Quantum Wi-Fi only installation requirements

Whilst the Wi-Fi performance has been tested and proven in many different installation scenarios, the requirements below must be taken into consideration before choosing a location for the Quantum™ Radar.

Location requirementsWi-FiInstallationWireless considerations

In systems with multiple MFDs, the Radar should be connected to the MFDs that are located closest to it, or to the MFDs with the clearest line of sight to the Radar.

The maximum distance between MFD and Radar will vary depending on the installation environment (i.e. obstructions and interference).

Figure 1. Example 1 — Open air, line-of-sight in optimum conditions

In optimum open air, clear line-of-sight conditions a reliable connection is possible at distances up to 100 m (328 ft). However, there are many factors that can influence this, so a pre-installation site survey should always be performed. For reliable Wi-Fi performance the signal strength should be better than –75dBm. The closer the signal is to zero the better the Wi-Fi performance will be (e.g. –40dBm is better than –75dBm). You can assess the potential signal strength at the desired location during the Pre-installation Site Survey using a Wi-Fi Analyzer app on your smart device.

Figure 2. Example 2 — Signal passing through Fiberglass coach roof

In the example above the maximum distance with acceptable Wi-Fi performance is 15 m (49 ft), due to the heavy fiberglass coach roof that the signal has to pass through.

Figure 3. Example 3 — Signal passing through heavy structure

In the example above the maximum distance with acceptable Wi-Fi performance is 3 m (9.8 ft), due to the metal roof that the signal has to pass through.

Obstacles in the direct line of sight between the Radar and MFD will further impact Wi-Fi Performance. The impact of each obstacle is usually minimal, however the effect is cumulative. Obstacles can include but are not limited to:

  • Vessel structure — Where the Wi-Fi signal passes through a vessel bulkhead or a coach roof, the Wi-Fi performance will be impacted. Depending on the material and thickness of the structure the impact may be severe; for example, a thick steel bulkhead may completely block the Wi-Fi signal.

  • Radar mounting — The type of installation can impact performance; for example, mounting on a solid steel platform will have a greater impact on performance than mounting on a bar-style mount.

  • Electrical equipment and other objects — Any object in the direct line-of-sight between the Radar and MFD can impact Wi-Fi performance. Electrical, electronic and electromagnetic devices will have a greater impact than furniture.

  • MFD installation — MFD installation can also impact Wi-Fi performance; for example, if the MFD is surface mounted in a steel construction dash, the Wi-Fi performance will be impacted.