BEACON: Demonstrating Remote Connectivity at Swanton Ranch

It all started with a simple outreach. Dragon Q Energy contacted the Cal Poly 5G Innovation Lab to introduce our battery technology and its ability to bring seamless connectivity to remote locations without reliance on traditional grid or telecommunications infrastructure. Recognizing the potential, the Lab introduced us to their network partner and challenged us to integrate a Baicells radio with our battery and pole system to provide 4G cellular connectivity in remote areas. This collaboration led to the development of the Battery-Enabled Autonomous Cellular Off-grid Node (BEACON) technology. On February 24th, we successfully demonstrated the BEACON at Swanton Ranch.

Swanton Ranch, located in a remote area along the California coast, provided an ideal testing ground. With no existing grid or cellular infrastructure. The goal was to demonstrate how the BEACON could overcome these challenges using satellite backhaul and wireless transmission, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming infrastructure deployment.

At the site, our team deployed the system to test its capabilities. Once powered on, we successfully downloaded data from satellites and backhauled it into a bay cell device. We then broadcasted cellular signals and facilitated seamless data transfer from space-based satellites. This real-time communication proved that BEACON could deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity without traditional network infrastructure, a game-changer for areas that lack conventional connectivity options.

The Technology Behind the Demonstration

BEACON represents a paradigm shift in telecom deployment. It integrates renewable energy, high-density storage, and multi-protocol communications into a self-sustaining, rapidly deployable connectivity node. The BEACON infrastructure eliminates reliance on power grids and fixed communication backhaul, making it an ideal solution for remote and off-grid environments.

Key technological capabilities demonstrated at Swanton Ranch included:

• Neutral host architecture, supporting multiple commercial carriers.

• Satellite backhaul, ensuring connectivity even in areas with no fiber or terrestrial network access.

• Edge computing with local traffic breakout, improving data efficiency and reducing latency.

• Intelligent power management, optimizing energy use for long-term remote operation.

  
  

One of the most significant advantages highlighted by this demonstration was the ease and speed of deployment. Unlike traditional network infrastructure, which requires extensive planning, permitting, and costly installations, BEACON was up and running in a fraction of the time. This makes it highly effective for rapid deployment in emergency response scenarios, disaster recovery, and temporary or mobile operational sites. Additionally, it provides a scalable solution for rural communities, energy operations, and off-grid industries that require continuous, high-quality connectivity without major investments in infrastructure.

Real-World Applications and Impact

This demonstration further emphasized the adaptability of BEACON. By eliminating the reliance on fixed wired connections, our solution provides flexibility for organizations that operate in dynamic environments. Whether it’s supporting critical communications during natural disasters, enabling connectivity for remote research stations, or bridging the digital divide in underserved regions, BEACON offers a resilient alternative to traditional networks.

The sustainability aspect of BEACON is also a key differentiator. With 100% renewable energy operation, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance scheduling, it is designed to be a long-term, self-sufficient solution. The modular component design further simplifies servicing and scalability, allowing organizations to expand their network as needed without significant infrastructure costs.

Next Steps

Following this success, we are now working  to refine and expand the project. We aim to further enhance system capabilities, including increasing bandwidth capacity, improving energy efficiency, and exploring integrations with additional connectivity solutions. As we continue to develop BEACON, we are also identifying new industries and use cases where our solution can provide immediate and lasting impact.

Looking ahead, our focus remains on strengthening partnerships, conducting further demonstrations, and fine-tuning our technology for even broader applications. Swanton Ranch was a major step forward, proving that fast, reliable, and infrastructure-free connectivity is not just possible but practical.