Optimizing Your Wireless Sensor Network
When dealing with wireless sensor networks, there are a lot of factors that affect the quality and reliability of transmission signals between your sensors and the gateway. We have compiled a list of useful tips to improve your wireless sensor network.
Position your Wireless Gateway in a Central Location
Whenever possible, position your wireless gateway in a central location within your facility. If the gateway is against an outside wall, the signal will be weak on the opposite side of your building.
Position your Wireless Gateway Correctly.
Floors, walls and metal structures such as heating ducts and file cabinets, interfere with your sensor network's wireless signals. By avoiding these structural "Signal Killers" when placing your wireless gateway and sensors, you can ensure optimal performance of your network.
Use a Wireless Repeater.
Repeaters allow you to extend the coverage area of your wireless sensor network by repeating the signals between your wireless sensors and the wireless gateway. Place a Monnit Wireless Repeater / Range Extender halfway between your wireless sensors and the wireless gateway, and you will get an immediate boost in your wireless signal strength. The repeater will also act as a central access point for all of the sensors that are within it's range.
Reduce Wireless Interference.
If you have cordless phones or other wireless electronics in your facility, your gateway might not be able to "hear" your sensors over the noise from the other wireless devices. To quiet the noise, avoid wireless electronics that use the 900MHz frequency. Instead, look for cordless phones that use the 5.8GHz or 2.4GHz frequencies.
Radio Interference and Transmission Retries
The radio transmission of your wireless sensors is a two part process. The sensor transmits its data to the Wireless Gateway then listens for a reply transmission to acknowledge that the signal was received. When there is a significant amount of radio noise or interference, your wireless sensors may have to transmit longer in order to send and listen through the interference. If the signal is not received and acknowledged, the sensor will try to transmit again until it receives a successful response. Both of these issues can have an impact on battery life. Monnit wireless sensors operate on the 900MHz frequency that is less crowded than the popular 2.4GHz and higher frequencies, so you already should expect less interference using Monnit Wireless Sensors. To ensure optimal performance of your sensors and batteries, try to avoid areas that have an excess of radio interference from other devices.
For more information on using Monnit wireless sensors, visit the support section of our website.
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