Why Extended Coverage Range Matters Today
We live in a time of unparalleled connectivity and communication. The wide availability and reliability of cell phones, mobile internet, GPS, and more are things we can take for granted. Not too long ago, the world was a very different place without these modern conveniences. Even when you do take a moment to stop and realize what a technological marvel we live in today, you may not realize how extended coverage ranges of RF systems make it all happen.
The term “extended coverage range” can be defined in different ways. For a telecommunications career, an “extended range” may involve several different states. However, in most contexts, people consider “extended coverage range” to apply to the specific needs of an organization or a specific project. In most of these cases, RF infrastructure will be purchased and installed to solve a particular coverage problem.
Extended coverage and the technologies used to implement it may even save your life someday, thanks to the communication systems used by first responders. Given the many benefits we enjoy every day, it’s worth taking the time to learn why extended coverage ranges matter today.
How Extended Coverage Ranges Enhance Connectivity and Communication
The extended coverage range offered by RF infrastructure enhances connectivity and the communication systems we depend on. It isn’t easy to imagine that mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, would be as useful as they are without wider coverage ranges.
IoT (Internet of Things) devices have revolutionized our homes and businesses, from smart thermostats to automated manufacturing; none of this would be possible without RF infrastructure, allowing for more extensive coverage areas. Then there are autonomous vehicles and drones, both of which depend on 5G and other wide-area networks.
Emergency first responders count on the reliability of their communication networks; extended coverage ranges are vital to that reliability. So, it’s not a stretch to say that extended coverage ranges are life savers. We don’t often have to think about how it all works. We just enjoy the benefits that long coverage ranges bring us.
However, if you look at how it happens, you’ll find that most RF infrastructure products perform some basic functions. Increased signal strength and reduced interference are the backbone of extended coverage ranges. Simple concepts in theory, but how you implement them depends on the custom needs of a given environment.
Methods and Technologies Used to Achieve Extended Coverage Range
Thankfully, many different methods and technologies are available to achieve an extended coverage range.
Bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs, or “repeaters”)are strategically deployed to retransmit signals from one location to another. Digital signal processing (DSP) helps to reduce noise and improve signal quality along the way. High-gain directional antenna systems allow RF signals to reach longer distances.
Optimal frequency selection helps minimize signal interference and increase coverage ranges. Mesh networks use interconnected devices that allow signals to hop from one node to another, efficiently extending the distance a signal can travel.
Real-life examples of extended coverage range benefits
We can see the benefits of extended coverage range in our daily lives or in the news. For example, emergency response teams in natural disasters use extended RF coverage to communicate with victims quickly. Remote healthcare devices such as heart monitors help save lives while relying on extended coverage ranges. Scientists study wildlife and endangered species with remote monitoring devices communicating over long-range, extended networks.
Factors to Consider When Implementing Extended-Range RF Infrastructure
As with most technologies, the RF infrastructure that makes extended coverage ranges possible can have significant costs. Making any capital investment requires a solid cost-benefit analysis ahead of time, and RF equipment is no different.
The main factors to consider are the infrastructure requirements for your specific project, potential interference, and, of course, cost. For instance, if you want to extend cellular signal coverage in a metal building that tends to kill signals, your project may require more equipment than outside projects. The potential for interference is high, and a larger infrastructure will be required to combat it. You’ll have to weigh the total project cost versus the expected benefits.
Tips and best practices for maximizing effectiveness
To help you determine your project’s total costs and benefits, start with a site survey to identify potential signal-blocking obstacles.
From there, you’ll have a better idea of antenna placement and where other RF hardware will need to go. You can optimize placement at this stage of planning and calculate the expected benefits of your new infrastructure.
Before proceeding, come up with an interference management plan. Research and find the right equipment to mitigate signal loss and boost quality throughout the extended coverage range.
Future Developments and Advancements in Extended Coverage Ranges
Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace. Since connectivity is considered one of the important issues of our time, resources are being allocated to developing technologies that extend coverage ranges.
The broad implementation of 5G has brought more extensive and reliable coverage to remote and rural areas with little connectivity. The speed and robust nature of 5G makes it a good choice for implementing public communication projects. On the other hand, some applications require more privacy and security than the public internet can offer. Experts are advocating for private 5G mmWave networks in response.
Low-power wide area networks (LPWAN) technologies are a promising solution. LPWAN offers long-range coverage with lower power requirements and has been implemented on 5G and GSM networks.
Forward-thinking scientists are already looking toward a 6G Internet of Things to enable wider and longer coverage ranges. This same sort of technology also provides the backbone for the “smart cities” concept of inherently interconnected metropolitan areas.
The Extended Coverage Range Experts at TXRX
No matter where the RF industry is headed, the need for extended coverage ranges will remain at the forefront. Industries as wide and varied as healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and even city planning now rely on reliable, long-range connectivity. Technology will continue to advance, but the needs will remain the same. And that’s why you should turn to an established leader in the RF industry for your extended coverage range projects.
TX RX has been at the forefront of the RF infrastructure industry for more than 45 years. To see how our experienced team can help with your extended coverage range needs, contact us today.