Free Lunch and Learn from Merit-iot.

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How to Set Up Your Network for IoT Success.

The performance of an Internet of Things (IoT) system often depends on a well-configured network. Some applications for agriculture may include tracking temperature in a greenhouse, monitoring soil moisture in the back field, or determining the status of livestock. In all these cases, your sensors and devices rely on timely communication. If the network is unreliable, special accommodations have to be made at the sensor and the server.

These are some basic best practices for configuring your network for use on the farm or in the field. No technical background is required.

1. Choose the Right Protocol for the Job

Wi-Fi is great for short-range, high-bandwidth needs — like in the barn or office. But it struggles outdoors, especially over long distances or through metal siding.

LoRa (Long Range Radio) is ideal for rural farms. It’s low-power, long-range, and great for sending simple data like temperature or light levels.

Cellular (LTE/NB-IoT) can provide coverage where neither Wi-Fi nor LoRa reach, but comes with higher data costs and setup complexity.

Tip: Use Wi-Fi for local dashboards, LoRa for field sensors, and cellular as a fallback.

2. Optimize Your Router Placement

Your router's position matters:

• Place it high up and centrally located if indoors.
• Keep it away from large metal objects, which can block signals.
• Consider an external antenna if you're in a large barn or metal building.

Pro Tip: If you're using a mesh network (like multiple Wi-Fi nodes), avoid placing them too close together — spacing helps coverage.

3. Reduce Latency and Avoid Dropouts

• Use a separate guest network for your IoT devices to reduce interference from phones or laptops.
• Assign static IPs to devices that frequently drop offline.
• Avoid cheap Wi-Fi extenders — they often introduce more issues than they solve.

If using LoRa:

• Ensure a clear line of sight between sensors and the gateway.
• Mount antennas above rooflines or fences if needed.

4. Secure Your Network

Security doesn't need to be complicated:

• Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption on all wireless networks.
• Change the default password on your router.
• Disable remote management unless absolutely needed.
• Keep firmware updated — your router is a computer too.

Bonus: Segment your IoT network using VLANs if you want advanced control — or ask your tech-savvy friend.

5. Monitor and Adjust

Even the best setup needs a second look:

• Use free apps like WiFiman or NetSpot to check signal strength.
• Log downtime or weak connections — look for patterns.
• Check sensor logs to see if data is delayed or lost.

The best network is one you don’t think about because it just works.