Site Plan Validation: Checklist

Validating your site plan before releasing it for deployment ensures your Silvanet network design is field-ready. This step helps you identify and resolve potential issues early, saving time, minimizing on-site troubleshooting, and preventing deployment delays.

1. Review Device Placement and Coverage in the Site Planning Tool

✅ Check LoRa coverage
Ensure all planned sensors fall within the displayed LoRa coverage areas on the Site Planning Tool map. This confirms that every device will connect to the network once deployed in the field.

✅ Verify realistic installation sites
Confirm that sensors are placed in areas where installation is possible, for example, in regions with sufficient trees or planned mounting structures. Avoid open areas where sensor mounting would not be feasible.

✅ Assess detection performance
Use the Fire Protection Map Layer to verify that detection times across the site align with your intended protection levels. Critical zones should achieve faster detection times, while less critical areas can tolerate longer intervals.

Note: The Silvanet Deployment App automatically updates the device’s recorded location based on its actual installation point when scanned in. This feature allows field teams to make necessary adjustments on-site if a planned mounting position is not available. See our article What Happens If There Are No Trees to Install My Sensors on at the Planned Locations? for more information. 

2. Validate Border Gateway Connectivity

Border Gateways are essential for connecting your Silvanet network to the Silvanet Cloud. Each gateway must have a confirmed and reliable backhaul connection before deployment.

✅ If connecting via mobile network (LTE-M / NB-IoT):

• Confirm mobile network coverage at your site using a coverage map from your regional roaming provider (e.g., Telus) or your chosen SIM provider.

• Ensure the selected mobile provider supports the required LTE-M or NB-IoT band frequencies for your region.

• Avoid low-signal areas where the Border Gateway may fail to connect to the Silvanet Cloud.

✅ If connecting via LAN:

• Verify that a stable wired connection is available at the planned installation point.

• Ensure the physical location of the LAN connection matches the planned Border Gateway position and that network access is authorized.

3. Confirm Border Gateway Power Sources

Border Gateways can be powered via Solar or Power over Ethernet (PoE) depending on site conditions and available infrastructure.

✅ Solar-powered installations:

• Check that the installation site receives adequate sunlight throughout the year for reliable charging.

• Avoid shaded areas caused by dense canopy or nearby structures.

• Confirm correct mounting orientation and tilt angle for maximum solar exposure.

✅ PoE-powered installations:

• Confirm that the available PoE source meets the gateway’s power requirements.

• Verify cable length and quality to prevent voltage drops.

• Ensure power infrastructure is protected from weather and wildlife.