Have you ever wondered how wireless communication systems like cordless phones manage to maintain such reliable and clear connections? DECT antennas hold the answer. Basically, a DECT antenna is the part of a phone that allows wireless communication between the base station and the handset using a certain frequency band that is utilized for calls. The “Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications” (DECT) standard, which is most commonly used in cordless landline phones, is designed to transmit and receive specific radio signals.
This article will help you understand DECT systems. Here we have described the function of DECT technology, the various kinds of DECT antennas, their significant characteristics, real-world uses, and how they differ from other wireless technologies. You will have a thorough understanding of the importance of DECT antennas in contemporary wireless communication by the end of the article.
Understanding DECT Technology
Explanation of DECT
DECT technology originated in Europe and is a cordless phone standard used worldwide. The initial DECT standards were released in 1992, and the DECT technology is developed by the member-supported DECT Forum. In addition to cordless home phones, DECT is also used for wireless extensions to the workplace, which allow customers to be transferred to various base stations as they move about the facility. Phones bought in one region won’t work with DECT phones in another, as DECT runs in distinct frequency bands ranging from 1.8 to 1.9 GHz depending on the country.
How does DECT work?
A DECT system consists of two components that remain in contact with each other. The first component is the base station, also known as the fixed part. The second component is the handset, sometimes known as the portable part.
Mainly, the base station serves as a link between the handsets and the phone and Internet connections. This can take the shape of a DSL router with DECT functionality or a basic DECT base station with or without an answering machine. In order to create a network, multiple base stations can also be connected. This is frequently used in telephone service in wider areas. Here, single and multi-cell systems provide a seamless transition. The handset serves as the counterpart to the base station. The handset connects to the base station and is typically cordless. This mobile component, though, might alternatively take the shape of a phone or headset.
When looking into the signal transmission, a “beacon signal” is continuously sent by the base station. A nearby handset may be able to receive this. The signal gives the phone the information it needs to connect to this base station and deliver data. You can use this cordless solution to make a phone call if the base station and handset are in synchronization. The beacon channel with the strongest connection will be blocked for other phones during a call. An average delay of 10 ms will occur during data transmission from the device to the base station. This is significantly lower than the typical latency experienced in many Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communications, which can vary based on network conditions.
Role of Antennas in DECT Systems
In DECT systems, antennas allow radio signals to be sent and received between wireless phones and the base station. The coverage area, interference resistance, and signal strength are all determined by these antennas.
A DECT antenna’s design affects signal propagation, minimizing dead zones and guaranteeing a reliable connection. The efficiency of data transmission and call quality can be affected by variables such as antenna size, direction, and placement.
Types of DECT Antennas
Внутренние антенны
Built into devices such as cordless phones, internal antennas are compact and optimized for short-range communication. Base stations with internal antennas (no external antenna is required), a small size component, an integrated antenna, LAN connectivity, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability make installation simple. As a result, no more cabling is needed to support telephony.
Внешние антенны
The DECT External Antenna expands the base station’s and IP-DECT base station’s reach in places where base station installation is challenging. Because of its great directionality, it’s an ideal instrument for expanding coverage in areas that are difficult to reach. The Repeater can also be connected to the external antenna.
Fixed Antennas
Permanently mounted on DECT devices, these antennas offer consistent performance and are common in enterprise communication setups.
Retractable Antennas
Retractable antennas can be adjusted for better signal reception, providing flexibility in usage.
Всенаправленные антенны
These antennas transmit signals in all directions, ensuring broad coverage and improved connectivity for multiple users.
Направленные антенны
Designed to focus signals on a specific direction, directional antennas enhance signal strength and reduce interference.
Key Features of DECT Antennas
Channels:
In DECT, there are 120 duplex channels in total. As a result of the allocation of distinct channels, 120 users can communicate simultaneously without interference. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), and Time Division Duplex (TDD) are the methods utilized in DECT. Ten frequency slots and twenty-four-time slots are available. Downlink communication (from the base station to the handset) takes place during the first twelve time slots, while uplink communication (from the handset to the base station) occurs during the remaining twelve time slots.
Частота:
In a cordless system, there are two ways to distribute the frequency among several users. When DECT is neither sending nor receiving, it allows portable stations to listen to the channels using TDMA. This leads to Dynamic Channel Allocation (DCA), which allows the system to quickly switch to a different channel in order to resolve issues that arise when an end-user or terminal is interfered with or encounters any issues. With TDMA, a single radio can be used to send and receive data to numerous users.
Coverage:
The three specifications for the coverage of the area in DECT are
- Radio frequency.
- Receiver sensitivity.
- Transmitting power.
DECT’s range and area coverage are inferior to those of the Global System for Mobile Communication. However, it has several applications in indoor communications. Each transceiver can have up to 12 voice connections simultaneously thanks to DECT.
Диапазон:
We frequently call while on the run. A DECT phone is obviously limited in this regard. Additionally, those boundaries are 300 meters outside and 50 meters within. Obstructions such as steel, concrete, or trees between the base station and the handset can affect the range. A DECT repeater can be used to extend the range if the conventional DECT range is not sufficient for the user’s needs. By registering with the base station like a handset, a powerful DECT repeater like the Gigaset Repeater HX doubles the range without causing any disruptions or lowering the quality of the voice.
