However, spectrum is owned and controlled by the Carriers, so there is typically a fee associated with accessing and using this spectrum. Bundled packets from the Carriers can often be negotiated, making the cost more affordable.
Recent Cellular offerings have recognized that many wireless applications are transmitting small packets of data and do not require massive bandwidth. The Carriers have responded with offerings such as NB-IoT (Narrow Band IoT) and LTE-M, that allocate only slim slivers of spectrum to a particular wireless system. This offering better matches the requirements and can be more economically offered by the Carriers.
Several Unlicensed offerings also exist. Spectrum that is identified by the FCC as unlicensed, includes the 902-928 MHz band, often known as the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band, and the WiFi band at 2400-2480 MHz and 5125-5825 MHz.
The FCC has recently expanded the WiFi band to include part of the band that had been designated for WiFi 6e.
WiFi 6e represents a major advancement in WiFi coverage. The IEEE802.11ax standards allow for wider bandwidth and faster data processing. The FCC recently released the 6.125-7.125 GHz band to be used for WiFi6e. Mobile Mark’s WiFi6e antennas also cover the 5.850-5.895 GHz band which was repurposed by the FCC for unlicensed commercial uses such as WiFi. WiFi 6e routers can operate on all unlicensed bands from 2.4-2.5 GHz & 5.15-7.125 GHz.
Biggest challenge: dependable connections & product durability
With data transmission this critical, operating in a harsh and demanding environment can be difficult. Some of the biggest challenges faced with be dependable connections and durable products.
When evaluating antennas, we recommend looking closely and both the electrical and mechanical specifications. Here are some questions you might want to consider.
- Will the available frequencies allow you to efficiently transmit the volume of data needed over the distance to be covered?
- Would the performance be enhanced by a particular antenna style, for example a higher gain antenna or a directional antenna?
- What protective features have been added to the products?
- Does the antenna need to perform in a high moisture environment?
- Will the antenna be subjected to rough treatment, either by other pieces of equipment, or even by livestock?
