i have normally bake from the model if the model has a repeating section . Which can be found on a fence . you can make normal map just 1 part of the section. you can dowload my security fence model and you will find a normal map . this might help you see how small section was used to make the process
the fence model
https://www.cgtrader.com/free-3d-models/industrial/tool/game-ready-low-polygon-tsecurity-fence
free models available here commercial and non commercial
https://www.cgtrader.com/512pixel