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White Paper - Wi-Fi HaLow Radio Technology with Trimble SX12 and EM130

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Wi-Fi HaLow Radio Technology 7 However, Wi-Fi HaLow is significantly better than Long Range Radio in terms of wireless link throughput. "Wireless link throughput" refers to how much data can be transmitted over a period of time. Wi-Fi HaLow has a wireless link throughput between 8 and 14 times higher than LRR. The higher throughput means the communication link can seamlessly transfer large amounts of data, such as point clouds or streaming video. Single-Link Communication Solution for Trimble SX12 & EM130 To connect to an SX12 using Wi-Fi Halow, Trimble Access™ must be running on a Trimble controller that has an EMPOWER EM130 Wi-Fi HaLow module. Wi-Fi HaLow allows you to work at both short and long ranges with no need to switch communication methods. Moreover, Wi-Fi HaLow provides a fast, robust, and responsive way for the instrument and controller to communicate. Previously the Trimble SX12 (and SX10) used both standard Wi-Fi and Long Range Radio (LRR) to optimize how you work at different ranges. Wi-Fi HaLow removes the need to switch between communication methods, and is instead built to be a single-link communication solution for the Trimble SX12 and its controller. In short or medium ranges, Wi-Fi HaLow performs similarly to standard Wi-Fi in terms of video quality and scan data transfer time. But at longer ranges where standard Wi-Fi cannot reach, Wi-Fi HaLow provides a more robust link with better video quality than LRR. Considering these advantages, Wi-Fi HaLow is the perfect solution for users who prefer a single link to complete their job without requiring to switch back and forth between standard Wi-Fi and LRR. It's worth noting that the Trimble SX12 with Wi-Fi HaLow model also has standard Wi-Fi included. For the majority of situations, Wi-Fi HaLow is the only communication link that is needed, however we included standard Wi-Fi as a backup method in case of interference on the Wi-Fi HaLow frequencies. Factors that Impact Video Quality, Data Transfer, and Range Video quality, the data transfer rate (throughput), and communication range is highly dependent on many factors including: localized interference, line of sight, multipath, Fresnel zone, antenna, the video or image resolution, and frequency being used. This section dives into the most notable factors to consider during a survey. Effect of Localized Sources of Radio Interference When multiple radios are operating on similar frequencies, they can interfere with one another. For the user that could mean decreased range, decreased video quality, or video lag. This is true for all radio types, including long range radio, standard Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi HaLow. Since Wi-Fi HaLow uses the license-free sub-1GHz ISM frequency band, it shares the spectrum with other radio devices that use the same band such as other Wi-Fi HaLow devices, mesh networks deployed in mining or construction sites, high-power 900MHz UHF radios, miscellaneous ISM equipment, amateur radios, and smart utility meters.

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