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TIG International is a specialist in
the mobile computing and data capture arenas.
We are skilled in the
implementation of Radio Frequency (RF) systems from many vendors and
have implemented and sold many such systems.
If you are looking for RF LAN
hardware or for someone to completely manage and commission a RF system
to suit your needs, TIG International is able to help.
We understand and advise on Wired
Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption and all the necessary local radio
requirements, ensuring you get the best performance from your RF
system, whilst maintaining the required level of security.
The core components of a RF system are
the Access Points, Antennas,
Accessories, optional Network Controller, Installation,
and optional Project Management.
Access Points
A RF Access Point is a device that
connects your RF devices to your Local Area Network (LAN). Access Points are
typically located very close to the antennas that provide the RF
coverage. You need
to have a LAN connection (usually Ethernet) and power available where
the access point resides. With
an appropriate antenna or antenna array installed, it provides you with
a cell of RF coverage for your RF network.
You can have a many cells as you
like to provide you with extended coverage and perhaps redundancy. Access points can range
from simple domestic quality devices with inbuilt antennas, right
through to rugged construction, dust, water and wind resistant,
industrial access points with external antennas.
Access points typically support RF
speeds of 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbps and even faster with newer technology
available these days depending on the devices used and types of antenna
installed. (Standards:
Wi-Fi, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g).
TIG International supplies Symbol and
Intermec access points and can install these or other
manufacturers’ devices in a heterogeneous RF LAN network.
Antennas
Antennas are probably the most crucial
part of your RF network. A
good antenna can provide substantially more RF coverage than a built in
antenna and they can also focus the RF power to the most appropriate
area. You can have
many different types of radio spread, including radial, bipolar,
semi-circular, tunnel and directional.
TIG International can provide
specialist advice on which antennas would best suit your environment
and how best to install them.
Accessories
 
TIG International supplies a range of
accessories and adaptors to ensure that all the connections between
different devices, cables and mounting points are secure and resistance
to the hazards of typical industrial environments.
Network Controller
Depending on the type of application
deployed and the architecture of your Wide Area Network (WAN), you may
wish to deploy a RF network controller.
These can either be software
controllers running on a Personal Computer (PC) or dedicated hardware
devices installed somewhere on your network.
RF controllers can provide many
additional features to your RF network such as automatic device
configuration management, software updates, the ability to go out of
radio range and return, and the ability to disconnect the battery for
extended periods without dropping host connections.
Additionally, RF controllers can
sometimes add higher level software interfaces to your application
environment. They
can provide screen remapping functionality or scripting support for
those situations where you do not have full control over the
application being deployed. Such
features can make the operator’s job much easier without
compromising the security or reliability of your RF network.
Installation
 
Installation of your RF network is
often the trickiest part of the process.
You need to mount antennas,
provide safe enclosures for devices, ensure that power is available and
ensure that there is LAN cabling to the access points.
Sometimes, it is inappropriate to
run additional power cables. Under
these circumstances, you can install an Ethernet power adaptor
(pictured above) to provide suitable low voltage power across your
Ethernet Category 5 cabling.
Project Management
The process of installation and
commissioning a RF system is rather complicated and not the sort of
thing a typical Customer would do every day.
However TIG International is
skilled and experienced in managing and installing these solutions. We work with Customer
technical staff, Occupational Health and Safety representatives and
employee representatives to ensure that all requirements are met.
TIG International can organise data
and power installations and facilitate the integration of these with
the existing Customer infrastructure.
We do site surveys to ensure RF
coverage will be adequate and manage all parts of the process to
provide the Customer with a completed “turn key”
solution. TIG
International’s services can be used to manage all or part of
the installation process, wherever you need assistance.
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