The coverage range of Industrial Router is simply the maximum distance that its wireless signal can cover. This distance is affected by many factors, including the performance of the device itself, environmental factors, obstacles, and so on. Generally speaking, the maximum coverage range of industrial-grade wireless routers is between 100 meters and 300 meters, but this is only a rough value, and it may vary in actual use due to various factors.

1、Factors affecting the coverage of Industrial Router

• Equipment performance: The performance parameters of Industrial Router, such as transmission power and antenna gain, directly affect its coverage area. The higher the transmission power, the higher the antenna gain, and the wider the coverage area.
• Environmental factors: terrain, obstacles, buildings and other environmental factors will cause attenuation of wireless signals. For example, the obstruction of a wall may cause a signal attenuation of about 20%.
• Signal interference: Other wireless devices and electromagnetic interference in the environment may also affect the coverage of Industrial Router.

2、How to choose the most suitable Industrial Router

Choose according to your needs: When choosing an Industrial Router, you must first clarify your needs. For example, if it is used in an open area, you can choose a router with a large transmission power and wide coverage; If it is used in an office, workshop, or other environment, it is necessary to consider the impact of terrain and obstacles and choose the appropriate antenna and configuration.
Consider the cost-effectiveness: When choosing an Industrial Router, don't just focus on price or performance, but consider the cost-effectiveness comprehensively. Choosing a router with stable performance and reasonable price can better meet your needs.
Attention to maintenance and inspection: In order to ensure the stability and reliability of the network, we need to regularly maintain and inspect the Industrial Router. Timely detection and resolution of problems can ensure that the router is always in optimal condition.

3、Methods for expanding coverage

3.1 Optimize the location of the router

Central open location: Place the Industrial Router in a central and relatively open location in the facility to ensure that the signal can evenly cover all corners. Avoid placing the router near large obstacles such as thick walls, metal structures, etc. These obstacles can significantly attenuate signal strength.

3.2 Using high-gain antennas

Directional and omnidirectional antennas: Select directional or omnidirectional high-gain antennas according to actual needs. Directional antenna can concentrate the signal in a specific direction, which is suitable for narrow and long spaces; The omnidirectional antenna can radiate signals evenly in all directions, making it suitable for open areas.
Antenna gain: Select an antenna with appropriate gain to significantly improve the signal coverage of the router. The higher the gain, the wider the signal coverage is usually, but the cost, size and installation complexity of the antenna also need to be considered.

3.3 Add relay equipment

Repeater deployment: Deploy repeaters in areas with weak signals to amplify and forward the signals from the original router. This method can effectively expand the coverage range, but it is important to note that the selection of the repeater should be compatible with the original router and ensure the stability of the relay link.
Mesh network: It uses multiple routers to work together to form a mesh network structure. In this structure, each router can act as a relay point for other routers, creating a seamless WiFi network. This method is suitable for large or complex industrial environments.

3.4 Channel Optimization and Interference Management

Channel selection: Select the best channel for Industrial Router to ensure that neighboring WiFi networks do not operate on the same channel to reduce mutual interference. Professional network analysis tools can be used to identify and select the best channel.
Elimination of interference sources: Identify and eliminate potential interference sources, such as nearby electronic devices, machinery, or other wireless devices operating within the same frequency range. This helps optimize the strength and stability of the network signal.

3.5 Support for using the 5GHz frequency band

Frequency band switching: If the Industrial Router supports the 5GHz frequency band, you can switch to this frequency band in the system configuration. The 5GHz band usually has better transmission performance and anti-interference ability, which can provide more stable and high-speed network connections. However, it should be noted that the signal penetration ability of the 5GHz band is weak, and it may need to be used within a relatively close distance.

3.6 Software and firmware updates

Regular Updates: Keep the software and firmware of Industrial Router up to date. Manufacturers typically update their routers to fix known issues, enhance functionality, and optimize performance, thereby indirectly improving the coverage area of the router.

The coverage of Industrial Router is a problem that requires comprehensive consideration of various factors. When selecting and using Industrial Router, we need to consider our actual needs and environmental factors comprehensively and choose the most suitable equipment for us. At the same time, we also need to pay attention to the development and application of new technologies, and continuously improve the performance and coverage of Industrial Router to meet the growing demand for Industrial Internet of Things.