Solution: Adapting as Planes Move with Wi-Fi and CBRS.
ID Technologies and CommScope have teamed up to deliver an end-to-end solution for reliable communications for Air Force base hangars, bunkers and flight lines. The solution includes detailed site surveys, advanced RUCKUS® access points and implementation services.
To test the solution, two Air Force bases deployed RUCKUS access points next to existing legacy wireless access points in various locations across the base. In tests, while the legacy access points often had no signal, RUCKUS access points in the same location consistently provided strong Wi-Fi signals in both directions, with 10-20 Mbps bandwidth.
Here’s the difference: As aircraft and endpoints move, RUCKUS access points adapt dynamically using BeamFlex™ technology. Each access point has up to 21 high-gain, directional antennas. Unlike omnidirectional antennas that radiate signals in all directions, BeamFlex identifies the best path to the receiving device, constantly reconfiguring the antennas in the best of 4,200 potential patterns to increase signal gain. The antennas also focus RF energy away from the direction of interference.
The result is consistently good wireless performance, stable connections and interference mitigation.
On-Site Services.
Even the most advanced wireless solution will not work reliably on Air Force bases if not designed and architected for each base’s unique environment. ID Technologies and CommScope provide end-to-end design and implementation services as part of the solution. To begin an engagement we dispatch wireless engineers to conduct a thorough site survey, measuring wireless coverage throughout the base, including runways, hangars and bunkers. The site survey takes 3-7 days. Using this data we build wireless coverage models that reflect actual conditions—not predictions. Engineers return to base to deploy and test access points and fine-tune placement if necessary.