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No. 31/2026 (28 September 2026)
A voltage-tunable antenna could help drive the development of 5G and 6G.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a ceramic material whose properties can be altered using an electric voltage. This enables an antenna made from this material to change its resonant frequency whilst the device is in operation. Conventional antennas are usually designed for specific frequency ranges. Their parameters depend, amongst other things, on their dimensions, geometry and the properties of the materials used. Operation far outside the designed band usually leads to a drop in efficiency and greater losses.
Smartphones and telecommunications devices must support multiple LTE and 5G bands, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS and other frequency ranges used by new technologies. In the future, with the development of 6G and even higher frequencies, the ‘flexibility’ of antennas may become even more important.
The new material is based on strontium tantalate, Sr₂Ta₂O₇. The researchers replaced some of the strontium atoms with smaller calcium atoms. The difference in their sizes causes slight distortions in the material’s crystal structure. The best results were achieved with a calcium doping level of around 8 per cent. In the modified ceramic, small regions of ordered electric charges, known as polar nanoclusters, are formed.
Under the influence of an electric field, their arrangement may change. As a result, the material’s electrical permittivity also changes – a parameter that directly affects the antenna’s resonant frequency. This means that the antenna can be retuned remotely, without altering its physical dimensions or structure. All that is required is to adjust the control voltage accordingly.
The very concept of electrically tuning antennas is nothing new. Components such as diodes, variable-capacitance capacitors, MEMS devices and ferroelectric materials are used for similar purposes. However, energy losses are often a problem. A material may respond well to a change in voltage, but at the same time absorb part of the radio signal and convert it into heat. The new ceramic is designed to combine the ability to adjust parameters over a relatively wide range with low dielectric losses. According to the researchers, it was precisely around 8 per cent calcium that provided the best compromise between these properties. Prototype microwave components and antennas have already been made from the material. Their operating frequency can be adjusted both electrically and by changing the temperature. If the technology proves successful in further research and production, it could find application in reconfigurable antennas for 5G systems, future 6G networks and other devices utilising a wide range of radio bands.
Our photography contest is drawing to a close.
30th September is the submission deadline for the 25th edition of the DIPOL photography competition Engagingly about Antennas. Entries will be judged by Paweł Zechenter, a well-known photographer from Kraków. Attractive prizes await the winners, including LEGO sets and TP-Link network switches. Before submitting your photographs, please read the Competition Rules. We also encourage you to take a look at the gallery of photos submitted so far.
As a rule, when this type of fault occurs, the biggest problem for the person maintaining the system is selecting a suitable replacement. In most hotel installations that have been in operation for several or a dozen or so years, the source is a cable television signal – as was the case in the example mentioned earlier – or a signal from a headend that converts a satellite signal into a digital terrestrial television signal (DVB-T/T2) or a cable television signal (DVB-C). The amplifiers used in this type of installation are usually building-wide broadband amplifiers fitted with a single input, characterised by a high output level and high gain. This enables compensation for signal losses incurred when the signal is distributed to a large number of rooms, as well as losses over long cable runs.
The Terra HS-004L R82032 building amplifier is a device designed for multi-user installations comprising up to several dozen sockets. It has a single signal input for the VHF (88–230 MHz) and UHF (470–790 MHz) bands. The maximum gain is 39 dB in the VHF band and 44 dB in the UHF band. Built-in slope pre-equalisation (cable characteristic pre-equalisation) compensates for the difference in cable attenuation at higher frequencies. The die-cast housing provides high-efficiency shielding, which prevents interfering signals from penetrating the device. The amplifier features a built-in LTE filter that eliminates unwanted signals in the 800 MHz band (frequencies 791–862 MHz), which is designated for data transmission services (LTE).
Easily search for compatible firmware and update it using HiTool Delivery.
Finding the correct firmware version for Hikvision devices, whether CCTV or video door entry systems, can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Firmware files are available on the Hikvision Europe on the official Hikvision website, and are linked to specific devices on the Dipol website. Due to rapid technological progress, device hardware versions frequently change, which affects firmware compatibility between them. For example, cameras with the same name but different hardware versions (designations: C, D, E, etc.) may belong to different hardware platforms, meaning their firmware will not be compatible with one another. Therefore, finding the correct firmware requires some technical knowledge and experience. In such cases, the HiTool Delivery tool proves helpful; amongst its many features, it allows you to: automatically search for compatible firmware for added devices, update it, or download the firmware by entering the device’s serial number.
The firmware update process via HiTools Delivery
The programme searches for the latest firmware version. However, if the update fails after the software has been downloaded, this may mean that an intermediate version needs to be installed first, which will then allow you to update to the latest version. To use the automatic search and update function, add the devices to the software, then go to the Maintenance -> Upgrade tab, select all devices and click the Check for upgrades tab. The programme will automatically check whether an update is available for the selected devices, and the latest firmware version will appear in the Upgrade Status tab, if available. Then, upon selecting the Upgrade Online tab, the firmware will be downloaded automatically and the devices updated. Alternatively, you can use the Toolkit -> Upgrade Package Lookup option by entering the device’s serial number. The programme will then locate compatible firmware and make it available for download. You can then update the firmware on the device manually by selecting the downloaded file.
Web Nat – full access to the Sunell recorder via the Internet without port forwarding.
