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No. 39/2025 (December 1, 2025)
In the coming years, LED light could play a much bigger role than before.
Researchers from the University of Oulu predict that modern lighting will become both a means of communication and a source of energy for green IoT systems. Since light is present almost constantly in our homes, offices and public spaces, it becomes natural to ask whether it cannot also be used to transmit data and power devices. It is estimated that by 2035, white LEDs will account for the majority of global indoor lighting. Unlike traditional light sources, they can be modulated extremely quickly, making it possible to use them in visible light communication technology VLC. In such a system, the LED lamp transmits data through instant changes in brightness that are invisible to the human eye. The receiver in the smartphone or computer interprets these signals as zeros and ones so that the ordinary lamp can act as a Li-Fi transmitter. The device's response, on the other hand, can be sent via infrared light, which remains invisible to the user.
This solution works particularly well in environments where radio waves can cause interference, for example in hospitals, production facilities or on board aircraft. Another important advantage is the high level of security, as the light signal remains within the room and cannot be intercepted from outside. Optical communication, however, requires a direct line of sight between the transmitter and receiver, so even a brief obstruction of the sensor weakens the connection and can cause the device to switch to standard radio communication. At the same time, the SUPERIOT project is researching the use of energy from ambient lighting. Miniature photovoltaic cells can power low-current IoT devices to replace traditional batteries and reduce waste generation. This solution is particularly useful in dense sensor networks responsible for monitoring the environment, air quality, technical infrastructure or health parameters of users. In parallel, printed electronics are being developed to produce ultra-thin and lightweight measurement modules. These can take the form of stickers that monitor temperature and humidity in buildings, smart labels on packaging that update data in real time, or simple sensors used in medical facilities to locate equipment and monitor the condition of patients.
The combination of light communication, adaptive communication systems and ambient energy power promises a new generation of smart devices that will be cheaper, greener and more resistant to radio interference. The potential of this technology is very high, but its uptake will depend on practical implementations. Will light become a fully-fledged communication and power medium in the smart cities of the future? Time will tell if this concept will be adopted on a large scale.
AS07STCA-4K-meter for RTV/SAT installations.
The AS07STCA-4K meter by ALPSAT R10206 is an advanced measuring device designed for detailed analysis of RTV/SAT signals in a wide frequency band. Equipped with a spectrum analyser, it makes it possible to observe the distribution of amplitudes as a function of frequency, which makes it possible to quickly identify interference, unwanted signals and all kinds of anomalies occurring in installations. The high resolution of the measurements makes the instrument suitable for both diagnostic tasks and precise tuning of TV systems in low-current installations. The device offers a clear interface and an easy-to-read display, which significantly enhances daily work. The AS07STCA-4K R10206 is supplied with a calibration certificate, confirming the conformity of the measurement results. This assures the user that the data obtained are reliable and can be used as the basis for technical acceptance, reports or system adjustments.
The AS07STCA-4K R10206 meter is a practical and versatile tool that really enhances the installer's work and improves the quality of the service provided.
Why is the AS07STCA-4K meter by ALPSAT R10206 ideal for installers?
- Allows rapid detection of interference sources, reducing diagnosis time and service visits.
- Built-in spectrum analyser allows problems in signals used in RTV, SAT, CCTV or telecommunications systems to be spotted immediately.
- Accuracy confirmed by a calibration certificate gives the installer a complete basis for the acceptance measurements required by investors or industry standards.
- Mobile design and intuitive operation make the device convenient to use in the field, even in difficult installation conditions.
Does an external antenna improve the speed of the 5G network?
In many cases, when the base station is far away from the mobile device, there are problems with adequate signal strength. In order to improve it, it is usually necessary to connect a suitable external antenna to the modem. However, there are cases where the use of an external antenna is not related to the need to improve the 5G signal, but, for example, to force data transmission between a specific base station and the modem. It is worth remembering that the LTE antenna should be broadband - this is related to the introduction of new 5G bands and their aggregation.![Antenna TRANS-DATA 5G KYZ 10/10 + 5 m cable + SMA [698-960, 1710-2700, 3300-3800 MHz]](https://static.dipol.com.pl/images/en/pict/a741027_5.jpg)
Before selecting an external antenna, however, it is important to check what parameters the 5G network signal received by the modem has. To do this, run the network diagnostic panel found in the router or modem software and then compare the parameters with the values shown below.
