24 January 2011
Deltenna's WiBE evaluated by radio network to cut cost of
remote live broadcasts
Independent testing of 3G broadband devices has been undertaken
throughout the UK's Cumbria and the Lake District. The evaluation
sought to assess the technologies' potentials for minimising the
use of satellite vans, significantly cutting the cost of live
remote news reports.
Analysis was carried out for a rural news network; analysing
signal degradation and throughput using a MiFi device and
Deltenna's recently announced WiBE technology.
Both devices access the 3G broadband network and generate a WiFi
hotspot. The WiBE also utilises four directional antennas and
signal isolation algorithms to enhance the fastest signal in
range.
According to the summary report:
The UK's 3G network was able to reliably deliver the bandwidth
required for live radio broadcasts in the majority of locations
tested throughout the remote county.
At one location, used as a refuge by many during the destructive
flooding in November 2009, the received signal strength was -77dBm*
for the WiBE versus -93dBm for the MiFi meaning the WiBE's
high-gain antennas amplified the signal by 40 times relative to the
MiFi device.
The WiBE also extended the mobile broadband coverage range into
the remote forest of Whinlatter (
see map). Here the WiBE's average connection speed was 136KBps;
exceeding minimum broadcast quality requirements. The MiFi device
failed to register any signal in Whinlatter.
The largest recorded connection range was from a 3G base station
located an impressive 22.9km (14.2 miles) away**. This connection
was achieved using the WiBE.
The largest recorded RF signal strength difference was 22dBm,
meaning the power reaching the WiBE was over 100 times that of the
MiFi.
Tim Tierney, who undertook the tests for the broadcaster
commented: "Cumbria has significant communications difficulties
because of the mountainous terrain and declining availability of
ISDN lines. 3G coverage is patchy in Cumbria and we have VSAT
capability, but 3G is useful and very economic for coverage in many
areas."
Dr Andrew Fox, CEO of Deltenna said: "Reliability is crucial in
live broadcasts as the listener will instantly spot when technology
has failed. The results, especially the 14 mile connection,
highlight the increased range that WiBE delivers and its potential
to bring broadband to a greater proportion of rural locations."
Deltenna claims the proprietary antennas and algorithms give
WiBE a throughput up to 30 times that of a 3G USB dongle or mobile
phone and five times the connection range. These tests back this
claim.
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