Communication Outage

📡 What to Do in Case of a Prolonged Communication Outage

Overview

In some cases, communication between the virtual fencing neckbands and the cloud platform can be interrupted for an extended period. This can happen due to cellular network outages, LoRa Base Station failures, or other connectivity issues in the local area.

When communication is lost, the neckbands will continue to enforce the existing virtual fence until the configured Emergency Timeout expires (default: 24 hours).

During this time, the neckbands operate autonomously, but cannot receive new instructions from the platform.

What Happens During an Outage

• The neckbands maintain the current virtual paddock boundaries and continue normal operation.
• Because communication is unavailable, it is not possible to:
• • Send new virtual fence boundaries.
  • Turn off or modify the existing fence.
  • Receive updated status or location data from the animals.

Repeatedly trying to send new instructions during this period will create a backlog (“queue”) on the platform. Once communication is restored, this backlog can cause delays as all the queued instructions are processed.

It’s best to avoid sending repeated updates until connectivity is confirmed to be restored.

Recommended Actions for Farmers

🧭 1. Assess Feed Availability

Determine whether the animals have sufficient feed within their current virtual paddock to last until the Emergency Timeout expires.

If feed is limited or the paddock is becoming overgrazed:

• Provide supplementary feed, such as hay or silage, within the existing virtual paddock.
• Avoid attempting to move animals virtually until communication returns.

🧰 2. Check Infrastructure

Inspect or confirm the status of any equipment that could be contributing to the outage:

• Verify that the LoRa Base Station has power and is operating normally.
• Check that network coverage is available in the area (for example, via a mobile phone on the same carrier).
• Ensure there are no local power outages or equipment faults.

If the issue appears local, restoring power or resetting equipment may resolve communication sooner.

🐄 3. Monitor Animal Behaviour

Even without live data, you can still observe the herd in person to ensure:

• Animals remain calm and are respecting the current virtual fence.
• None have breached the boundary or appear stressed due to limited feed or water.

⚠️ 4. Prepare Temporary Containment (if needed)

If communication cannot be restored quickly and the Emergency Timeout is likely to expire soon:

• Set up temporary electric fencing to maintain containment once the neckbands stop enforcing boundaries.
• Consider moving animals manually to a secure paddock if containment risk is high.

🕒 5. Wait for Communications to Restore

Once connectivity is restored:

• The platform will automatically resume communication with all neckbands.
• Virtual fences will reapply as per their last active configuration.
• Avoid making immediate large-scale boundary changes until all devices have confirmed reconnection.

Preventative Tips

To minimise disruption from future outages:

• Ensure Base Stations are installed in locations with reliable power and cellular signal.
• Set the Emergency Timeout to a duration that suits your farm’s risk profile and operational flexibility.
• Keep a small amount of temporary fencing equipment on hand as a contingency.

Summary

During a prolonged communication outage, neckbands continue to enforce the last known virtual paddock until the Emergency Timeout expires.

Farmers should assess feed levels, avoid sending repeated commands, and prepare contingency measures like temporary fencing or supplementary feeding if needed.

Once communication resumes, normal operation will automatically continue.

Updated on: 09/10/2025