--- title: Set Up a Gateway description: Follow these instructions to set up your new gateway. Always set up a gateway before any sensors. --- [Skip to content](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/set-up-a-gateway#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Contact us](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [![Cnsrv\_wmM\_mix\_rgb - MEDIUM-1.png\]](https://support.conserv.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Cnsrv_wmM_mix_rgb%20-%20MEDIUM-1.png?height=40&name=Cnsrv_wmM_mix_rgb%20-%20MEDIUM-1.png)](https://conserv.io/) - [Support](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge) - [Blog](https://support.conserv.io/blog) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Support](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge) - [Blog](https://support.conserv.io/blog) - English Show submenu for translations - [Contact us](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) - [Contact Us](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) [Contact Us](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help center](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Installation and Setup](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/installation-and-setup?hsLang=en) 3. [Initial Setup](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/installation-and-setup?hsLang=en#initial-setup) # Set Up a Gateway ## Follow these instructions to set up your new gateway. Always set up a gateway before any sensors. **Table of Contents** - [Before You Begin](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/set-up-a-gateway#before-you-begin) - [Decide on a Connection](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/set-up-a-gateway#decide-on-a-connection) - [Ethernet](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/set-up-a-gateway#ethernet) - [SIM card only (cellular data)](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/set-up-a-gateway#cellular-data) - [WiFi](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/set-up-a-gateway#wifi) - [Evaluate the Gateway Location](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/set-up-a-gateway#evaluate-gateway-location) - [Assemble the Gateway Components](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/set-up-a-gateway#assemble-gateway-components) - [Place a Gateway](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/set-up-a-gateway#place-gateway) - [Verify Gateway Status](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/set-up-a-gateway#verify-gateway-status) ### Before You Begin The cards for the gateways and sensors you received should show up in Conserv Cloud before you connect them. If you do not see them, contact the [Support Team](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en). To see your Gateways, go to **Sensors**, select the **Card** view and scroll all the way to the bottom. ### Decide on a Connection To set up your gateway, first decide whether you are going to use your building's network or if you will use the gateway's built-in SIM card. #### Ethernet If you will use a wired network, you must attach the gateway to a port using a standard ethernet cable. If you have not talked to your IT department about this option before, you may find that you are unable to connect. This will most likely be due to institutional firewalls. Contact your IT department to help you [unblock the ports you need to connect](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/gateway-port-requirements-and-protocols?hsLang=en) your gateway to your wired internet. #### SIM card only (cellular data) If you will use cell service, the ethernet cable is not necessary. Many customers rely solely on the SIM card due to internet challenges or institutional security protocols. However, whenever possible, Conserv recommends that you also use the ethernet or Wifi because it can be helpful from a network redundancy standpoint. #### WiFi **Important:** Using WiFi as the source for gateway connectivity to the Cloud is only available with the [RAK gateway model](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/rak-wisgate-gateway-specifications?hsLang=en), not the [Tektelic Kona Micro model](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/specifications-for-the-tektelic-kona-micro-gateway?hsLang=en). Contact your IT department for permission - especially if they would prefer to use a static address for the gateway. Open a support ticket with Conserv and provide the following information: - (E)SSID name - Encryption type - WiFi password - Static address or DHCP client for the protocol - If Static, I need the Address, Netmask and default router information. - Any custom DNS servers if required The Conserv team will configure the gateway with the above information so it can connect securely with your WiFi. ### Evaluate the Gateway Location Choose a location with strong cell coverage or an Ethernet connection. Conserv’s SIM cards work with most cell providers. The signal strength indicator in the gateway card refers to the SIM signal, not Ethernet or sensor connections. Depending on the building, you might need to place the gateway above ground, near a window, or centrally to where you place your sensors. ### Assemble the Gateway Components 1. Screw the included antenna onto the gateway and direct it upwards. 2. Attach the included power cord, and plug it into your power source. **Important:** DO NOT plug in the gateway before attaching the antenna as this could cause hardware damage. 3. Connect the ethernet cable (optional) You should see a flashing green light on the upper-left corner of your gateway. The other light next to it will not turn on. It is normal for the light to be flashing. This indicates there is traffic going through. Occasionally, the flashing light may go solid - this just indicates there is more traffic than normal, but is also okay and indicates the gateway is on. If using an ethernet cable, you should see an orange and a green light in the ethernet port as soon as you connect the cable. **Important** If you do not have permissions from IT and have active firewalls on your Ethernet, they can sometimes block internet traffic through the gateway SIM as well. If you intend to rely on SIM card, **do not** plug in the Ethernet cable. The gateway should automatically connect if you are in an area with good cell service or if the gateway has a hardwired connection to the internet. If, for some reason, it does not connect, the Conserv Support Team can work with your IT team. Before you contact support, check out these [gateway troubleshooting tips.](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/troubleshooting/troubleshoot-gateway-issues?hsLang=en) **Note** SIM card data usage is included in your Conserv subscription. The SIM will come pre-installed in the gateway and should activate automatically when the gateway is turned on. The credit card-sized card that came with the SIM will be included in your package. Keep it safe as it may be needed for troubleshooting in the future. ### ![Gateway 1](https://support.conserv.