Mobile communications systems, such as 3G, offer unparalleled versatility and user freedom. We now find ourselves in a new generation of computing systems, a leap forward as important as the Internet was more than a decade ago.
We will see innovative applications mushroom googlesque style and Shuttleworths of the wireless era will emerge with new ways to make technology work for us, play for us and make money for us. TV adverts will show bronzed beauties merging companies over the Internet while sipping a humus shake on a pristine beach with only a laptop and a 3G card.
Just don`t forget the antennas
The truth is that the antenna is the way that your wireless device talks to the world. Take the antenna away and all you have is an expensive doorstop. Nowadays, the focus is on making the antennas invisible. After all, nobody really likes the things. They tend to get in the way, poke your kid`s eye out and generally serve as an ominous reminder of the tabloid article you read on cancer and radio waves. Making antennas invisible, or pulling them into the enclosures as is done with many modern wireless devices covers up the blurry issue of connectivity and how it actually happens.
Being connected to a wireless infrastructure relies on the flow of radio signals between your device and the network. A big problem is that constraints such as government regulations and the limitations of laptop and phone power supplies force wireless devices to transmit relatively low power radio signals that only travel relatively short distances before they are too weak to be of any use. The quality and design of the antenna used has a massive impact on how far the signals will travel, and how well your device will be able to hear signals sent by distant base stations.
Why is this important? Well, simply put, a higher signal level has a number of benefits. First, battery life is saved because your device doesn`t need to SHOUT as loud to reach the base station. Second, you are less likely to suffer from a `dropped call` or a break in communication if you have reliable connection. Third, your data rates will be higher as the incoming and outgoing data are less influenced by electrical noise. Lastly, and most importantly, a good antenna will allow you higher range and better connectivity in remote areas (such as the pristine beaches containing the bronzed beauties). All of these benefits are especially relevant in the context of 3G, which falls back on to the less desirable GPRS system when it battles with connectivity.
Many of the current 3G offerings come standard with an integrated antenna, which is hidden in the card, but not very efficient due to its small size. Make sure you are provided with a 3G card that allows an external antenna to be connected in addition to the internal antenna. Using a well designed external antenna that not only caters for strong signal levels at 3G frequencies, but also in the standard GSM bands will ensure truly trouble-free ubiquitous connectivity.
Poynting Antennas offers a range of antennas to boost wireless connectivity. The blade antenna (see photo) is a quad band, vertically polarised antenna. It is designed to be omni-directional, and covers the 800/900MHz and 1 800/1 900MHz bands as well as the 1 900 - 2 170MHz 3G bands.
It comes with a SMA connector, but can be supplied with a FME or MMCX connector. The attractive, small design allows it to stand on a flat surface. It can be supplied with double-sided tape or with a built-in magnet to mount it against metal surfaces.
The Log Periodic Dipole Antenna (see photo) is the first of a new range of robust, compact, high performance Cellular high gain antennas designed specifically for end-users battling with bad reception in remote areas and for business applications, such as least-cost router (LCR) systems and cellular payphone installations.
The product features new advances in manufacture and design which translate to real benefits for the user. Wide band operation over the entire cellular band, including full GSM, 3G and other global cellular standards means that the antenna can be used anywhere in the world for any type of cellular installation.
Mobile 3G booster antennas are due to be released shortly and are specifically aimed at the South African market. Please contact sales@poynting.co.za or 0800 443 443 should you want more information or a quotation.
Poynting Antennas is situated in Wynberg, Johannesburg. The company supplies industry with electromagnetic engineering research and development services and products. For additional information on Poynting, visit its Web site at http://www.poynting.co.za or call (011) 262 5155.
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