation.

Before You Begin

Charge the Mesh Gateway in Direct Sunlight (Recommended)

Before deployment, it is recommended to place the Mesh Gateway in direct sunlight to charge its internal battery.

Charging the device before installation:

• Ensures sufficient energy during registration

• Reduces waiting time in the Deployment App

• Makes the installation process faster and smoother

This step can be done before leaving for the site or upon arrival, while preparing the installation.

Install the Mesh Gateway

Step 1: Select the Mesh Gateway in the Deployment App

1. Open the Silvanet Deployment App

2. Navigate to the correct site

3. Select the planned Mesh Gateway from the map

Step 2: Mount the Mesh Gateway

Mount the Mesh Gateway at the planned location defined during site planning.

Tip
Before permanently securing the Mesh Gateway, you can temporarily mount or hang the device using the mounting wire. This allows you to confirm mesh connectivity to the Border Gateway and nearby Mesh Gateways, and adjust height or orientation if needed. Once connectivity is confirmed, proceed with the permanent mounting.

Mounting Procedure

1. At the selected height, remove loose bark using a chisel to create a flat contact surface

2. Hold the mounting bracket against the trunk and mark the drill hole positions

3. Drill pilot holes to the depth required for the tree nails

4. Secure the mounting bracket using the provided tree nails

5. Clip the Mesh Gateway into the bracket until it locks in place

Location and Height

• Choose a tree or pole with clear line of sight toward the Border Gateway and/or nearby Mesh Gateways

• Target an installation height of 3–4 m in forested areas

• Increase height only if required to achieve line of sight

• Heights of 5–10 m should be reserved for flat, open corridors (for example, power lines or roads)

Orientation and Sun Exposure

• Ensure good sun exposure at the installation point

• When mounting on a tree:

  • In the northern hemisphere, orient the front of the unit south (at solar noon)

  • In the southern hemisphere, orient the front of the unit north

Mounting Constraints

• Avoid metal obstructions and dense materials

• Ensure the device can be mounted securely and remains stable over time

Location Changes During Installation

Note
If the planned installation location is not accessible (for example, due to terrain, safety constraints, or the absence of a suitable tree or pole), the Mesh Gateway may be installed at a nearby alternative location.

When installing the Mesh Gateway at a different location:

• Keep the device as close as possible to the originally planned position

• Complete the installation in the Deployment App

• Review the updated connectivity and coverage in Site Management within the Planning Tool

Even small changes in position or height can significantly affect mesh coverage and connectivity. After deploying the Mesh Gateway at a new location, it may be necessary to:

• Relocate nearby sensors

• Adjust the placement of other Mesh Gateways

• Update the site plan to reflect the actual installation

Always validate the updated network layout before proceeding with additional device installations.

Step 3: Scan the Mesh Gateway (NFC)

Once the Mesh Gateway is mounted:

1. Hold your phone close to the NFC tag on the front of the device

2. Follow the on-screen instructions in the Deployment App

Note
For Gen 3 Mesh Gateways, scanning the NFC tag completes the registration. No additional steps are required.

scan the QR Code (for Gen 2

Step 4: Registration in Progress

After scanning, the Deployment App registers the device automatically.

Step 5: Installation Successful

When registration is complete, the Deployment App confirms that the Mesh Gateway is installed.

The Deployment app automatically fills in the Gateway's latitude and longitude using the Smartphone's GPS location.

The Mesh Gateway is now deployed and operating.

You can confirm:

• Device status: Deployed

• Power status: ON

• Energy level is sufficient

• Connectivity status: Good

Summary

• Charging the Mesh Gateway in sunlight before installation is recommended

• The app shows “Deployed” on the Deployment App
• The device shows online status on the Site Management App

Next Steps

Continue with the installation of the remaining devices in your deployment.