Dryad Networks has announced the general availability of its third-generation Silvanet border and mesh gateways, which bring new features designed for ultra-early wildfire detection and forest management. These advanced gateways introduce significant enhancements, including direct-to-satellite connectivity, an extended LoRa radio range, and easier installation with a new mounting system, all housed in a robust, weatherproof design with an IP67 rating.
Dryad Networks sets a new standard for reliable communication in remote forest areas. This capability reduces reliance on terrestrial networks and enables real-time monitoring, remote configuration, and firmware updates. With satellite connectivity built into both border and mesh gateways, the system offers redundancy, ensuring continuous operation even if terrestrial communication fails.
Other key improvements include enhanced reliability and expanded network coverage, making the third-generation gateways ideal for large-scale, long-term deployments in difficult environments, offering maintenance-free operation for 10 to 15 years.
The Silvanet Border Gateway is deployed at the edge of a forest, while the Silvanet Mesh Gateway extends network coverage deeper into the forest using a multi-hop mesh architecture. Together, these gateways form the core of Dryad Networks’ Silvanet Suite for wildfire detection and forest management, providing a robust communication framework for Silvanet Wildfire Sensors and other sensors currently in development.
“At Dryad Networks, our mission is to protect the world’s forests by developing innovative and scalable solutions for wildfire detection and forest management. Our third-generation Silvanet border and mesh gateways represent a significant leap forward in achieving this goal, offering unmatched reliability, network performance, coverage and ease of use,” explained Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO, Dryad Networks. “The upgrades reflect our commitment to continuously advancing our technology to meet the evolving needs of our partners and end users.”
“The introduction of direct-to-satellite connectivity and extended LoRa range in our new gateways marks a pivotal advancement in wildfire detection technology. These features ensure that even the most remote and challenging environments can be monitored in real time, without reliance on terrestrial networks. This technological breakthrough sets a new standard in the industry,” added Pedro Silva, CTO, Dryad Networks.
The new Silvanet gateways boast several advancements, including:
Improved connectivity:
- Built-in satellite communication in collaboration with EchoStar for North American and European markets, providing connectivity in areas without terrestrial networks and ensuring redundancy with 4G network communication
- Embedded SIM card (NB-IOT/LTE-M) with multi-IMSI for global mobile network connectivity straight out of the box
- External SIM card slot for easy replacement with local SIMs, optimising connectivity in specific regions
- Extended LoRaWAN range, enabling communication over distances of up to 10 kilometres, reducing the number of gateways required per deployment
Enhanced energy management:
- Dual solar panels, doubling the energy available to critical system components
- 30% more energy storage compared to the second-generation gateways, with additional supercapacitors ensuring consistent operation even in low-light or shaded areas
Greater durability:
- Integrated PCB antenna design, removing external antennas to increase reliability and reduce potential weak points
- Rigid-flex PCB design, eliminating internal connectors and cables for greater durability
- IP67 waterproof rating, ensuring the gateways withstand harsh environmental conditions, extending their lifecycle and reducing the need for maintenance
Simplified installation:
- New mounting system, allowing gateways to be installed 50% faster than previous models, with a mounting bracket and locking system for quick attachment to trees or poles
- Built-in NFC interface, enabling local configuration and testing without the need for QR codes, allowing technicians to configure and test the gateway on-site using an NFC-enabled device, even in areas without communication infrastructure
These improvements make Dryad Networks’ third-generation Silvanet border and mesh gateways an ideal solution for large-scale deployments in challenging environments, with unmatched reliability, simplified installation, and enhanced system performance.
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