900 MHz RFID, GSM, ISM: Wireless Networking

The 900 MHz frequency band was one of the first bands assigned to unlicensed wireless telecommunications. Starting in the early 1980s, this frequency band has been used for telemetry applications; spread spectrum Wireless LAN, SCADA, FSK, CCK spread spectrum radios, GSM phones, 900 MHz cordless phones, “walkie-talkies” and amateur radio.

Today, the 900 MHz frequency range is crowded with many diverse applications, some of which use high-power transmissions. Overcrowding in this band brings up a number of technological challenges, most notably electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Although the band is not as popular as it once was, many highly-productive 900 MHz applications are still in place. For these customers, L-com offers a broad selection of antennas, RF amplifiers, and other system components engineered to promote the reliable maintenance and operation of 900 MHz wireless network.

As new 900 MHz applications become more widely adopted, L-com’s field-proven 900 MHz connectivity products provide the fundamental network architecture necessary for successful and rapid implementation.

Solutions

Global System for Mobile Communications

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is a standard developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) to describe protocols for the second generation (2G) digital cellular networks used by mobile phones. GSM is now the de facto global standard for mobile communications, enjoying over 90% market share (2013) and availability in over 219 countries and territories.

Although GSM is a second-generation (2G) standard and no longer “state-of-the-art” in some markets, it none the less represents a huge global subscriber base (5 billion estimated in 2014).

Like all wireless systems, GSM performance and reliability depends upon the strength and quality of the RF signal transmitted through the system. Without adequate signal strength, GSM networks are useless.

L-com offers 900 MHz RF amplifiers and antennas that are ideally suited for boosting signal strength in 900 MHz GSM cellular and GSM multipoint mobile applications, including service vehicles, public transportation, law enforcement, mining and construction vehicles, as well as numerous other commercial and industrial applications where mobility and wide coverage is required.

WLAN

900 MHz WLAN applications have been a mainstay of wireless connectivity for over a decade. While this technology may be aging and is sometimes overlooked in favor of more current wireless systems, 900 MHz WLANs remain productive workhorses in many applications.

The 900 MHz band is far from obsolete today, mainly due to recent innovations that should significantly increase the use of this spectrum including the upcoming release of the IEEE 802.11ah standard, providing extended-range Wi-Fi through the 900 MHz spectrum.

Even though 900 MHz supports inherently better coverage and range characteristics than higher frequency wireless technologies, optimal signal strength is required to take advantage of these benefits. L-com offers a broad selection of 900 MHz network components, including antennas and both indoor and outdoor RF amplifiers in a variety of output levels that are ideally suited for boosting signal strength in 900 MHz WLAN systems.

Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) radio bands

The industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands are portions of the radio frequency (RF) J spectrum, frequencies reserved internationally for the use of industrial, scientific and medical purposes other than telecommunications. Examples of applications utilizing these bands include radio-frequency process heating, microwave ovens, and medical diathermy machines.

The powerful emissions of these devices can create electromagnetic interference (EMI) and disrupt radio communications using the same frequency. These devices, therefore, have been limited to the use of certain frequency bands with limited interference risks.

Because the 900 MHz ISM band is not used for telecommunications, the primary issue faced by RF design engineers is generally the interference caused by other applications operating within this band. Communications equipment operating in these bands must be capable of tolerating any interference generated by ISM equipment, as users today have no regulatory protection from ISM device operation.

Have a problem with ISM interference? L-com offers a broad selection of 900 MHz network components that can help, including directional antennas, band pass filters, and more.