As we mentioned previously, DECT consists of two components: a fixed component and a portable component. The base station is a radio-fixed component. The mobile phone is a portable component. The base station is responsible for connecting mobile phones to telephone networks. The security function is well-developed, and the transition is seamless. There are more users because of its improved mobility, customizable bandwidth, good speech quality, and high battery quality. Usually, the radius of the cell is between 25 and 100 meters. It has a traffic density of 100,000 Erlangs/Km2 and a bit rate of 32 kbps. Additionally, the wireless carrier frequency is between 1.88 and 1.9 GHz.
Real-world Applications
In basic terms, DECT was created for voice transmission. The development of VoIP (Internet telephony) and related data transmission made it necessary for DECT to have access to these services.
Cordless phones, which are mostly popular for the use of houses, workplaces, and businesses, are developed using DECT.
It is used for various industry applications, such as remote controls and baby monitors.
It is utilized in the Wireless Local Loop (WLL), which offers internet and phone services to telecom users, as well as in the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).
It is utilized in business telephone systems, also known as Private Automated Branch Exchange (PABX), which are multiline telephone networks used in workplaces. Call centers and other commercial enterprises use it.
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a global telephone system that connects various public telephone networks, integrates DECT technology for wireless communication.
It is utilized in Integrated Service Digital Networks, which leverage Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) to transmit multimedia and audio data.
Real world Example 01: BodyWave DECT antenna
The difficulties of wearing wireless communications were taken into consideration when designing the BodyWave DECT antenna line. Even in the most difficult conditions, reliable communication lines are guaranteed because of improved radiation efficiency, enhanced detuning immunity, and exclusive propagation. Compared to the current commercially available general purpose off-the-shelf antennas, BodyWave antenna technology is far more appropriate for wearable applications. Compared to current commercially available chip and printed antennas, these antennas are intended to improve coverage in directions that are blocked by the human body, with a link budget increase of 10 to 20 dB in those directions.
The 1.9 GHz DECT BodyWave Antenna includes the following features.
- The return loss is stable
- Minimal impedance detuning at different antenna-tissue separation distance
- Predictable on-body radiation performance
- Ease of integration
Real-world Example 02: 1001013 – DECT NR+ SMD Antenna
The primary requirements of device designers for increased functionality and performance in smaller/thinner designs are met by these antennas. These cutting-edge antennas offer compelling benefits for media players, handheld devices, and other mobile devices that support 2.4 GHz. Both off-ground and on-ground (over metal) conditions can be utilized with this antenna. DECT NR+ technology is covered here.
Benefits of DECT Antennas
- Reliability – DECT is designed for voice communication. It ensures that the voice will not interfere with any other communication procedure.
- Isolated frequency – DECT works on a separate frequency due to its own spectrum, which reduces bandwidth competition between computers and wireless devices.
- Less Power Consumption – Because of its design, the phone uses less power than wi-fi, allowing the user to chat for longer periods of time.
- Cost-efficient – Because these services are less expensive to use than others, more people from businesses to residents are becoming subscribers.
- Less exposure to HF waves – Compared to users of mobile transmission, DECT telephone customers are less exposed to high-frequency waves. This is because of DECT’s short-range characteristics.
- Stability and Security – DECT is a very secure technology that is utilized for smooth communications. Because the unique base station is only accessible by handsets, DECT is stable.
- High Quality – Uninterrupted roaming between base stations is guaranteed by the DECT’s excellent quality.
Comparisons with Other Wireless Technologies
How DECT antennas differ from those used in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.
To access the Internet, phone calls, and any data transmission, all you need is Wi-Fi. With the introduction of the DECT, it has been up against strong competition. In this sense, the wireless transmission principle is the same. However, there are significant differences between the two technologies’ specific applications.
And this is the reason: The purpose of Wi-Fi is data communication. Small data packets are sent during this procedure, which frequently results in disruptions. However, this is particularly important when it comes to voice communication. We prefer to understand what the other person is saying over listening to poor voice quality while we are on the phone. DECT, on the other hand, prioritizes voice communication because it was built for it from the beginning. For the best voice quality, all resources can be utilized in isolated frequencies. To utilize Wi-Fi within the DECT system, the CAT-iq profile has been created for extra data transfer. The range of DECT provides an additional benefit over Wi-Fi. However, “Voice over Wi-Fi” is typically limited, and only specific access points allows to switch between them without any disruptions during a phone call.
DECT operates on dedicated frequencies, avoiding congestion seen in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Unlike Bluetooth’s short-range communication, DECT provides extended range and improved security.
Преимущества: Secure communication, extended range, and minimal interference.
Недостатки: Limited to voice transmission, not ideal for high-speed data applications.
Заключение
In simple terms, we have discussed DECT technology, its role in wireless communication, and the main features of DECT antennas. The different types of DECT antennas, their key features, and their benefits in various applications are also mentioned here. Additionally, we compared DECT antennas to those used in other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, highlighting their unique advantages.
Understanding DECT antennas can help anyone understand the role of DECT antennas in ensuring reliable and interference-free communication. Whether you are setting up a DECT system for home or business use, choosing the right antenna can significantly enhance performance, range, and security. As technology evolves, DECT antennas will continue to improve, supporting the increasing demand for reliable and secure wireless communication.
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