Wireless (L302) Sensor Gateway Placement

VergeSense L302 wireless battery-powered sensors connect using a 2.4GHz proprietary mesh protocol. The sensors create a mesh network that connects to the gateway. Due to this network infrastructure, not all sensors need to be within range of the gateway. The gateway has a range of up to 40ft. This 40ft range is for an ideal environment using a horizontal line of sight with no interference. When a poor connection between the closest sensors and gateway is present, the battery life of the sensors can be significantly impacted. This is because it will take a sensor longer to transmit data, and frequently needs to retransmit packets.

Each gateway can support a mesh network of up to 50 sensors.

Mesh Range Derating

A typical office is a very difficult environment for sensor communications. There are objects and structures which interfere with signal propagation. Depending on the material of a wall, the signal can be reduced between 25%-50%. Based on these realities and our experience in the field, we feel confident in using a maximum range of 40ft.

The same 40 ft range can be used to determine sensor-to-sensor connectivity. An additional gateway may be needed if a group of sensors is significantly isolated from the mesh network.

Note: the gateway only needs to be within range of 10% of sensors- not all sensors need to connect to the gateway directly as they will create their own network.

A best practice is to use the green circle to determine the ideal installation locations of the gateway. 10% of sensors intended to connect to the gateway should be within the coverage area. By placing the circle along exterior walls, you can maximize the coverage across the desired space. Using the example below, 6 gateway should be sufficient coverage for the floor.

There are two examples below.

Example A: This gateway placement does not provide sufficient coverage. Even with a clear line of sight (40ft) there are not enough sensors within range to provide a strong network. This range is further impacted by the surrounding walls and corners.

Example B: By adding a second gateway, each mesh network has more than 10% of sensors within gateway range. This will result in a stable mesh network.

Wall Placement Guidelines

Other considerations need to be taken when determining gateway placement. Gateway should face towards coverage area. They should be placed above tallest obstructions and away from corners to maximize coverage. Place away from shelves, cabinets, HVAC ducts, and other obstacles. Goal is to maximize line of sight to coverage area.

Brick, concrete and metal walls completely block signals. Drywall, wood, glass, HVAC ducts, open racks, cabinets, pallets or any object in line of sight are considered obstructions.

Each obstruction reduces range by 12.5ft, to a minimum of of 25ft horizontal range

Ceiling height should also be considered. Ceiling mounting above 10ft height reduces range by 5ft per 10ft of height.

● 20ft ceiling = 45ft

● 30ft ceiling = 40ft

Updated May 15, 2023 16:49