A P2P cloud service typically allows partial access to devices on the network. Using an app on a mobile phone or computer, you can view an encrypted live feed, play back archived recordings, manage alarm notifications and carry out basic device configuration.For Sunell NVRs, in addition to standard P2P access, the Web NAT function can be activated, which allows full access to the device via a web browser. With this function, it is possible to configure all DVR parameters from a remote location.
This feature is useful both for the user, who can easily gain full access, and for the installer. The installer can remotely adjust settings, add new cameras and easily carry out any necessary configurations. Once the Web NAT function has been enabled, go to the page www.51cloudtech.com, where you enter the device’s serial number. The recorder’s web interface will then appear, allowing you to log in and gain full access – just as if the device were on the local network.
Universal tools for cleaning optical connectors.
DIPOL now offers new models of automatic machines designed for cleaning optical connectors. The Ultimode F125 L59172 is designed to clean ferrules with a diameter of 1.25 mm (LC andE2000 connectors), whilst the Ultimode F250 L59171 model cleans 2.5 mm ferrules (SC, ST and FC connectors).
These tools clean the fibre-optic ports of meters and active devices, the fibre-optic connectors of pigtails plugged into the panel into the adapter without removing them, and, using a special tip, allow the cleaning of connectors on connecting cables. Cleaning is done dry, without the use of alcohol.
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Front of ferrule before and after cleaning.
Inappropriate cleaning of the connector can result in permanent scratches.
5G in a nutshell.
The 5G network is the fifth generation of wireless technology standards used in telecommunications. It offers significantly higher data transfer speeds than previous versions: 3G and 4G. 5G technology has the potential to transform the way people, vehicles and devices communicate with one another. As well as fast data transfer, the 5G network offers lower latency and greater capacity, enabling it to support a much larger number of devices simultaneously. As a result, 5G is a key enabler for the development of technologies such as autonomous vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud gaming and augmented reality (AR).Maximum 5G speeds depend on a number of factors: the network operator, the frequency band used, the availability of infrastructure and environmental conditions. Generally speaking, the 5G network has the potential to offer data transfer speeds of up to several gigabits per second (Gbps). However, in practice, typical 5G speeds may be considerably lower, though still significantly higher than those offered by earlier generations of wireless networks, such as 4G. Depending on specific conditions, these speeds can range from several tens to several hundred megabits per second (Mb/s).
In Europe, the frequency bands used for wireless communications, including mobile technologies, are regulated by the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) and the European Electronic Communications Agency (BEREC). The most commonly used frequency bands include:
- 700 and 800 MHz: Low frequency bands that offer good coverage in the field and penetration in buildings. They are used for both 4G and 5G.
- 900 MHz: This frequency band mainly used for 2G and 3G, but can also be used for some 4G implementations.
- 1800 MHz: A medium frequency band that is widely used for 2G and 4G.
- 2100 MHz: A medium frequency band that is often used for 3G, but can also be used for 4G in some regions.
- 2600 MHz: A high frequency band that is often used for 4G, and is also a significant component in some 5G implementations.
- 3500 MHz (3.5 GHz): This frequency band is becoming a key area for 5G development in Europe. It is widely used for 5G implementations due to its ability to transmit large amounts of data with high throughput.
It is worth noting that the specific allocation of frequency bands may vary between countries, as decisions on this issue often depend on local regulations.
![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_10.jpg)
An example of an antenna from 5G signal enhancement: TRANS-DATA 5G KYZ 10/10 antenna A741027_5 (2 × 5m cable), A741027_10 (2 × 10m cable).
 | Signal NT-48 Network Cabling Tester The N7048 is a professional, multi-function tester designed for the installation, diagnostics and maintenance of ICT cabling. The device combines the functions of a wire tester, cable locator, cable length metre, Ethernet port locator and PoE tester. The large, 3-inch display makes it easy to read measurement results, whilst the use of a digital cable location method helps minimise the impact of interference and random signals when identifying cables. The tester is used, amongst other things, in the construction of LAN networks, the maintenance of structured cabling systems, work in IT cabinets and server rooms, and the diagnosis of PoE installations. | |
 | H3650 4K Point-to-Point Wireless HDMI Transmitter The H3650 is a compact, wireless kit for transmitting a digital HDMI signal between a video source and a receiver, without the need for an HDMI cable. The device supports video and audio transmission at resolutions up to 4K UHD at 30 Hz, making it suitable for use in multimedia installations as well as presentation, conference and educational systems. | |
 | Cat 6a S/FTP Ethernet extension cable with RJ45 socket - RJ45 to RJ45 20cm LogiLink NP0079N J2215 is a specialist Break-Away safety adapter, designed to protect RJ45 ports and connected network devices from mechanical damage. In the event of the cable being accidentally yanked or pulled, the connection is safely disconnected at a force of approximately 10 N, minimising the risk of the RJ45 socket being torn out or the device being damaged. | |
Transmission windows in fibre-optic systems. Data transmission in an optical fibre takes place within a transmission window (or windows), selected from three (or, in advanced systems, four or five) bands. These have been designated for a specific reason. Their selection took into account the signal attenuation characteristics in this transmission medium...>>>more
The selection of transmission windows has been based on the characteristics of signal attenuation
in the transmission medium caused by the waveguide, absorption, and Rayleigh scattering losses.
in the transmission medium caused by the waveguide, absorption, and Rayleigh scattering losses.
SIGNAL PROfessional
fibre-optic and copper RTV/SAT installations
fibre-optic and copper RTV/SAT installations
