Since Aranet sensors transmit data wirelessly, installers must ensure that the signal strength is sufficient for the base station to reliably receive the data. This can be challenging because signal strength may be adequate during the initial installation but can degrade once a crop is present in the greenhouse. Environmental conditions such as high humidity or misting can further weaken the wireless signal. In addition, if the Aranet sensors are installed when the crop is small, plant growth over time may obstruct the line of sight between the sensors and the base station, reducing signal reliability.
The strength of the signal can be measured using RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). RSSI is a measurement used in wireless communication to indicate how strong a radio signal is when it reaches a device. It is typically expressed in negative decibel-milliwatts (dBm), where values closer to zero represent a stronger signal and more negative values indicate a weaker one. RSSI can be used to help you assess the reliability and stability of your signal. Keep in mind that while RSSI is a useful to to measure signal strength, it does not account for electrical interference or noise that can also interfere with the signal.
The Aranet base station interface can show RSSI for each sensor so you can check the signal strength over time.
The chart above comes from the Aranet base station interface and shows seven days of history of the RSSI of a PAR sensor with a extremely weak signal.
Desired Aranet signal strength
| RSSI greater than -40 dBm | Excellent |
| RSSI between -40 dBm and -60 dBm | Very good |
| RSSI between -60 dBm and -80 dBm | Good |
| RSSI between -80 dBm and -100 dBm | Acceptable |
| RSSI less than -100 dBm | Weak |
For site planning, you can use a RSSI sensor from Aranet to test various locations: if it reports back reliably (e.g., signal shows up quickly on the base), the spot should work well for a real sensor. If needed, check the Aranet forum (forum.aranet.com) for user reports on low-RSSI experiences in base station setups.
See also:
Aranet integration with Priva Compass
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