Radio unit to solve connectivity dead zones in agriculture
U.S. startup Eridan has developed a solution aimed at maximising the potential of private 5G networks. Its innovative radio unit, named Miracle, is designed to be both small and lightweight, offering farmers an affordable option for installing private wireless networks tailored specifically to their needs.
The portability of the Miracle radio unit is a key advantage, providing farmers with the flexibility to easily move coverage from field to field, ensuring continuous and reliable connectivity across their operations.
More demand for robust, high-speed connectivity
Private 5G networks are becoming increasingly essential in agriculture as the demand for robust, high-speed connectivity grows. This is particularly true for large farming operations that span vast distances, sometimes covering thousands of acres. A private 5G network enables the operation of autonomous machinery, sensor networks, and other connected technologies.
Dead zones
Eridan claims that its radio unit offers a solution to a persistent challenge in agriculture: connectivity dead zones. These dead zones are common in rural areas, where traditional mobile networks often struggle to provide consistent service.
Eridan addresses this issue by delivering both extended range and faster data speeds, according to the company, ensuring that farmers experience reliable connectivity even in the most remote parts of their farms. This is particularly important in areas where connectivity can be intermittent, hampering the efficiency of operations.
Coverage across large fields
According to Eridan, its technology provides an effective solution without the need for costly infrastructure investments. Dr. Doug Kirkpatrick, CEO and Founder of Eridan, emphasises the limitations of current 5G infrastructure, particularly in rural agricultural areas. Traditional cell towers generally cover large geographic areas, but this can lead to inefficient power usage, with signals often broadcasting over empty land.
The Miracle radio unit addresses this inefficiency by providing more targeted, precise coverage where it is needed most, Dr. Kirkpatrick says. He explains that the unit could help farmers to support a range of farming activities, from drone inspections of crops and fields to enabling seasonal work crews with connectivity wherever it’s needed.
By focusing the signal where it is needed most, the radio unit helps eliminate wasted power
Consistent coverage
Another advantage of the radio unit is its ability to maintain consistent coverage across large fields, ensuring that farmers experience uninterrupted service even in the areas between fields. Farmers have the option to set up temporary base stations tailored to seasonal needs.
Kirkpatrick further highlights the benefits of precise signal targeting. By focusing the signal where it is most necessary, the radio unit helps eliminate wasted power, thereby reducing costs and improving energy efficiency.
Range of applications
Farmers can use the Miracle radios to establish temporary, high-performance networks that support a range of applications, such as real-time crop monitoring. These networks can track soil health, monitor irrigation needs, and collect data on crop conditions for example.
The ability to support autonomous equipment is another advantage. With Miracle’s reliable connectivity, farmers can operate autonomous systems for tasks such as planting, weeding, and harvesting.
