FAQ: Network test and noise test
Q42What is the Network Test and why is it mandatory before deploying a node?
The Network Test is a pre-deployment check run via the Ackcio Nimbus app that scans for all devices (nodes and Gateway) visible to the node being deployed. It is the single most important step before physically fixing a node in position.
Why it matters:
- It confirms the node can communicate with the Gateway, either directly or through other nodes.
- It identifies signal strength (RSSI in dBm) to each visible neighbour, the higher the number, the stronger the signal (e.g., −15 dBm is much better than −50 dBm).
- It reveals whether repeater nodes are needed before committing to a mounting position.
- A node deployed without any network visibility will drain its battery rapidly and may become unusable before the issue is discovered.
Golden Rule: Never permanently mount a node if the Network Test shows zero devices. Relocate node, elevate node, elevate antenna or add a repeater.
Q43Why must a node see at least 2 devices in the Network Test?
Seeing at least 2 neighbouring nodes or the Gateway in the Network Test is the recommended minimum, not just 1. Here is why:
- Redundancy: If the primary connection path goes down (node offline, battery low, obstruction), the mesh automatically reroutes data through the second available path. With only 1 visible neighbour, a single point of failure can disconnect the node entirely.
- Reliability: Multiple connection paths provide a more robust network with better uptime and fewer data gaps.
- Mesh health: The Ackcio mesh is designed to self-heal and find alternate routes, but it needs at least 2 viable paths to do so effectively.
Compare RSSI readings against the Noise Test results. A signal of −60 dBm in an environment with −70 dBm noise floor is usable; the same signal in a −55 dBm noise environment is not.
Q44How do I perform the Network Test correctly?
- Step 1: Open the Ackcio Nimbus app and enter the Setup Project page.
- Step 2: Tap the Network Test button.
- Step 3: Tap the Refresh icon to start the scan. The node will scan for nearby devices connected to the Gateway.
- Step 4: Keep the node stationary during the scan, movement affects RSSI readings.
- Step 5: Review results: each visible device is listed with its RSSI in dBm. Higher (less negative) = stronger signal.
- Step 6: If fewer than 2 devices appear, elevate the node, move it closer to other devices, or plan a repeater.
Run the Network Test at the exact proposed mounting location, not from the ground or a different position.
Q45What is the Noise Test and when should it be performed?
The Noise Test measures the ambient RF noise level at the deployment location using the Nimbus app.
- Step 1: Open the Setup Project page in Nimbus, tap the Menu icon (top left), and select Noise Test.
- Step 2: Press the Reset button on the node to enter Pairing mode.
- Step 3: Tap the Play icon to start. Three lines appear on the graph: minimum, maximum, and average noise level.
- Step 4: Allow the lines to stabilise before reading the average noise floor.
How to interpret results:
- Lower noise floor (e.g., −100 dBm) → Excellent RF environment; longer range achievable.
- Higher noise floor (e.g., −50 dBm) → High interference; range will be significantly reduced.
- The noise floor also sets the minimum usable signal strength, your Network Test RSSI must be meaningfully above the noise floor to be reliable.
High noise environments are common near heavy machinery, generators, power switchrooms, and other wireless devices sharing the ISM band.
Q46What should be done if no devices appear in the Network Test?
If the Network Test returns zero results, do not deploy the node. Take the following corrective actions:
- Elevate the node or its antenna: gain more height to improve line-of-sight.
- Move the node physically closer to the Gateway or other already-deployed nodes.
- Check that the Gateway is powered and the mesh network is active (RF LED blinking every 3 seconds).
- Add a repeater node between the deployment location and the nearest mesh device.
- Re-run the Noise Test: high ambient noise may be masking weak signals from neighbouring nodes.
A node deployed with no network connection will continuously attempt to join the mesh, draining its battery within weeks.
Q47What is the maximum number of nodes per Gateway, and why does it matter?
A single Gateway supports a maximum of 50 nodes. This limit is important to understand because:
- Nodes commissioned beyond the 50-node limit will fail to connect to the Gateway.
- Those excess nodes will continuously attempt to join the network, rapidly draining their batteries until they become unusable.
- For deployments exceeding 50 nodes, additional Gateways must be planned and each assigned its own cluster of nodes.
Design the node cluster boundaries carefully before deployment, reassigning a commissioned node to a different Gateway requires recommissioning.