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# Emergency Timeout

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, i.e., 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 wait for the animal to start moving.
* 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 then needs to continue walking back towards the virtual fence to avoid further stimulus.
* Once the animal **re-enters the virtual paddock**, normal operations resume.

**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, e.g., 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**.



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.


v1.0, 11/2025