Feature: Wireless


T en, Wi-Fi signals are propagated via a series of access points,


with quality of service being dependent on the proximity of a device/technology to that access point. And the farther away, the weaker the signal, especially if there are corners, corridors and stairwells to contend with. Also, Wi-Fi access points present security weak spots that


can easily be compromised, as many high-profi le public sector organisations have found to their cost; such as, for example, the recent ransomware attack on Hackney Council’s communications network, and the NHS security breach of 2017. T ese examples are data related, but digital voice heightens the risk of malware attacks. Wi-Fi access points, even those that meet the latest security


standards, present security weak spots. Although the latest Wi-Fi security standard (WPA3) overcomes many of these shortfalls, access points are still vulnerable. Another consideration is that of public safety. Whilst all legacy


communications will be to some degree impacted by digitisation, utility companies and elevator suppliers are particularly susceptible and need to think about their wireless strategies now. Utilities are heavily reliant on legacy networks to control and manage their infrastructure – which is also in dire need of an update. Sites are typically remote and some are underground, which must be factored in when assessing PSTN alternatives. Water and energy providers, for example, have historically used


pagers and two-way radio systems to control and manage their infrastructure – not only must they overhaul their underlying comms infrastructure in line with next-generation technologies, the legacy devices they currently depend upon are also being phased out, further demonstrating the need for action. As for elevators, the critical application is their emergency


communication line. Legislation mandates that all elevators must enable occupants to raise the alarm. Analogue lines, together with auto-diallers that respond at the push of a button, will need an alternative solution. All these applications will need to be replaced with digital


alternatives, and Wi-Fi is not the right option here because of line- of-sight challenges.


Cellular connectivity T e PSTN switch-off amplifi es the need for robust mobile communications networks to operate alongside Wi-Fi. Not only do they off er a viable solution for rural communities that will not benefi t from all-fi bre broadband anytime soon, they provide a straightforward and cost-eff ective means to operate smart building technologies. In essence, cellular networks support multi-network access via roaming or dual SIM enabling interconnectivity, are more secure than Wi-Fi, and require minimal hardware as far as IoT technologies are concerned. T e downside, however, is that mobile signal strength


deteriorates inside buildings. To provide the levels of coverage needed for people and machines to interconnect, the outdoor signal must also be indoors, using supplemental equipment. Now that Ofcom has relaxed the rules around the use of mobile repeaters, their deployment is no longer the arduous task it once


www.electronicsworld.co.uk July/August 2023 17


The practicalities of the switchover show that PSTN is the underpinning enabler to a lot more than just fi xed-line telephony [Image: Eduardo Soares for Unsplash]


was. T e only caveat is that said repeaters must tick several regulatory boxes, and not many do. With the imminent PSTN switch-off , cellular as well Wi-Fi


must be factored into all technology/service migrations as a matter of course, since they are interdependent. Cellular also allows businesses to be future ready to support next generation services such as 5G, not to mention the country’s new public safety network which, incidentally, will also be cellular. Apart from making the changeover seamless and helping


enterprises prepare for Industry 4.0, accounting for the digital transformation within a complete wireless strategy allows businesses to be ready to support up-and-coming technologies and automation, as well as robotics operating on public 5G and/or private mobile networks.


Elevator suppliers are particularly susceptible to safety issues and must think about their wireless strategies now


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