Telecom Training Why EnGenius Phones are Unique RSSI Signal Tool Presented by Daniel Koczwara 1
Single-Line Cordless Solutions EnGenius DuraFon 1X Up to 12 floors of in building penetration Up to 250,000 sq. ft of facility coverage Up to 3000 acres of outdoor coverage Industrial tough design Supports (9) DuraFon or DuraWalkie handsets Single-line base EnGenius FreeStyl 1 Up to 6 floors of in building penetration Up to 25,000 sq. ft of property coverage Up to 10 acres of outdoor coverage Consumer grade, slim handset design Supports (9) FreeStyl1 handsets Single-line base with speakerphone & keypad 2 2
Multi-Line Cordless Solutions EnGenius DuraFon PRO Up to 12 floors of in building penetration Up to 250,000 sq. ft of facility coverage Up to 3000 acres of outdoor coverage Industrial tough design Supports (90) DuraFon or DuraWalkie handsets 4-line base expandable to (32) ports/lines (8 bases) Optional PRO Repeater for enhanced 2-way coverage DuraFon PRO-HC DuraWalkie 3 3
What Makes EnGenius Phones Unique Amazing Range within a single-cell using just one base station Other systems such as DECT or Wi-Fi depend on multiple repeaters or access points to achieve similar range. The range of the DuraFon is comparable to 10+ Access Points! This means substantially less time and money to install and configure a communication system. 4
What Makes EnGenius Phones Unique (cont.) Coverage where NO multiple Access Point system can go (outdoor or areas where no wiring can be run etc.) For clarification, the PRO system does support up to 8 base stations. The additional bases are not for additional coverage but rather for additional line ports (extensions). Durability Drop tested from 6 feet on to a concrete floor, all 6 angles, 9 times each angle, for a total 54 times (DuraFon Series). 5
What Makes EnGenius Phones Unique (cont.) Flexibility Works behind any PBX or IP-PBX phone system via analog ports Secure Calling and 2-Way Radio Frequency-hopping spread spectrum 2-Way Radio (Walkie) built-in More than just a telephone. 2-way intercom handset-to-handset - full duplex Broadcast DuraFon Broadcast is half-duplex and is like 2-way radio but with additional choices to page one, a defined group, or all as well Optional base to allow 2-way intercom and broadcast to match base to handset range for telephone 6
EnGenius Phones connect to any phone system All EnGenius phone base stations use a standard 2-wire RJ11 phone line either from the phone company or analog port off a PBX. This includes IP-PBX s as well via FXS ports off VoIP gateways. 7
Proven Range 250,000 square feet 12 floors 3,000 acres Retail Stores Warehouses Convention Centers Manufacturing Plants Distribution Centers Assisted Living Hotels Banks Schools Offices Farms Self Storage Marinas Auto Rental and Sales Sports Parks 8
How we achieve such amazing range 900MHz frequency 900MHz is less used, penetrates objects better, and simply goes further than higher frequencies used by DECT and WiFi technologies (1.9GHz, 2.4GHz, and 5GHz) Using the 900MHz ISM band (902-928MHz FHSS) no licensing is required Lower frequencies are less prone to multipath interference (reflected signals that cancel or degrade the primary signal) High power RF power for both base and handset is approx. 708mW or 28.5dbm. Again much higher than other technology phones External and high gain antennas 2dbi end-fed dipole or optional 6dbi external antenna for the base station The external antenna not only has more gain but can be mounted in more ideal locations for maximum range including outdoors. An optional antenna splitter allows use of up to two antennas for one base station A built-in RSSI signal measurement tool This allows you an easy way to conduct your own range testing and site surveys Available on DuraFon v2 and all Freestyl phones No sharing of bandwidth, QoS, or security concerns as with VoWiFi phones No need to upgrade or redesign an existing WiFi deployment to support voice No other phone sold in the USA has this power and range! 9
Range Testing & Site Surveys Do not assume full coverage. Do a range test. Before spending time permanently wiring the base station for power, phone lines, and external antenna, verify coverage first. This means temporary testing before permanent installation. Testing should done using the same antennas and modes of operations the user will actually use. If users are totally against using the long antenna on the handset, do the test with only the short antenna. If 2 way radio or broadcast features are to be used, you need to verify range separately for that because range is typically less (next slide details of why). 10