- RSRP (dBm) - (Reference Signal Receive Power) - a measure of signal strength
- greater than -79 dBm - signal strength very good
- between -80 dBm and -90 dBm - good signal strength
- from -91 dBm to -100 dBm - signal strength poor - use an external antenna or relocate the modem
- below -100 dBm - signal strength very poor - use external antenna
- RSRQ (dB) - (Reference Signal Received Quality) - a measure of signal quality
- greater than -9 dB - very good
- 10 dB to -15 dB - good
- from -16 dB to -20 dB - bad - use an external antenna or relocate the modem
- less than -20 dB - very bad - use external antenna
- SINR (dB) - (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio) - a measure of the quality of the usable signal relative to noise interference
- more than 21 dB - very good
- 13 dB to 20 dB good
- from 0 dB to 12 dB - bad - an external antenna should be used
- less than 0 dB - very bad - an external antenna should be used
- RSSI - (Received Signal Strength Indicator) - indicator of received signal strength including interference; higher data transfer activity - higher RSSI
- greater than -73 dBm - very good
- between -75 dBm and -85 dBm - good
- from -87 dBm to -93 dBm - bad - use external antenna or change location of modem
- less than -95 dBm - very bad - use external antenna
An external 5G antenna can significantly increase Internet speeds, but only in certain situations: primarily when the signal from the transmitter is weak or unstable and the modem built into the router receives a muffled signal through the walls. An outdoor-mounted antenna usually has a higher energy gain than standard antennas and receives a stronger signal, thus improving signal strength and quality (RSRP, RSRQ, SINR), which often translates into higher download and upload speeds and lower latency. However, this does not mean that the antenna alone will speed up the network - if the base station in the area is overloaded or the router is ill-suited to 5G bands, there may be little effect. In practice, an external antenna helps most at the edge of coverage, in buildings with thick walls, in villages and in areas with interference, where improving radio performance gives a real boost to speeds.
Integration of an access control system with a Hikvision IP video intercom.
The diagram below shows a single-subscriber Hikvision IP video intercom system using the DS-K1T344MBWX-E1 G75163 access control videotape as the outdoor station and the DS-KH8380-WTE1 G74005 monitor as the indoor station. Both the outdoor and indoor stations were connected to a PoE switch N29978. The electric door opener is controlled by a built-in relay in the videotherminal using an external PSD12020 M18102 power supply which provides 12 V DC. The use of the Bira XS00U-C G74242 electric door strike, which can operate continuously when supplied with DC 12 V, allows the door to remain open for longer periods of time if necessary. Thanks to the use of an access control videotherminal, this type of solution can be used, for example, in a company where, during working hours, employees authorise themselves using their assigned rights, while people arriving from outside can call the videophone monitor. The videotherminal has the possibility of authorisation by means of several modes: face recognition, Mifare card and password. When the videophone is connected to the Internet, remote opening is possible using the Hik-Connect application.Diagram of the video-intercom system based on DS-K1T344MBWX-E1 G75163 video terminal
GreenPower UPS technology - how does it work and why does it save energy?
The company CyberPower has developed and patented GreenPower UPS technology, which significantly improves the efficiency of uninterruptible power supplies, reduces energy consumption and reduces heat generation. This enables users to reduce operating costs by up to 93% compared to conventional UPS systems.
The patented switch and dual charger system play a key role in the operation. In traditional line-interactive UPSs, the battery is continuously recharged, even when it has reached full capacity. This leads to continuous power consumption, more heat emission and faster battery wear. CyberPower eliminates this problem by automatically disconnecting the fast charger when the battery is fully charged. In practice, this means that the UPS only uses as much energy as is actually needed, significantly improving its energy efficiency. Less heat generated also translates into longer life for both the electronics and the battery itself.
