Hortifrut deploys a WiFi 6 wireless network to manage production across its fruit farms

Hortifrut’s fruit farms have become a benchmark in Connected Agriculture 4.0. In this case, we have a next-generation WiFi network that connects and monitors the different IIoT systems, Industrial Internet of Things, and sensor networks that manage production.

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El reto: cobertura WiFi estable y eficiente

The project, framed within Hortifrut’s digital transformation strategy, is led by Codipro, uses Cambium Networks technology and aims to provide stable and efficient WiFi coverage across the entire perimeter of the farm.

A next-generation WiFi network connects and monitors the different IoT systems and sensor networks that manage production.

By combining WiFi 6 technology with high-efficiency antennas, the XV2-2T offers a range of up to 1 km, achieving higher performance over shorter ranges compared to competing solutions.
The antenna design allows the XV2-2T access points to provide consistent coverage for an optimal user experience.
To cover the entire production area, in this case, 12 signal transmission points were defined, connected to a Cambium Networks ePMP3000 access point.

In these images, we can see an example of WiFi 6 coverage on one of Hortifrut’s farms.

The solution and result: WiFi 6

In this latest project, and after the preliminary studies, 12 signal transmission points were defined to cover the entire production area. These were connected to a Cambium Networks ePMP3000 access point, located in Hortifrut’s offices on the farm, ensuring connectivity between this building and the crop area.

The solution includes 12 Force 300-13L subscriber modules, each connected to an outdoor AP XV2-2T access point, a WiFi 6 outdoor AP with high-efficiency antennas, also from Cambium, which transmit the signal throughout the greenhouse area.

By combining WiFi 6 technology with high-efficiency antennas, the XV2-2T offers a range of up to 1 km, achieving higher performance over shorter ranges compared to competing solutions.

The high-efficiency antennas of the XV2-2T offer a maximum gain of 9 dBi and an average of 7 dBi across 360 degrees at 5 GHz, providing maximum gain and minimal nulls. The XV2-2T offers a maximum gain of 13.5 dBi in a 120-degree sectorised area at 5 GHz. The antenna design allows the XV2-2T access points to provide consistent coverage for an optimal user experience.

This range and higher performance make it possible to cover a larger area more efficiently, reducing equipment, backhaul infrastructure, cabling, installation and ongoing maintenance costs.

Maurice Dini, Regional Sales Manager at Cambium Networks for Iberia and the Mediterranean, highlights “the perfect combination” of Cambium’s point-to-multipoint equipment and the power of our outdoor WiFi 6 access points, which offer maximum coverage and efficiency.

The results: a municipal network ready to grow

Among the improvements provided by the new network is the centralised cloud-based management of the entire installation, including wireless links and access points, alert monitoring and updates, thanks to Cambium Networks’ cnMaestro solution.

In addition, the new network offers a much higher connection bandwidth than the previous one, making access to devices easier and improving camera viewing. It also provides much more reliable operation thanks to the latest-generation technology of the new infrastructures, with higher-quality towers and new, properly renewed cabling.

Doñana Biological Station

The Doñana Biological Station is a research centre that forms part of the Spanish National Research Council, CSIC, within the area of Natural Resources. Its main mission is to carry out top-level multidisciplinary research aimed at understanding, from an evolutionary perspective, how biodiversity is generated, how it is maintained and deteriorates, as well as the consequences of its loss and the possibilities for its conservation and restoration. As a result of these activities, it promotes the transfer of knowledge to society. The Institute has two field stations: the ICTS Doñana Biological Reserve, Doñana Natural Area, Almonte, Huelva, and the Roblehondo Field Station, located in the Natural Park of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas.
Doñana Biological Reserve, Doñana Natural Area, Almonte, Huelva, and the Roblehondo Field Station, located in the Natural Park of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas.

We close this article with a curiosity: here you can watch live the multiple cameras managed by the ICTS – RBD of the Doñana Biological Station, which broadcast live 24 hours a day.

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