Wireless communication ranges can only be determined after extensively studying the specifics of a setup and field tests to check if it truly works as anticipated. The availability of ‘drop in’ wireless modules may create an impression that field tests and consideration of numerous additional factors can be done away with but in reality, that doesn’t work.

Numerous factors influence the ranges of wireless communications. The most common elements are the type of antenna, height of the antenna, the specific radio frequency being used, available bandwidth, local settings including infrastructure, landscape, natural factors including weather and also interferences of other or the same frequencies from all around. Every factor plays a determining role in wireless communication ranges.

The stronger the transmitting power of an antenna, the longer would be the range. Installing an antenna at a sufficient height which is at least taller than the buildings or the infrastructure in the area or the city would also be needed to ensure the antenna gets a free range to beam the frequency. Obstructions in various forms can act as a severe deterrent and also one of the most crucial and decisive factors. http://www.todaycomponents.com/sensor-relays-switches-and-indicators.html  Today, numerous electronic devices beam a certain frequency, from phones to microwaves, and all these frequencies interfere with any type of wireless communication. The local weather, geography and natural landscape would also be integral decisive factors.

Amateur radio operators often do not have the necessary resources to conduct large scale field tests and there remains a dearth of time to allow for a trial run over several weeks to truly understand the range of wireless communication. It is also difficult to be aware of all the types of antennas that can be used unless one is a qualified engineer.

In such a scenario, one can always refer to books and guides to understand what type of wireless communication and antennas should be used to get a desired range. Laird Technologies has a guide titled ‘Understanding Range for RF Devices’ which is available for download without any cost. The six page guide offers a comprehensive understanding of wireless communication ranges, the various types of antennas, factors that can be changed to increase the range and what untoward problems can impact during certain times. There is another resource, ‘ARRL Antenna Book’ which is one of the finest guides to antennas and a must buy for any aspiring engineer or amateur radio operator.  




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