Why does Wi-Fi for rural areas coverage require a one-stop solar solution?

Preface

Many areas of developing countries around the world still lack internet coverage. Wi-Fi for rural areas, combined with microwaves and StartLink, has become the primary method for achieving rural wireless internet access. However, addressing network coverage often requires addressing power supply, as areas and villages without internet access often lack electricity. Solar power, as the simplest and most efficient way to obtain energy, is often combined with Wi-Fi for rural areas to form a comprehensive solution. This article attempts to explain how to provide a one-stop solar solution for rural wireless internet access.

Table of Contents

1.Typical Deployment Environment of WIFI for Rural Area

Simplified Rural WIFI Site Topology

The above figure is a typical rural area village. In order to develop the economy and education in these areas, network coverage is very necessary. If you want to achieve rural wireless Internet coverage in these areas, then WIFI for rural areas is the best choice. However, many of these areas have no fiber optic or electricity, which increases the difficulty of network coverage. In summary, there are the following difficulties:

  • No fiber optic backhaul network
  • No electricity
  • Remote location and difficult maintenance

Therefore, there are many things to consider when designing an efficient, low-cost, and easy-to-maintain network in these areas, and these are closely related to how to use solar energy to obtain electricity.Based on this, we believe that the one-stop solar solution designed based on WIFI for rural areas is the best solution.

2.Overall Network Architecture of WIFI for Rural Areas

Overall Network Architecture of Rural WIFI

Wi-Fi for rural areas requires more than just a single Wi-Fi AP node; it requires comprehensive consideration of the entire network’s access, backhaul, and central office architecture. When we apply this entire network architecture to rural areas like Africa and Latin America, and consider various aspects such as installation and maintenance, the situation becomes more complex. Different scenarios require different analyses. Let’s analyze the entire network architecture by breaking it down into the following components:

Power Supply:

Power supply is the most challenging issue. Wi-Fi for rual areas is often deployed in remote areas far from major cities, making electricity difficult to obtain. The various node types involved in the entire network architecture require power, so building an efficient, lightweight, and easy-to-maintain solar power system became a crucial consideration.

Internet in ISP and Central Office

Central office deployment methods vary depending on the scenario. Areas with better conditions can use microwave or long-range Wi-Fi to transmit data back to the central office and connect to the local ISP’s fiber or other resources. However, in more common cases, ISP access points are located in large cities, far from rural areas, requiring internet access through satellite access methods such as Starlink.

Distribution Network

Wi-Fi distribution network solutions for rural areas are limited to microwave and long-range Wi-Fi. However, due to limited access to electricity, the design and selection of solar solutions for Wi-Fi in rural areas are becoming increasingly important.Based on Edgeware’s experience, the overall deployment of a solar solution with WIFI mesh can greatly optimize the distribution network.

Access Node

Access nodes provide internet access to users, requiring high-performance, long-range Wi-Fi access points. Long range provides wider coverage, reducing the number of access nodes required. The number of access nodes in Wi-Fi for rural areas not only impacts capital expenditure (CAPEX) but also significantly impacts operational expenditure (OPEX). Imagine a large number of access nodes distributed throughout rural areas, far from central cities. If any issues arise, requiring on-site maintenance, the cost will be high.

Final User

End customers use their own smart phone, pad or computer to connect to the Internet via WIFI. Of course, considering that many rural areas in developing countries have no electricity supply, it is possible to provide low-cost micro-home solar energy storage equipment to end users, so that users can charge terminals such as smart phones.

3.Solar Solution of Wi-Fi for Rural Areas Main Considerations

How to Get Power for the Access Node and Distribution Node

Building a solar system for Wi-Fi in rural areas requires comprehensive consideration. This includes addressing the challenges of transportation, installation, and maintenance arising from the long distances involved. Imagine a maintenance nightmare if there are numerous, widely distributed sites without effective remote monitoring and management software.

Wi-Fi for rural areas sites are located in remote areas and are usually on poles, which makes transportation and installation inconvenient

Wi-Fi for rural areas sites are often located far from urban centers, making transportation and installation quite inconvenient. To ensure stable site operation, when designing a solar Wi-Fi for rural areas system, we often consider including batteries that provide at least 48 hours of system autonomy, or even more. However, if we were to use traditional solar system construction methods, such as a massive 19-inch rack-type outdoor cabinet with GEL batteries and a traditional solar power system, the system would be enormous. The total volume and size would be enormous, and transportation to remote areas would be costly. Furthermore, installation often requires the use of cranes, which can create a host of challenges.

