Build a terrain-first plan
Start with a map that includes elevation, ridges, valleys, tree cover, buildings and the areas where cattle spend time. A straight-line distance figure cannot describe radio coverage across uneven land. Mark candidate gateway sites with power, backhaul and safe maintenance access.
Choose mounting height
Install the antenna above nearby roofs, trees and metal structures where practical. Greater height can improve line of sight, but long coaxial cable introduces loss. It is often better to place the gateway close to the antenna and run Ethernet or power to the unit than to use a long antenna cable.
Antenna considerations
| Factor | Practical effect |
|---|---|
| Antenna gain | Changes the vertical pattern as well as nominal reach |
| Cable length | Long or low-quality cable reduces received signal |
| Polarization | Gateway and collar antennas should have compatible orientation |
| Grounding | Supports lightning and surge protection |
| Nearby metal | Can detune or block the antenna pattern |
Single versus multiple gateways
A single gateway may cover a small open ranch from a central elevated site. Large, irregular or wooded properties often need several gateways. Overlapping coverage improves reliability and allows the network server to receive the same collar packet through more than one route.
Plan the field survey
- Use the intended gateway, antenna and regional frequency plan.
- Mount at a temporary height close to the final design.
- Test with the same collar hardware and reporting configuration planned for deployment.
- Visit water points, low ground, fence lines and seasonal grazing areas.
- Record packet delivery, RSSI, SNR and backhaul stability.
Do not ignore maintenance
A gateway location must remain accessible for inspection, firmware updates, antenna checks and power-system service. Protect cables from livestock and weather. Document the mounting height, antenna, coordinates, network settings and power arrangement for every site.
When to add another gateway
Add coverage when critical grazing zones show repeated packet loss, when terrain blocks a central site, or when operational risk requires redundancy. Moving an existing gateway may solve a gap, so test both position and number before final construction.