LoRa Droplets: Installation Best Practices

LoRa Droplets: Installation Best Practices

RSSI

The Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) is the received signal power in milliwatts and is measured in dBm. This value can be used as a measurement of how well a receiver can hear a signal from a sender. When deploying the LoRa droplets into the field, a RSSI value will be sent to the Rubix Compute’s platform from which the user can ascertain if the install location would be suitable.



Obstructions

The gateway/antenna should be positioned as high as practicable, with as few obstructions as possible in its path. When installing antennas outside of enclosures, ensure the tip is at least 150mm above to reduce interference with the enclosure. Similarly, for a droplet installation, avoid installing the droplet at ground level to minimise ground interference.

Centralised Gateway

The gateway should be in a position central to the most number of sensors possible. This ensures that blackspots or low signal zones are minimised and that the most sensors have a strong signal.

For high rise installations, a good rule of thumb is for the gateway to be installed such that it reaches sensors two floors above and one floor below. 

Extension coax cable

It it is unfeasible to mount the gateway to the most appropriate location, an option would be to use an antenna extension cable. An extension cable can be used to mount the antenna far distances away from the gateway whilst maintaining functionality.


LoRa Commissioning Best Practices

The Nube Droplet sensors utilise LoRa wireless technology which features long range and good object penetration. However, the user must ensure that there is still good communication signal with the LoRa Gateway. The quality of the communication signal depends on the distance from the LoRa gateway and objects between the Droplet sensor and the LoRa Gateway. The flow chart below is a recommended best practice for installing and commissioning wireless droplets.