3 Reasons Why Narrowband Wireless Solutions Are Ideal For Coverage-Challenged Outdoor Environments

By Darren Koffer, Director, Product Portfolio Management, Enterprise Mobile Computing, Zebra Technologies

Real-time information requires reliable wireless connectivity. Period. Today, enterprises can’t operate without either. Yet for some — seaports, rail yards, airports, and outdoor manufacturing yards — achieving both remains a challenging proposition. In addition to the vast areas that require coverage, these environments also contain materials — such as metal containers, heavy equipment, liquids, and other 2.4 GHz networks — that wreak havoc on Wi-Fi signals. As a result, Wi-Fi network deployments can be complex and expensive in these environments. To get around the complexity, some companies may look to a cellular network to deliver data connectivity. And while on the surface that may seem like an attractive alternative, they often give up two critical elements of their communications capabilities in the process — network control and cost.

The good news is channel partners do have another option to address the needs of enterprises requiring rugged mobile platforms that can operate in environments where connectivity is impacted by RF interference and can overcome all of the issues highlighted above — digital narrowband. Narrowband has been in existence since the 1970s and pre-dates the ratification of the 802.11 standard by nearly 20 years. Here are three good reasons why narrowband is the ideal choice for delivering reliable data connectivity in challenging RF deployments.

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