The RSSI Signal Measuring Tool - Built-in to all v2 DuraFon handsets (built after April 2011) - The RSSI tool allows for a real signal value that can be used to see actual coverage between base and handset or handset to handset - Reading is shown in 1dbm increments and refreshes 1 time per second - -110dbm is the lowest (weakest) signal before loss of connection. - A 30db margin or a -80dbm signal or better is suggested for the most reliable link. 11
Range Testing Specific to 2-Way Intercom & Broadcast 2-way intercom or broadcast modes do not use the base station. These modes are handset-to-handset. This means typically less range because handsets do not benefit the same way a base station does for ideal antenna location and antenna height. Most obstructions are along the horizontal plane which can reduce range as much as 50% as compared to base to handset communication. Broadcast through the base broadcast feature can be used via a dedicated line port and extension on the PBX. Use the two-way radio range extender base station. This is a PRO base unit with modified firmware. It can no longer be used for dial tone. Handsets can be assigned as default peer-to-peer (which is handset to handset), or infrastructure (which means using a base station). 12
Initial test results of a single story department store site survey with four PRO base stations 1 RSSI: -80dBm base 00 RSSI: -87dBm base 01 RSSI: -65dBm base 02 RSSI: -75dBm base 03 RSSI: -58dBm base 00 RSSI: -61dBm base 01 RSSI: -51dBm base 02 RSSI: -53dBm base 03 4 RSSI: -50dBm base 00 RSSI: -50dBm base 01 RSSI: -50dBm base 02 RSSI: -58dBm base 03 2 Stock Room RSSI: -81dBm base 00 RSSI: -93dBm base 01 RSSI: -69dBm base 02 RSSI: -78dBm base 03 RSSI: -75dBm base 00 RSSI: -83dBm base 01 RSSI: -63dBm base 02 RSSI: -75dBm base 03 External antenna 5 IDF Test Point RSSI: -54dBm base 00 RSSI: -67dBm base 01 RSSI: -54dBm base 02 RSSI: -68dBm base 03 7 8 3 RSSI: -88dBm base 00 RSSI: -95dBm base 01 RSSI: -78dBm base 02 RSSI: -87dBm base 03 6 Entrance RSSI: -67dBm base 00 RSSI: -76dBm base 01 RSSI: -56dBm base 02 RSSI: -70dBm base 03 RSSI: -60dBm base 00 RSSI: -68dBm base 01 RSSI: -60dBm base 02 RSSI: -75dBm base 03 9 * Store approx. 200 ft x 300 ft. (62,000 Sq. ft.) 13
After Changes Made 1 RSSI: -68dBm base 00 RSSI: -78dBm base 01 RSSI: -59dBm base 02 RSSI: -67dBm base 03 RSSI: -52dBm base 00 RSSI: -55dBm base 01 RSSI: -50dBm base 02 RSSI: -50dBm base 03 4 External antenna RSSI: -50dBm base 00 RSSI: -50dBm base 01 RSSI: -50dBm base 02 RSSI: -55dBm base 03 2 Stock Room RSSI: -70dBm base 00 RSSI: -81dBm base 01 RSSI: -61dBm base 02 RSSI: -69dBm base 03 RSSI: -70dBm base 00 RSSI: -75dBm base 01 RSSI: -60dBm base 02 RSSI: -68dBm base 03 5 IDF Test Point RSSI: -52dBm base 00 RSSI: -62dBm base 01 RSSI: -53dBm base 02 RSSI: -62dBm base 03 7 8 3 RSSI: -77dBm base 00 RSSI: -83dBm base 01 RSSI: -69dBm base 02 RSSI: -80dBm base 03 6 Entrance RSSI: -67dBm base 00 RSSI: -76dBm base 01 RSSI: -56dBm base 02 RSSI: -70dBm base 03 RSSI: -55dBm base 00 RSSI: -62dBm base 01 RSSI: -59dBm base 02 RSSI: -69dBm base 03 * Results after moving antennas right-side-up and moving them > 1 ft. from metal. 9 14
Intercom/Broadcast versus Line Access Range Default for two-way radio and broadcast is handset to handset Range for base to handset can be better Optional 2-way radio range extender base station 2-Way link -95dbm 15
Checking for other 900MHz devices MetaGeek Wi-Spy 900MHz USB Spectrum Analyzer Less than $300 Has a recording feature so file can then be emailed to us for analysis. http://www.metageek.net/products/wi-spy-900x 16
Linking bases helps reduce base-to-base interference via syncing How syncing transmit and receive reduces interference. Handsets and Base Stations switch from transmit (TX) to receive (RX) 100 times per second, fast enough to provide full duplex audio. 905.4MHz TX RX 927.3MHz TX RX Base 00 Base 01 RX RX RX RX TX TX TX TX RX RX RX RX TX TX TX TX 17
Antenna placement with two or more bases Base-to-Base Station antenna spacing can be <10 feet* Handsets should not get within 30 of a base station antenna of a base that they re not assigned to - more important than base-to-base station antenna separation 905.4MHz TX RX TX RX 927.3MHz Base 00 Base 01 RX RX RX RX TX TX TX TX RX RX RX RX TX TX TX TX 18
