DIPOL Weekly Review – TV and SAT TV, CCTV, WLAN

Swedish startup unveils smallest and lightest communication technology.

In a world where reliable communication can determine lives, response times or the success of operations, something has emerged that could completely change the rules of the game. Swedish company TERASi has unveiled the RU1, the world's smallest and lightest communication radio, which combines a compact form factor with performance that no device of its class has offered before. It is a technology built for extreme conditions where every second and every megabit matters. The RU1 is designed for users operating in environments where unreliable and commercial communications infrastructures fail. These include the armed forces, emergency response teams and the mining, forestry and construction industries. Traditional communication systems are too slow, too expensive and too susceptible to interference. The RU1, with its millimetre wave technology above 60 GHz, creates focused, laser-like beams that are difficult to intercept or disrupt. Not only does the device operate faster than a satellite, but it also allows the creation of a private communications network that can be deployed in minutes and kept under the full control of the operator.

At the heart of this innovation is the patented Aircore technology, which replaces classic circuit boards with three-dimensional metalised air-filled structures. This increases signal transmission efficiency from a typical 40-50% to over 90%, resulting in longer battery life, lighter weight and instant deployment in the field. RU1 can be mounted on drones, autonomous vehicles or tripods, creating mobile networks that adapt to the operational situation, as the infrastructure can move with them. Collaboration with AI systems is another key element. In a world where sensors, drones and autonomous machines generate vast amounts of data, central analysis becomes essential. The RU1 aggregates streams of information and transmits them in real time, enabling faster and more accurate decisions. Delays of less than 5 milliseconds allow for applications that satellites cannot handle, such as drone detection and rapid response systems.

Although millimetre wave technology had a difficult start, as the promises of 5G network deployment were not fulfilled and the coverage and stability of these solutions left much to be desired, TERASi shows that the potential of this technology is enormous. It is particularly evident in applications beyond traditional telecoms, where reliability, speed and full control over transmitted data are important. Rather than focusing on typical consumer applications, such as being able to watch movies and TV series on the way to work, which has been the main argument promoting 5G technology for years, the RU1 has been developed for much more demanding tasks. The device is intended to save lives, support military operations and provide independent communications in places where access to traditional infrastructure is limited or completely impossible. Will the RU1 revolutionise communication in the field? Will it become the standard in energy, transport, rescue and defence? This we do not yet know. One thing, however, remains certain. TERASi has opened the door to a whole new era of communications.

Multiswitch installation in a multi-family block of flats.

In one of Krakow's multi-family blocks of flats, a modern collective multiswitch installation has been realised, based on TERRA equipment. It enables reception of signals from two satellite positions, terrestrial TV DVB-T2 and FM/DAB+ radio. The system has been designed to provide all residents of the building (120 flats in total) with access to a wide range of TV and radio channels while maintaining high signal quality and stability. At the heart of the system are professional TERRA devices, using multiswitches of the MV-9xx series, broadband amplifiers SA-91L R70901 and splitters and taps, which ensure high signal quality and reliable operation of the entire system.

On the roof of the building, there was mounted a DPL-120 satellite dish with a diameter of 120 cm A9682 allowing simultaneous reception of programmes from two satellites (Hot Bird 13°E and Astra 19.2°E) and a terrestrial TV antenna supporting the DVB-T2 standard, together with a radio antenna. The installation has been made with use of high-quality coaxial cables TRISET B2CA (flammability class B2ca E1020_500) and precisely selected F-type connectors MASTER E80342, which minimizes signal loss even at long distances between the multiswitch and subscriber outlets. Thanks to this solution, residents can connect their satellite decoders, TV sets supporting DVB-T2 and radio receivers without having to install their own antennas on balconies, which affects both the aesthetics of the building and the safety of users. The entire installation has been tested for signal quality, resistance to interference and compliance with technical standards. The installation will ensure many years of reliability and comfortable reception for all residents.

The entire system was carefully calibrated for signal level and quality using a professional ALPSAT brand meter AS07STCA-4K R10206, ensuring an optimal balance between gain and overdrive resistance. Thanks to the use of TERRA-branded equipment, the installation is characterised by high stability, immunity to interference and easy future expansion.

Problem with OTDR measurement? - check the condition of the connector.

Reflectometric measurements are carried out wherever there is a need to provide complete information on the condition of an optical link. We are talking about the attenuation of the entire link and its individual components: connectors, splitters, splices and the fibre itself. The reflectometer also provides information on the reflectance value for reflective events (e.g. connectors, mechanical splices).

Proper measurements depend not only on the OTDR configuration, but also on the cleanliness of the measuring connector. The OTDR connector as well as the connector of the run-up fiber put into it should be cleaned. Failure to do so may prevent correct measurements from being made.

