“There’s an App for that.” You’ve probably heard the saying by now, and if you’re a
regular user of a smartphone, you may have used it yourself. Digital technology is becoming more and more prevalent in our day-to-day lives by providing us with ways to increase productivity, keep track of information and communicate more effi ciently. This certainly works in the offi ce, whether that offi ce is in
the city or relegated to one-half of the dining room table. But how can you make this technology work for you on the ranch?
Wireless networks With the right setup, producers can use wireless technol-
ogy to remotely monitor and control both the conditions and activities at various locations on the ranch. Commercial sensors and systems are available for moni-
toring a wide variety of conditions; from barns and silos to weather and security. “Practical application of these sensors allows farmers to
monitor such things as weather or stored grain conditions, confi ned livestock facilities, water tank levels, irrigation equip- ment and gate positions, from remote locations up to several miles from their offi ce computer,” says John Nowatzki, North Dakota State University agricultural machine systems special- ist. “Wireless networks can also incorporate separate signals to control activities at remote sites, such as switching motors on and off. These same wireless networks can provide wire- less Internet access throughout the farm.” By building your own private wireless
local area network (WLAN), you allow computers and other electronic devices or receivers to communicate with each other, using high-frequency radio waves instead of cables. Some devices only transmit infor- mation and some devices can receive and transmit, depending on the equipment and use. A security camera may only transmit a signal, while a remotely activated gate may need to transmit position informa- tion and then receive a signal in order to change position. One of these devices will often have
access to the Internet, which allows other web-enabled devices on the same network to access the web. This point of connec- tion is often known as a router, and is sometimes wired into a modem or signal point in your home or offi ce, depending on which provider you use for Internet service. Some areas don’t use wires at all, relying
94 The Cattleman June 2015
thecattlemanmagazine.com
on satellites or cellular coverage instead. Wireless networks function differently inside buildings
and across open outdoor spaces. The range inside a build- ing, where the radio waves must pass through construction material and walls, decreases a network’s range. Depending on the location of your center or main connection point or router, most personal or home-use networks will only reach a few hundred feet. This is why WIFI signals often get weaker when you’re in a
room far away from your router or wired Internet connection. However, by using special antennas and more powerful
equipment designed for broadcasting over long distances, a network spanning several miles could be possible if you have the right terrain, weather conditions and little interference from other radio signals or buildings. Contact your local Internet provider or computer technology
outlet to see if they have resources or offer services to set up wireless networks, or to upgrade the one you have. Many security systems and game cameras offer their own
data plans or programs. Some cameras used for surveillance, security or situation monitoring are accessible via Internet connection, or can send pictures straight to your email. As long as the camera’s location can receive a cellular signal or connect to your WLAN, you can see what’s going on in that back pasture or deer feeder. This can be tricky if you’re in a rural area, so there can be issues with powering or connect- ing to your device.
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