Category Archives: Tech Tips – Featured Articles & Posts

Learn how to migrate your aging wireless networks!

Migrating Your Aging Networks from Serial to Ethernet or Wired to Wireless Network?

Wireless modems are easy and quick to install. They are ideal solution for replacing communication wires in RS485 and RS232 networks. Tell us about your current network and we will work with you for the most cost effective solution. We have long to medium to short- range options. Whether Ethernet or serial, high or standard speed, short or long-range, or 900MHz, 2.4GHz,or 5GHz – our technical team is here to help you. This post presents a detailed plan for staged digital migration from start to finish on your schedule. THINK DATA-LINC to upgrade your aging network & stay within budget. 

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Migration – Upgrade your aging networks

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Enhance Wireless Connections: Optimize with a Propagation Study

Designing a New Wireless Network? Start With a Propagation Study

Propagation studies provide an optimal RF path to obtain a highly reliable signal for a robust wireless connection.

Having a cost-effective and a reliable data-communication wireless network is an important factor in a faster, smarter and well-integrated enterprise. But designing the network can be challenging, time-consuming and costly. This is especially true if the local landscape is unknown. A number of factors can affect the network performance – tall trees, buildings, RF noise, etc. To overcome the challenge, DATA-LINC GROUP recommends starting your project with a propagation study. In the long-run it will save you time, effort and money.

A propagation study, also known as RF-Path study, is a computer-generated evaluation that helps in planning wireless networks to ensure optimal performance from each site in the system. The study gives an accurate point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless link performance analysis based on RF theory. This evaluation accounts for any physical obstructions, frequency problems and power regulations encountered in the path between the different sites, and gives you the best RF path for the most reliable data transfer even in the harshest environments.

Propagation Path Study
WiDe analysis shows LoS between two sites
DLG Antennas - Master to Remote
A propagation study for this cement factory determined the type and height of antennas to ensure line-of-sight for reliable signal transmission.

More specifically, the results of the RF path study can reveal:

  • If LoS (Line of Sight) is available or if there are any physical obstructions in the RF path
  • The optimal height of the antenna and tower to make LoS possible if clearance is not available
  • If Repeaters are needed for any of the sites
  • The dBi and the type of antenna required for each site
  • The link budget1 for each site and if the Fresnel zone allows clearance
  • Information on diffraction3 loss analysis
  • The length of coaxial cable required for each site
  • The expected signal strength for each site after installation
  • A theoretical summary of how the entire network will perform after installation

1A link budget is an accounting of all of the power gains and losses that a communication signal experiences in the system.

2The Fresnel zone is the area around the visual line-of-sight that radio waves can spread into after they leave the antenna.

3The diffraction loss is defined as the attenuation by diffraction when a line-of-sight path is obstructed.

Propagation study helps with planning multiple links with Repeaters and their RF paths
Example of multiple links with Repeaters and their RF paths

1A link budget is an accounting of all of the power gains and losses that a communication signal experiences in the system.

2The Fresnel zone is the area around the visual line-of-sight that radio waves can spread into after they leave the antenna.

3The diffraction loss is defined as the attenuation by diffraction when a line-of-sight path is obstructed.

Example of site survey for three linking sites

A propagation study is also a very helpful tool when a problem occurs within your existing network with signal-strength or data-transfer. Some of the problems that are most commonly identified are:  

Example of site survey for three linking sites

 

  • Sunny day network – AKA – only works when its good weather 
  • Intermittent communication
  • Functioning network suddenly stops transmitting or intermittently drops signals
  • Signal fading
  • Low bandwidth availability
  • Power regulation issues

WHY CHOOSE DATA-LINC?

DATA-LINC GROUP  strives to offer unparalleled technical assistance and service from the start of your project to completion and beyond. Our technical team will work with you to provide you a thorough RF-Path study that evaluates the local terrain, the frequency signals, and all the other factors that might impact your wireless network design. 

We strongly believe in providing a customer-centric solutions and service that beat customer expectations and in helping to ensure that our customers get the right product for the job, even if it means referring them to a competitor. 

Ready to get started?

Start your new wireless design project with a thorough evaluation of your RF-Path landscape today! 

Set-up a Free Propagation Study today!

Already familiar with the RF Path for your project?
Ready to design your network on your own?

Check Out WiDe

DATA-LINC GROUP's Wireless Network Designer

WiDe -Wireless Network Designer Tool

Now design your own wireless network within minutes

Download Free Tool
DATA-LINC WiDe - Wireless Network designer tool
WiDe - wireless network design support

A quick, easy-to-use tool that will help you design your network without needing to know product part numbers. Within minutes the design will also give you a complete bill of materials when finished.

