How virtual fencing technology works | Nofence

System overview

The Nofence system combines proven GPS technology, reliable hardware, and intelligent software to create a virtual fencing solution that works across diverse terrain and conditions.

The Nofence system in short

Nofence creates invisible boundaries that safely contain livestock without physical fences. Each mature animal wears a GPS collar that tracks its location and guides it within the virtual pastures you define in the Nofence app.

The system combines GPS positioning, cellular connectivity, escalating audio cues, and gentle electric pulses to form a reliable and flexible fencing solution.
Learn more about virtual fence boundaries

10,000+

producers using Nofence

No base stations needed

when using Nofence

6 countries

and growing

Core components

The collar

Each mature animal wears a GPS collar powered by solar panels and a rechargeable battery. The collar tracks the animal's location and keeps it within your defined boundaries.

The app

Use the Nofence app to draw and adjust grazing areas, move animals between pastures, and monitor livestock activity from anywhere.

GPS satellites and cellular networks

GPS keeps boundaries accurate and consistent, while mobile networks enable real-time tracking and quick boundary updates, without the need for base stations or physical infrastructure.

“We can literally check on the cattle any time we want.”
Erin Gervais Minnesota
How Nofence works in practice

Drawing boundaries

Using the Nofence app, you draw virtual pastures directly on a digital map. These boundaries are sent to the collars via the cellular network and stored locally on each device. You can create multiple pastures, adjust boundaries instantly, and move animals between areas in seconds.

GPS positioning

Each collar uses global satellite systems (GNSS), such as GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, to continuously track animal location. This works 24/7 and independently of cellular coverage, ensuring animals remain safely contained even if mobile signal drops.

Training and containment

When livestock are first introduced to Nofence, they go through a short training period, typically one week, within a physically fenced pasture. During this time, they learn to respond to the collar's audio warning and turn back before reaching the virtual boundary.

The escalating warning system

As an animal approaches a virtual boundary, the collar plays a series of audio tones that gradually increase in pitch. If the animal continues forward after the final tone, a mild electric pulse is delivered. Over time, animals learn to respond to the audio cues alone. Most animals turn around after hearing the sound, following the behavior of the herd without ever receiving a pulse.
“I’ve never herded cows from my phone before, but one day two cows got out onto an island in the river. I set a new boundary and watched them come back across. That saved us hours of chasing.”
Cory Bird Montana

Connecting the herd

The collars use GPS to detect proximity to boundaries. Once a boundary is stored, the system continues operating independently through GPS even without cellular connection. They only need it to receive your updates or send data back to the app.

HerdNet™ enhanced connectivity

HerdNet™ is Nofence's collar-to-collar communication system designed for remote areas with weak coverage.

Faster boundary updates across the herd

If just one collar has a cellular signal, it fetches updates and shares them with nearby collars (within 160–300 feet) using Bluetooth.

Reduced dependence on full cellular coverage

This creates a local network that keeps your herd synchronised, even if most collars are out of range.

Smooth transitions that respect herd behaviour

HerdNet™ is designed to mimic how livestock instinctively move as a group, creating smooth transitions without requiring simultaneous collar connections.

Reliable operation in challenging terrain

The mesh network opens up remote areas that weren't practical before. Steep draws, ridgetops, dense brush, and locations with limited cellular coverage.

Explaining Nofence connectivity
A common question is whether Nofence requires constant cellular coverage. The answer is no, but connectivity enhances monitoring and control.

What can I do without cellular coverage?

The collars use GPS, audio cues, and pulses to maintain boundaries, with HerdNet™ helping collars communicate and keep animals contained. If you are within 50 yards from the herd, you can remotely remove, view, and update collars via Bluetooth.

What can I do with cellular coverage?

Cellular coverage allows you to send boundary changes, receive updates and alerts, and monitor herd location and status in real time all within the Nofence app.

Which networks does Nofence use?

Each Nofence collar has an integrated SIM card that automatically connects to the strongest available network. In the United States, collars connect to AT&T and T-Mobile, with Verizon coming in spring 2026. This multi-network approach ensures strong coverage across diverse terrain and rural areas. No base stations or ground wires are required.
"With Nofence, I can track and contain the herd even in areas where I couldn’t buy a signal with a 400-foot tower."
Bob Spikes Texas
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