Emergency Timeout

🕒 Understanding the Emergency Timeout Feature on the eShepherd Neckbands

Overview

Each eShepherd virtual fencing neckband includes an Emergency Timeout feature designed to keep your animals safe and your system predictable in the event of a communication loss between the neckband and the cloud platform.

During normal operation, the neckband regularly exchanges data with the web-enabled platform. If this communication is interrupted — for example, due to a cellular network outage — the neckband begins tracking how long it has been since it last heard from the platform.

If the communication gap exceeds the Emergency Timeout period, the neckband will stop enforcing the virtual fence boundary until communication is restored.

How It Works

1. Normal Operation

The neckband and the platform communicate on a regular cadence.

Virtual fences are actively enforced according to your paddock setup and containment settings.

2. Communication Failure

If communication stops (for example, due to poor network coverage or a system outage), the neckband starts counting the time since it last received a message from the platform.

The neckband continues to operate as normal during this time.

3. Emergency Timeout Expiry

If the outage lasts longer than the configured Emergency Timeout period (default: 24 hours), the neckband will cease to enforce the virtual fence.

This prevents animals from being contained indefinitely without supervision if communication cannot be restored.

4. Restoration of Communication

When communication resumes, the neckband will automatically resume enforcement of the same virtual paddock boundary.

The animal’s response then depends on which containment algorithm is configured.

Behaviour After Communication is Restored

Option 1: Standard Containment Algorithm

• If animals have moved outside the virtual fence during the outage, the neckband will not take immediate action.
• Once the animal re-enters the virtual paddock on its own, the virtual fence becomes active again.
• From that point forward, the animal will be prevented from leaving the boundary.

Option 2: Return to Paddock Algorithm

• When enabled, this mode guides animals back toward the virtual paddock once communication is restored.
• If the animal attempts to walk further away, the neckband delivers audio cues and a pulse (if necessary) to encourage it to turn back.
• The animal is free to return to the paddock at any time without receiving stimuli.

Default and Custom Settings

• The default Emergency Timeout is 24 hours.
• If the platform detects a widespread communication issue, customers receive an automatic notification advising them to take precautionary measures — for example, by using temporary electric fencing to maintain containment.

Some customers prefer to adjust the Emergency Timeout to suit their management style or grazing conditions.

To change this setting, please contact your Customer Success Representative.

Summary

The Emergency Timeout feature provides a safe and predictable fallback when communication is lost.

By understanding how it functions — and which containment algorithm is in use — you can plan ahead and ensure your animals remain safely managed, even during temporary connectivity issues.

Updated on: 09/10/2025