1. Which Unlicensed Frequency is Best for
Your Industrial Wireless Network?

2. Selecting the best frequency band for a wireless application is one
of the most challenging issues.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has three
primary frequency bands designated for unlicensed operation.
Unlicensed means the operator of the radios does not need to file
directly with the FCC to use the radio. The three frequency bands
used for this in the U.S. are the 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.
As we have outlined in our blog series so far, each frequency band
has both advantages and concerns for any industrial wireless
network application.
Finding the Right Fit

3. 900 MHz
The 900 MHz frequency band has the best coverage area and will
provide the best range when compared to the other two.
Unfortunately, this band also has the smallest number of available
channels, which can limit how many concurrent wireless networks
can operate in the same area.

4. 2.4 GHz
The 2.4 GHz frequency band has many more channels available
than the 900 MHz and also supports WiFi clients.
Because of the higher frequency of operation, the 2.4 GHz band
must have a line of sight (LOS) between the antennas so more
repeaters may be required.

5. 5.8 GHz
The 5.8 GHz frequency band has highest number of available channels
and greater bandwidths that support higher data rates, but you will need
a direct line of sight between antennas for reliable operation or longer
distances.

6. Common Characteristics
Each of these unlicensed bands do have common features. Each
will support a self-healing, Mesh network, and all are compatible
with ESTeem industrial wireless radios, which support high-speed
Ethernet interfaces and have legacy serial ports.
All three frequencies support outdoor mounting using our industrial,
NEMA4 rated mounting hardware, and all can be used in harsh
industrial applications.
ESTeem has years of experience selecting the right frequency and
designing the best industrial wireless networks for our customers’
needs. Contact us today for the assistance you need.

7. The ESTeem Advantage
We design, engineer and manufacture industrial wireless radios and modems - all
in the US and all specifically focused on solving our customers’ most difficult
networking challenges, no matter what the frequency.
Through all of those years, we’ve stuck to the philosophy that applications will not
bend to fit the hardware. The solution must fit the application, and we work with
our customers to ensure they get the right wireless solution to fit their needs.
To that end, all of our models come with full compatibility
baked in (195E/Horizon, 192/195 Narrowband), and we
write our software/OS specifically for the components used
for optimum efficiency and performance.
To learn how ESTeem can deliver the cost-effective,
reliable wireless network your operation needs, visit our
website or submit this simple contact form.

8. ESTeem Corporate Information
Electronic Systems Technology
• Incorporated 1982
• Public Offering 1984
• Symbol: ELST
• dBA ESTeem Wireless Modems -
2007
Corp/MFG Headquarters
• Kennewick, WA
• Rockwell Automation Encompass
Partner – 25+ years
• CSIA Member/Supplier
• Control Systems Integrator
Association
45,000+ Radios in Service Worldwide
• Industry’s most complete
portfolio: 10 models
• FCC Licensed Frequencies
• License-Free Frequencies