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ADR 0005: Incremental Connectivity & Cowbell Gateway Strategy

Date: 2026-03-28 Status: ACCEPTED (Pivoted from Satellite-First)

Context

Our initial monitoring strategy relied on a Satellite-First architecture. However, NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) technology is still in early stages for the Mercosur region, and immediate satellite reliance for all Leader nodes introduces significant technical risk and high initial CapEx. Additionally, maintaining antenna orientation on a moving animal is critical for reliable satellite links.

Decision

We will implement an Incremental 3-Tier Architecture utilizing a Gravity-Balanced Split-Collar (The "Cowbell") as the primary Phase 1 gateway.

1. The Incremental Roadmap

  • Phase 1 (Terrestrial-First): Leader nodes provide backhaul via Cellular (NB-IoT/LTE-M), Wi-Fi, and LoRa.
  • Phase 2 (Modular NTN): Adds Satellite (NTN) capability via a Snap-On Dorsal Plugin for areas without any terrestrial coverage.

2. The Gravity-Balanced Split-Architecture

To ensure the NTN antenna remains sky-facing without motorized parts, we adopt a "Cowbell" balance: * Base (Ventral/Bottom): The heavy Cowbell unit houses the lead battery (acting as a gravity counterweight), terrestrial modems, and primary edge processor. * Head (Dorsal/Top): The sky-facing unit houses the antennas and the Modular NTN Interface. * Collar Bus: A Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) strap with overmolded electrical conductors bridges power and data between the Base and the Head.

3. Tier Roles (Incremental & Commercial)

  • Tier 1: Member Node (Leaf) [NOW]
    • Commercial: $50.00 (Standard 1,000-head purchase. Includes 3-yr managed service).
    • Volume Pricing:
      • Boutique (< 1,000): $65.00
      • Standard (1,000 - 5,000): $50.00
      • Volume (5,001 - 20,000): $45.00
      • Enterprise (> 20,000): $42.00
    • Post-Term Service: $12/yr (Terrestrial) or $18/yr (Satellite-enabled).
  • Tier 2: Leader Hubs (The Gateways) [NOW]
    • Flux-LoRa: $160.00 (Hardware Only: Rancher-managed backhaul).
    • Flux-Cellular: $240.00 (3-Yr All-In: Hardware + Managed LTE-M Data).
  • Tier 3: Modular NTN Gateway [MONTH 18]
    • Flux-Satellite: $370.00 (3-Yr All-In: Hub + NTN Plugin + Managed Satellite Data).

Consequences

  • Positive:
    • De-risked Deployment: Phase 1 relies on mature terrestrial tech.
    • Optimal Link Quality: Gravity-balancing keeps the Dorsal unit sky-facing.
    • Cost Efficiency: NTN modules (the Satellite Head) are only deployed where strictly necessary.
  • Negative:
    • Mechanical Complexity: Requires a custom overmolded collar strap with an integrated wiring harness.
    • Maintenance: Introduces a 12-month battery swap cycle for the 3% leader population.

Strategic Reference: This aligns with the "Leader-Member" mesh clustering seen in Digitanimal (Skylo-certified) and benchmarks the infrastructure-light approach required for Massive/Extensive ranching.