The energy efficiency of GreenPower UPS technology was confirmed in comparative tests carried out on CyberPower UT series units, which showed a clear reduction in energy consumption compared to models from other manufacturers. The test procedures and test environment were verified by the independent SGS unit, further confirming the reliability of the results. The full SGS report can be viewed on the manufacturer's website.
Can a splice amplify the signal?
Installers carrying out reflectometric measurement of a fibre optic line can sometimes observe an anomaly on the reflectogram and in the event table. We are talking about so-called "gainers", i.e. places where fibres are joined together (usually this will be a splice), at which an amplification of the backscattered signal can be observed in the direction of the reflectometer.An apparent boost in signal power can be observed on the reflectogram, in the form of a spike in signal power, and in the event table (in the "attenuation" column, such an event will have a minus sign in front of the attenuation value). Most often, such an event will be correctly recognised by the reflectometer and labelled "gainer".
Splicing two fibres (splice) will always be an additional source of signal attenuation. Although this attenuation may be close to zero as a result of the use of increasingly accurate splicers with more refined splicing programmes, there is no physical possibility that splicing fibres will allow signal amplification. The apparent boost obtained in the reflectogram is a consequence of the reflectometer principle and occurs in a well-defined situation - when fibres with different mode field diameters (abbreviated as MFD - Mode Field Diameter) or different indexes of refraction (IOR) are spliced. Such differences are most often highlighted when combining fibres in different standards - e.g. G.652.D and G.657.A1/A2/B3 - although differences can also occur when combining the same fibres from cables from different manufacturers.
Signal amplification on the reflectogram will appear when the measurement is made from the side of the fiber with the larger MFD (G.652.D) toward the fiber with the smaller MFD (G.657A1/A2/B3). In order to properly measure such an event, it is necessary to take a measurement in the opposite direction. Then the attenuation will be recorded, and it will certainly be greater than the apparent gain value. The final splice attenuation is calculated as the arithmetic average of the two measurements.
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An example of a measurement showing a fibre splice of G.652.D and G.657B3. In one direction an event attenuation of -0.119 dB (i.e. gain) is recorded, in the opposite direction the attenuation of the same event is already 0.264 dB. Ultimately, therefore, the attenuation of the splice is: (-0.119 dB + 0.264) / 2 = 0.0725 dB. The measurement was performed with an Ultimode OR-20 L5830 reflectometer.
 | The CyberPower CP1600EIPFCRM2U UPS (1600 VA, 1000 W, pure sine, RACK 19") The N97136 is designed to protect network devices, security systems and equipment requiring power with active PFC (Power Factor Correction). The UPS is equipped with an automatic voltage regulation (AVR) function, which stabilises the output voltage and protects connected equipment from power drops and spikes. The use of patented GreenPower technology increases operating efficiency and reduces heat emission, which minimises energy loss. | |
 | Gateway station DS-KV6114-MWBE1 IP Villa (1-subscriber, 4 Mpix, RFID, WiFi, surface-mounted) Hikvision G73613 is a 1-subscriber gateway station of the Hikvision IP video door entry system II generation. Aesthetically pleasing design and high functionality make this station ideal for building systems for single-family homes. The built-in 4 Mpix colour camera with wide coverage angles (150° (H) / 75° (V)) and IR illuminator with a range of up to 3 m ensures proper observation around the clock. A built-in transponder reader in the Mifare standard (13.56 MHz) allows opening with cards or key rings. The panel has 4 alarm inputs and 2 relay outputs, intended for opening wickets or entrance gates. | |
 | Patchcord multimode PC-3304D-3 2xLC - 2xLC, duplex, OM4, 3 m L3323304_3 is a section of multimode optical fiber cable 3 meters long terminated with LC connectors. ULTIMODE patchcords are manufactured and tested according to the guidelines of IEC 613000-3-34 and IEC 61300-3-6. Each pigtail is provided with adequate label confirming compliance of the parameters (insertion loss and return loss) with the class defined by the above mentioned standards. Fibre standard: OM4. | |
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