Complicated Site Commissioning and Debugging 

If we use a traditional solar system to build Wi-Fi sites in rural areas, we’ll need to perform a lot of work at the site, including wiring, site configuration, and post-deployment debugging. These tasks are not a problem in central cities, but they present a host of challenges when the site is located in a remote area. Imagine these rural areas lacking electricity, internet access, or communication base stations. If we use a traditional approach, we’ll have to wait until the site is deployed to perform integration and cabling. If we encounter difficulties due to case-by-case issues at the site, or if there are missing components, engineers won’t be able to quickly return to headquarters to obtain them, nor will they be able to communicate with headquarters for technical support. Therefore, a solar system for Wi-Fi in rural areas must be highly integrated and easy to operate. This way, engineers can complete their work on site without having to worry about complex cabling and configuration.

Complex Environments Affect the Long-term Operation Stability of Equipment

Outdoor deployment environments are complex, and we need to consider the impact of different regional environments on the long-term operational stability of the entire system. For example, in the Middle East, high temperatures and dust often impact the system. High humidity can cause system short circuits. Coastal areas with high salt content can corrode the entire system. These factors can significantly undermine the long-term operational stability of the system, requiring careful design tailored to different environments.

Based on these facts ,we believe that the ideal solar system of WIFI for rural areas should have the following features:

The system must be miniaturized and compact as much as possible. A suitcase-like design makes it easier to transport the equipment from HQ to the rural area. The lighter design will also make the rural WIFI solar system pole installation easier, without the need for heavy equipment such as cranes.

All in One Pre-integrated System with network，Solar and Battery

Solar system for rural WIFI is best to be able to highly pre-integrate various systems such as network, solar, battery, etc., so as to avoid customers from complicated installation and debugging at the site. Customers do not need to care about the interconnection and power supply relationship between various modules. They only need to install the device on the pole and power it on to start running.

IP65 rugged deisgn with rust-proof feature

The entire system is designed with IP65 ingress protection to prevent the network, solar controller, battery and other core components inside the device from contacting the outside air, thereby avoiding various corrosion possibilities and condensation problems. The entire solar battery enclosure is designed with rust-proof materials to prevent the outer shell from rusting.

Remote monitoring and management

Rural WIFI solar system should have remote monitoring and management capabilities, so that the real-time status of the site operation can be known on the central software platform to help customers better operate and maintain. When a site problem occurs, the problem can be roughly known so that spare parts can be brought to the site to avoid multiple trips between the site and HQ.

4.Functional Model of WIFI for Rural Areas Site Based On Solar System

Simplified WIFI for Rual Area Site Topology

We’ve previously discussed a number of issues with solar-powered Wi-Fi sites for rural areas. However, with the right design, the entire system can be highly integrated and lightweight. Previous solar system designs in the market were based on the failure of different players in the power, network, and software industries to comprehensively consider the entire scenario and develop a comprehensive solution.

  • POE/POE+/POE++

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is the power supply method for nearly all types of Wi-Fi in rural areas. Therefore, a PoE switch is essential. However, Edgeware asks why solar system and PoE switch manufacturers are separated, leaving the final assembly to the customer. Why can’t manufacturers simply offer a single, integrated solar system with a PoE switch?

  • Rugged Design with IP65 Ingress Protection

This IP65-rated system features a ruggedized housing to prevent external environmental impacts. Constructed entirely of cast aluminum, it resists rust and ensures long-term operational stability.

  • Solar System

Traditional solar power system solutions are designed for general civilian use and therefore don’t address the specific solar system requirements of Wi-Fi for rural areas. However, Wi-Fi for rural areas requires very low power consumption, typically under 100W, and sometimes even less than 50W. Therefore, we need a highly efficient, highly integrated, and compact solar system.