The photo below shows a reflectometer connector that was used incorrectly - the connector was not cleaned regularly or was cleaned in an unprofessional manner. This resulted in a build-up of dirt, which in turn contributed to scratching and pitting of the connector face. The result was an incorrect pulse at the reflectometer output. The damaged connector caused a large pulse reflection already at the start of the fibre, followed by several secondary reflections. This is shown in the reflectogram below.

It is imperative that installers carrying out this type of measurement have a tool for cleaning fibre optic connectors. The best, because the most universal solution, would be to use the so-called "pens" - for example the NTT Nanoclean-E3 L59161. They allow the cleaning of both device sockets (or, for example, ferrules of connectors plugged into adapters in switches) and connectors, after the appropriate tip has been applied.

How to solve the problem of several cameras on one long cable?

In IP surveillance installations, one often encounters limitations due to the existing infrastructure: the inability to run new cables, the need to run several cameras on a single UTP cable or the distance between points being too great. In such situations, the APT-4-11-CA1 N29827 PoE switch, enclosed in an IP68 sealed housing and designed for outdoor use, is the perfect solution.

The device allows up to three PoE receivers (e.g. IP cameras) to be connected and powered using a single network cable. It can be used as a splitter - allowing additional cameras to be added where an installation already exists - or as a LAN + PoE extender, extending the transmission range beyond the standard 100 m. Thanks to the Long Range 150 m mode, stable port operation and full power is maintained in cable sections reaching 150 m, eliminating the need for additional active intermediate components. An additional advantage is the ability to cascade the devices, allowing extensive network structures to be created based on a single feeder cable.
The APT-4-11-CA1 can also be powered locally via an additional screw connector, giving the installer flexibility in designing distribution points. The device complies with IEEE 802.3af/at/bt standards as a receiver and 802.3af/at on the output ports.

The housing provides full weather protection (IP68) and a variety of mounting options - either on a flat surface or on a pole using an adapter. This allows the switch to be used in virtually any outdoor environment, regardless of conditions.

Scheme of a two-wire video door entry system based on Hikvision's 2-Wire HD system.

The 2-Wire HD video door entry system from the EY series is an excellent solution when upgrading an old door entry or video door entry system that uses a straight or paired cable as the communication bus. In this system, communication and powering of devices such as door stations or monitors is carried out using DS-KAD7060EY G74828 and DS-KAD7061EY G74830 distributors. This is a plug & play system which, once the devices have been properly addressed and configured using the switches on their rear panel and the power switched on, starts operating. Additional configuration is possible via the gateway station using AP (Access Point) mode. Remote operation of the system via the Hik-Connect application is possible when using indoor monitors with WiFi interface. An additional advantage of the door station's main module is that 2 or 1 call button can be installed, e.g. if the ringing function is implemented by an additional module.

The following is an example diagram, in which DS-KD7003EY-IME2/A G73647 door station DS-KH7300EY-WTE2 G74026 and DS-KH7300EY-WTE2 G74026 main monitors are connected to DS-KAD7060EY G74828 power distributor. Connected to the door station is the DS-KD-TDM module G73671 which has a Mifare tag reader, an occupant list and a numeric keypad allowing the selection of the occupant number and the use of a code lock. The DS-KH7300EY-WTE2/White G74027 extension monitors are connected to the main monitors in the homes.

One twisted pair cable to connect two devices.

Note: The following solution is a "rescue" solution during installation and should not be regarded as an installation standard. In installations where only one twisted pair cable is laid between two points and there is a need to connect two devices, e.g. IP cameras, there is a need to extend the twisted pair cable accordingly.

Below, there is an example how to do such an installation. Data transmission in FastEthernet network (100 Mbps) uses the 1, 2, 3, 6 cores. Therefore, proper connection of conductors to RJ-45 connectors will allow to connect two devices. It is worth mentioning the PoE power supply which can also be provided on the same pins as the data (the camera has to support 802.3af option A).

Unfortunately, such a solution does not always work due to the length of the twisted pair cable, as well as the need for considerable extension of conductors at the end of the cable. It is an emergency solution when there is only one twisted pair cable available and it is impossible to use a switch.

DIPOL offers a device that allows to make such a connection reliably and aesthetically pleasing. The P-POE2 M18954 Splitter allows to transmit power and data to two PoE IP cameras or other devices compliant with the standard, using UTP cat. 5e twisted pair cable.

10 Gbit/s in multimode fibre - OM2 fibre trap. Transmission at 10 Gbit/s is now becoming the standard for network implementation in office buildings, multi-family buildings and even homes. This speed is no longer only required in the network backbone, but also at the direct connections of the end stations.
When deciding on multimode fibre, it is important to remember that the ranges for 10 Gbit/s speeds are limited. The most popular MM OM2 fibre standard allows transmission at 10 Gbit/s over a maximum distance of 82 m, i.e. less than the category 6A copper twisted pair certified for this speed (100 m according to the 10GBASE-T standard). This is a huge trap for network designers or contractors to fall into if they do not pay attention to the fibre standard of the cable used...>>>more