External Antenna Placement An external antenna can be mounted indoors in an ideal spot for coverage while keeping the base station accessible. For best performance, do not mount the antenna upside-down or within 3 feet of metal. A warehouse scenario Metal warehouse shelving 19
Antenna splitter kit indoor/outdoor metal building scenario 1 meter of coax and one splitter (Y) box Allows you to run two antennas with one base station You cannot reverse this, i.e. use one external antenna for two base stations Outside Metal warehouse shelving External kit 33ft/66ft coax 20
When to use the antenna splitter kit (indoor/indoor) firewall, etc. Consists of one 3.3ft. (1m) piece of coax, and one splitter (Y) box. Allows you to run two antennas with one base station. Original standard base antenna can be reused on one side of the splitter or two external antennas can be used. Metal warehouse shelving External kit 33ft/66ft coax Second external antenna kit or originally supplied antenna for base station 21
Antenna Splitter Kit Remove antenna Several Floors Up 20 meters LMR400 cable 1 meter LMR400 cable Splitter 20 meters LMR400 cable Several Floors Down 22
Installation Do s and Don ts Do position the base station so the signal from handset to base requires the least amount of walls and obstructions to get to each other. If multiple base stations are used, separate the antennas and separate handsets from other users base stations. Do use a small power back up (UPS) to power the EnGenius base station. To protect the base station. So if power is out, the system can still be used. Do not put the antenna less than 3 feet from other electronic devices so not to receive or cause interference. More distance may be required in some cases. Computer Monitors, Electric Motors, 220V / 440V lines The PBX system Fluorescent, or sodium vapor lights Anything else known to produce EMI (electromagnetic interference). Do not put the antenna less than 3 feet from large metal objects to avoid changing the antenna s radiation pattern. 23
Technical and RMA Support Website: www.engeniustech.com RMA & Reference Guides: www.engeniustech.com (Support Tab) Hours: Monday through Friday - 8am to 5pm PST. Sales: 888-735-7888 x 515 Tech and RMA support: 888-735-7888 x 514 Advance replacements should be requested by phone Regular RMA requests or technical support can be emailed to support@engeniustech.com. Limited 1-year warranty on phones and base stations with extended warranty options available Out-of-warranty repair fees includes refurbishment of the phone and a new battery (see Support Tab for fee chart) 24
Q & A For a copy of this presentation email or questions and suggestions specific to this webinar email us at: partners@engeniustech.com Also the PPT and Video of this Webinar will be posted on our website shortly. 25
Appendix 26
External Antenna Kit Part number: SN-ULTRA-AK10L or SN-ULTRA-AK20L The external antenna kit can increase range substantially in LOS (line of sight) applications. Can allow you keep the base unit in the phone room with the other phone equipment (PBX etc.) AK10L = 10 meter (33feet) of LMR-400 low loss coax, and 6 dbi omni-directional antenna. AK20L = 20 meter (66feet) of LMR-400 low loss coax and the same 6dbi antenna in the AK10L kit. Connectors on base and antenna are non-standard type. The coax connectors are reverse thread (left hand), TNC type for the base side, and reverse thread Type N for the antenna side. The FCC requires us to do this. You cannot get these easily. If you break or damage a connector, contact us. Things to consider regarding the external antenna kit The difference in db gain between the standard antenna that comes with the base, and the external antenna (with all factors included like cable loss) is approximately +3db. Range is not improved much by the gain difference but by increasing the view of line of sight and most importantly, reducing the average number of obstructions between the handset and base. This can be 20db or more! This means that in-building applications may not benefit from the antenna kit, unless it allows you to position the antenna somewhere there are less overall obstructions, than where you could have mounted the base station otherwise. For outdoor applications, height is king. The higher you mount the antenna, the greater the range you ll get. 27