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Gateway%201.jpg?width=670&height=523&name=Gateway%201.jpg) ![](https://support.conserv.io/hs-fs/hubfs/rak-gateway-back-jpg.jpeg?width=643&height=643&name=rak-gateway-back-jpg.jpeg)   ### Place a Gateway Find a location for your gateway that has a good connection before you connect and place your sensors in their final locations. You can check this by looking at the gateway card on the [dashboard](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/configure-conserv-cloud?hsLang=en) in Conserv Cloud. Typically, you can improve your SIM connection if you have the gateway near an exterior wall/window. If you do not have a strong SIM connection, your gateway can still be connected via the ethernet. If you are unsure about how good your cellular data connection is, here is a simple test you can use: **Caution:** This test will use your own cellular data to evaluate signal strength. Do not perform it if you have data use concerns. Your own cellular network may not be the same one your gateway uses, so this is not a perfect test, only an overall estimate. 1. Turn off the Wi-Fi on your phone or mobile device. Make sure it is running on cellular data. 2. Stand in the place where you intend to place your gateway. Ideally, you see a strong cellular data connection on your phone there. 3. Load YouTube or any other website of your choosing that is heavy to load. Try to stream a video. 4. If the video or website loads quickly and without lagging, the connection is likely stable and strong. ### Verify Gateway Status Ensure that your gateway is online. In Conserv Cloud, you can see your gateway cards on the [dashboard](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/configure-conserv-cloud?hsLang=en). Go to **Sensors**, **Card view**. Scroll to the bottom to see your gateways. When a gateway is connected, its corresponding card updates to reflect the connection. This process may take a few minutes, and you may need to refresh the dashboard. If your gateway is not connected, the card will look like the following image with the name of the gateway, Status: Not Connected, and when it was last seen. **![Offline Gateway. Status: Not Connected. Gateway last seen 2 year ago.](https://support.conserv.io/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-10-2026-09-46-54-9403-PM.png?width=354&height=175&name=image-png-Nov-10-2026-09-46-54-9403-PM.png)** If your Gateway is connected, the card will look like the following image with the name of the gateway, Status: Connected, and when it was last seen: ![RAK Gateway. Status: Connected. Gateway last seen a few seconds ago.](https://support.conserv.io/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Nov-10-2026-09-45-55-6597-PM.png?width=391&height=180&name=image-png-Nov-10-2026-09-45-55-6597-PM.png) It is possible for your gateway to say **Status Unknown** and still be online. See [Resolve an Unknown Status](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/what-is-the-unknown-status-for-my-gateway?hsLang=en) for more information. - [Introduction](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/introduction?hsLang=en) - [Technical Details and Specifications](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/technical-details-and-specifications?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Sensor Specifications](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/technical-details-and-specifications?hsLang=en#sensor-specifications) - [Other Sensor Information](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/technical-details-and-specifications?hsLang=en#other-sensor-information) - [Gateway Specifications](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/technical-details-and-specifications?hsLang=en#gateway-specifications) - [Conserv Cloud Specifications](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/technical-details-and-specifications?hsLang=en#conserv-cloud-specifications) - [Installation and Setup](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/installation-and-setup?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Initial Setup](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/installation-and-setup?hsLang=en#initial-setup) - [Add, Move, Swap and Merge Sensors](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/installation-and-setup?hsLang=en#add-move-swap-and-merge-sensors) - [Configure Conserv Cloud](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/configure-conserv-cloud?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Organize and Manage Locations and Spaces](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/configure-conserv-cloud?hsLang=en#organize-and-manage-locations-and-spaces) - [Import Data](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/configure-conserv-cloud?hsLang=en#import-data) - [Configure Levels](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/configure-conserv-cloud?hsLang=en#configure-levels) - [Configure Events and Alerts](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/configure-conserv-cloud?hsLang=en#configure-events-and-alerts) - [Profile and Account Management](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/profile-and-account-management?hsLang=en) - [Manage Sensors](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/manage-sensors?hsLang=en) - [Integrated Pest Management](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/integrated-pest-management?hsLang=en) - [Analytics and Reports](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/analytics-and-reports?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Manage Analytics Data](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/analytics-and-reports?hsLang=en#manage-analytics-data) - [Preservation Metrics](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/analytics-and-reports?hsLang=en#preservation-metrics) - [Reports](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/analytics-and-reports?hsLang=en#reports) - [Mobile app](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/mobile-app?hsLang=en) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Troubleshoot Conserv Cloud Issues](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#troubleshoot-conserv-cloud-issues) - [Troubleshoot Sensor Issues](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#troubleshoot-sensor-issues) - [Troubleshoot Gateway Issues](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#troubleshoot-gateway-issues) - [Troubleshoot Conserv Cloud Mobile App Issues](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#troubleshoot-conserv-cloud-mobile-app-issues) - [Community, Support, and Updates](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge/community-support-and-updates?hsLang=en) - [Support](https://support.conserv.io/knowledge) - [Blog](https://support.conserv.io/blog) [![Chill listening crop-3](https://support.conserv.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Cnsrv_wmM_mix_rgb-1.png?width=108&height=24&name=Cnsrv_wmM_mix_rgb-1.png "Chill listening crop-3")](https://conserv.io) Copyright © 2026, Conserv Solutions Inc.