  • No-charge, value-added service 
  • Quick network design with just few clicks 
  • No need to learn PN, Create parts list as you design 
  • Share BOM with your customers
  • Save list for future updates
  • Dynamic design gives instant results for any changes 
  • Includes antenna height, wireless range, data throughput and much more

Wireless solutions for Oil and gas industry

Revolutionizing Oil and Gas Operations: Wireless Connections Using Unlicensed Radio Modems in the 900MHz, 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz Bands.

Gas Refinery

In the high-stakes world of oil and gas extraction, time is money, and swift action is imperative. Whether it’s overseeing operations at remote drilling sites or managing expansive refineries, seamless communication isn’t just a luxury- it’s a lifeline. In this demanding landscape, the installation of license-free wireless modems emerges as a cost-effective solution that will ensure robust and reliable connectivity and data transfer while reducing downtime, even in the harshest environment. 

Navigating the Need for Speed

In a sector where every second counts, delays can result in significant losses. License-free wireless modems offer a nimble solution, eliminating the bureaucratic hurdles of licensing fees and regulatory red tape. With seamless integration into existing infrastructure, these modems ensure swift deployment, enabling enterprises to bridge communication gaps without missing a beat. DATA-LINC’s High-Speed Modems such as HSM240E-SD and HSM500E-SD, offer selectable RF speeds up to 54Mbps in the standard mode for point-to-point & point-to-multipoint communication and up to 108Mbps in turbo mode.  Moreover, these modems provide long-range capabilities, with the HSM240E-SD having range up to 9 miles in the 2.4GHz band with LOS (line-of-sight) and HSM500E-SD having range up to 2 miles in the 5.8GHz band. With speed, range and reliability at the forefront, these modems prove invaluable for bandwidth-intensive operations in the oil and gas sector, ensuring seamless connectivity and optimal performance.

Empowering Efficiency Through Connectivity

From monitoring production metrics to coordinating logistics, effective communication is the cornerstone of operational efficiency. Unlicensed radio modems establish robust networks that span vast distances, connecting remote sites and disparate teams in real-time. By fostering collaboration and information exchange, these modems empower stakeholders to make informed decisions promptly, driving productivity and optimizing workflows.

Oil & Gas Applications supported by wireless modems enable Automation, Control & Remote Monitoring. Some examples include:

  • Operational Automation via PLC/RTU
  • Remote Alarms & Shutdown Systems
  • Video Surveillance
  • Sensor to RTU/PLC Connectivity & Telemetry
  • Supervisory Control of Stations
  • Pipeline, Modbus, and LACT Data Collections – Data such as tank levels, pressure levels, flow rates in pipelines etc 
Field proven performance

Ensuring Reliability in the Face of Challenges

In the unpredictable world of oil and gas, reliability is non-negotiable. Wireless modems rise to the occasion, equipped with redundant failover mechanisms and advanced encryption protocols to safeguard data integrity. Whether facing extreme weather conditions or navigating complex terrain, these modems guarantee uninterrupted connectivity, fortifying operational resilience and mitigating risks. DATA-LINC’s SRM8200 stands out as a long- range modem, boasting an impressive range of up to 40 Miles and speeds reaching 4 Mbps. This edge-ready modem is a perfect solution for the demands of the oil & gas sector, facilitating high-speed data transfers with unparalleled confidence in the data integrity. 

Embracing Innovation, Maximizing Returns

As the industry evolves, embracing innovative solutions is essential for staying ahead of the curve. License-free wireless modems offer a cost-effective pathway to innovation, enabling enterprises to reap the benefits of wireless communication without breaking the bank. By eliminating the financial barriers associated with licensing fees, these modems unlock new possibilities for optimizing resources and maximizing returns on investment.

Conclusion: A Future-Focused Approach

In the dynamic landscape of oil and gas extraction, adaptability is key to success. By embracing license-free wireless modems, enterprises can future-proof their operations, ensuring they remain agile, efficient, and competitive in an ever-evolving industry. With improved connectivity, enhanced data transfer capabilities, and unwavering dependability, these modems pave the way for a brighter, more connected future in oil and gas exploration and production.

WHY CHOOSE DATA-LINC?

DATA-LINC GROUP  strives to offer unparalleled technical assistance and service from the start of your project to completion and beyond. Our technical team will work with you to provide you a thorough RF-Path study that evaluates the local terrain, the frequency signals, and all the other factors that might impact your wireless network design. 

We strongly believe in providing a customer-centric solutions and service that beat customer expectations and in helping to ensure that our customers get the right product for the job, even if it means referring them to a competitor. 

Ready to get started?

Start your new data-communication network today! 

Request Project Assistance