Base Station Repeater

Base Station Repeater is network component that improves two-way radio communication range and synchronization for mission-critical communications on TETRA networks. With proper RF planning and on-site measurements and monitoring of RF power and optical attenuation, it offers high coverage area repeaters to reduce the risk of network interruption.

A standard GMRS base station only helps improve radio communication from the dispatcher to mobile units. For range improvement between mobile units, you need a repeater.

Location

A Base Station Repeater is a network component that provides RF coverage in a wireless computer networking environment. It receives on one frequency and transmits on another, allowing mobile stations to communicate over longer distances than they could otherwise. It is typically located at a high elevation to minimize signal interference. It is connected to a central switch that manages the base stations and the overall network. The connection from the base stations to the switch is called a Site Link.

A problem that may arise in a communication system with a base station and repeater that are both in synchronization with each other is that signals transmitted from the repeater to mobile stations may cause interference with each other. This problem can be overcome by equipping the base station and the repeater with a GPS, but this is costly.

The present invention provides a communication system that is capable of preventing the interference described above from occurring. The communication system has a base station that holds a neighbor list, and broadcasts the neighbor list to repeaters and mobile stations managed by it. The first communication unit of the repeater refers to the neighbor list, and performs a handover when the reception strength of a signal received from a repeated is greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Power

The amount of power available at a repeater can have a significant impact on RF performance. The higher the power level, the more channels the repeater can handle and the further its signals can be broadcast. This type of device is used to boost the range of two-way radio signals and extend their reach in large areas.

This is accomplished by a series of electronic circuits that convert alternating current signals on the wire pair to electronic pulses, then amplifies the pulses using an amplifier and finally sends the signal back out the other end of the fiber. The system is Base Station Repeater bidirectional, so the repeater must be capable of amplifying the signal in both directions without feedback, and this requires a complex design.

Portable radios typically work in five watts, while mobile radios use 25 watts or more, and base stations work in 50 to 100 watts. The ability of a radio to communicate across an area is determined by its transmit power, the height of its antenna above ground, its transmitter and receiver circuitry, and the surrounding terrain.

This is where a Base Station Repeater can make an incredible difference in the communications range of your radio network. The Codan MT-4E series of repeaters and bases is designed to be the gold standard for mission critical systems in hard-to-access locations. It includes dual variable-power 100W P25 digital and analog conventional repeaters in a single 4RU subrack complete with network interface and power supply, plus software that offers remote programming, diagnostics, logging and fault management.

Antenna

The antenna available at a base station repeater is a big factor in the range of a two way radio network. A repeater has a much greater wattage output than hand-held radios, which translates to increased coverage. A repeater is also installed at a higher elevation than a portable, which allows it to overcome obstacles that might otherwise interfere with communication.

The base station repeater antenna is connected to a duplex filter which separates the receiving and transmitting frequencies. This prevents the transmitter’s broadband noise from overloading (blocking) the receiver front end and causing distortion. The duplex filter also attenuates the incoming signal from mobiles using the two way radio suppliers same frequency, as well as unwanted signals coming from other repeaters or public-access channels.

In addition to the filter, a base station repeater may have an isolator to reduce interference from other nearby repeaters and other sources of radio noise. A directional antenna on the transmitting side can be used to further improve range by minimizing interference.

A repeater’s height will also have a direct relationship to its transmit range. However, doubling the height of the antenna doesn’t necessarily double the transmission range. The relationship is more complicated than that, and other factors like terrain play a role in the total transmission range. A high-quality, omni-directional base station antenna is the best choice for maximizing repeater range.

Connectivity

A radio repeater is an electronic device that increases the power of a signal by receiving it on one frequency and simultaneously re-transmitting it on another frequency. This allows for a much greater communication range between mobile radios and is a great solution for overcoming “line of sight” obstacles such as large buildings or mountains.

Repeaters are also useful for extending the range of two way radios. For example, Formula One racing officials need to be able to communicate with each other while traveling through the middle of a city. With a repeater connected to an antenna on the top of a building, their radio signals can be routed up and back down again to reach their colleagues at each location.

Most base stations are configured to operate in a fixed location with a power supply, antenna distribution system and RF repeater(s). In a wide area network configuration, a number of these conventional repeaters are connected via a switch that manages the radio communications. This is called a Site Link and provides RF coverage across a larger area.

A base station is also capable of connecting to a TNC (Telecomunications Network Control) switch or a radio-over-IP platform for remote access and control. This means that a base station can be accessed and controlled from a desktop computer or mobile phone with the right software. Tait’s TaskBuilder offers advanced features that allow operators to automate channel changes, digital outputs and timers based on internal or external events.