  • Battery

Traditional solar systems typically use GEL or lead-acid batteries to reduce battery costs. However, for Wi-Fi in rural areas, this configuration is not worth the cost. GEL or lead-acid batteries are significantly heavier and larger than lithium batteries. Considering the increased transportation costs associated with the lead-acid batteries’ larger size and weight, the cost savings are not worth the cost. Furthermore, from a technical perspective, the complex environment of rural areas can present varying temperature challenges. In some areas, temperatures can be extremely high, far exceeding the operating temperature of lead-acid batteries (25-30°C). Others can be extremely cold, falling below -10°C. Lithium batteries, with their compact size and high energy density, make the entire solar system even smaller and lighter. Furthermore, lithium batteries have a higher operating temperature, generally around 50°C. For low-temperature conditions, a lithium battery battery management system (BMS) coupled with a heater can enable operation in temperatures down to -10°C or even below.

4.Rural WIFI Solar System's timer switch helps use energy more efficiently

The battery part of the solar power system supporting Rural Wifi is a relatively large investment in the entire system. However, if we consider the use of batteries, we will find that the batteries are used at night most of the time, and they are often powered by solar energy during the day. However, based on the scenario of rural Wifi, we will find that no one actually uses it after 12 o’clock at night to the next morning. So if we can control the WIFI AP and Wireless Backhaul link devices, turn them off after 12 o’clock at night and turn them on after 8 o’clock in the morning, then we can use the battery power more effectively, which also means that less battery capacity can be configured. This further helps to miniaturize and lighten the entire system.

5.Edgeware One Stop Solar Power System Edge Span S60 Designed for WIFI for Rural Areas

Edgeware’s Edge Span S60 series is an all in one IP65 solar battery enclosure designed for rural WIFI. This series takes into account the challenges of rural area deployment and implements the following key features:

  • All in One 

As we have described in the previous article, the basic model of the rural WIFI solar system, Edge Span S60 integrates all functions of solar controller, battery, POE switch/router, monitoring and management into one system. Customers no longer need to integrate and connect various components during installation, which greatly simplifies site installation.

  • IP65 and rust proof provide strong rugged design for environmental adaptability

The entire system has IP65 protection capabilities and the rust-proof capabilities of the entire system built on cast aluminum make the Edge Span S60 series completely fearless of environmental challenges.

  • Customized based on customer scenarios

We will carry out customized design and configuration based on the actual network and energy needs of the customer’s scenario, so as to optimize the cost of the customer’s actual site deployment and achieve the goal of profitable rural area Internet deployment.

  • Complete remote management and monitoring software platform to reduce daily OPEX

The Edge Span S60 series has comprehensive remote monitoring and management capabilities, which can better help customers reduce site operation and maintenance OPEX after deployment.

Edge Span S60 has a large number of customized models. If you have detailed needs, please contact our sales staff. The following introduces two typical models of Edge Span S60 series.

Edgeware Edge Span S60 Series Solar All in One Solution

Edge Span S60 LSP-3 solar system for rural WIFI is a solar power based outdoor maintenance-free all-in-one enclosure that integrates communications, solar power, lightning protection, and POE switch. The product is specially optimized according to the pain points of rural WIFI outdoor deployment to achieve the following main functions:

  • Industrial grade layer2 POE+/POE++ switch(2 Ports 802.3at 30W, 1 Ports 802.3bt 110W)
  • Industrial grade 500W MPPT solar controller
  • 48V55Ah lithium battery(48-72 hours system autonomy based on different load configuration)
  • Software system for remote management and monitoring
  • Solar Statistics
  • Surge protection design 
  • Full aluminum IP65 enclosure for whole system natural heat dissipation ability. 
You can refer to the following link for more details:
Edge Span S60-LSP-3
  • IP65/NEMA4 Waterproof
  • W*H*D 295mm*355mm*214mm
  • 22kg
  • Aluminum Cast Enclosure Rust-Proof
  • Operating Temperature:-20~+55°C
  • Working Humidity:5%~90%
  • Power Surge Protection:20Ka
  • Worldwide 5G/4G Band Supported
  • WIFI Optional
  • GPS Optional
  • RS485/RS232/DI/DO Optional
  • Industrial 5G/4G POE Router Module Embedded
  • 1*1000Base-X/1000Base-T Combo WAN Port
  • 4*1000Base-T LAN Ports
  • 3 LAN Ports 802.3at POE+ ( Can configure 802.3bt POE++ one port as requested)
  • 500W MPPT Solar Controller
  • 2640Wh Lithium Battery(48V55AH)
You can refer to the following link for more details:
Edge Span S60-5GP
Tagged ,
×