Network cost calculator

Estimating the cost of deploying a wireless camera network

The Nature Conservancy uses the following spreadsheet to estimate the cost of networked camera trap deployments. A few things to keep in mind:

The different network sizes in the spreadsheet (e.g. "Medium RidgeTec network", "Large Buckeye network") are hypothetical deployments used as a starting point for ball-park estimates of various types of networks. The hardware needs of each network are highly variable and location-specific, and large hardware purchases should generally not be done without visiting the locations and ground-truthing assumptions (testing available cell-service, line-of-sight challenges, etc.). In particular, the need for more or less repeaters in a Buckeye network can significantly affect the total cost of a network, and that will depend heavily on your location's topography and foliage. That said, you can get pretty far without needing to go out in the field, so to get a more accurate estimate for your project we recommend the following workflow:

1. Determine camera needs (quantity, locations)

2. Using the FCC's national map of cell carrier coverage, evaluate whether cellular cameras might be an option (if so, you'll likely want to use them)

3. If not, you'll need to use Buckeyes or another camera trap with local networking capabilities. Use Google Earth Pro for desktop to conduct a viewshed analysis to evaluate quantity and location of repeaters and base stations you'll need to reach your desired camera locations.

4. Download/copy the cost calculator spreadsheet and edit quantities to estimate total costs.

To download the spreadsheet and edit it to estimate the cost of your own network, follow the link above and navigate to File > Download > Microsoft Excel

You can also copy it to a new editable Google sheet by navigating to File > Make a Copy.

We will try to keep the per-unit costs up-to-date, but be advised that the prices may have changed since last publishing it.