Long Range Industrial Applications for GE MDS Radios

The GE line of unlicensed (and licensed) radios provide long distance communication between IP/ethernet and serial data/traffic via wireless spectrum with up to 1Mbps speeds.

These radios allow users to interface both Ethernet and serial controllers such as PLCs, RTUs and SCADA systems. GE’s MDS wireless radios have high rating to harsh specifications and operate over licensed and unlicensed narrowband communication in a variety of frequencies such as the 900MHz spectrum.

Other spectrum utilized include (Unlicensed and licensed options):

1. 200MHz
2. 400MHz
   
3. 800MHz

The MDS radios include:

1. MDS Transnet Radios

1. For repeater applications purposes
   
2. Operate up to 30 miles with 115.2 Kbps throughput
   
3. They are CSA Class I, Division 2 approved for hazardous locations and withstands temperatures from -40 °F to 158 °F

 

2. MDS iNet Radios

1. Comprised of the iNET-II and iNET 900
   
2. iNET Series offers the best balance for range and speed
   
3. They can handle multiple industry protocols including Modbus, Modbus TCP and DF1
   
4. They are CSA Class I, Division 2
   

MDS iNet and MDS Transnet sample architecture

 

3. MDS SD Radios

1. generation of MDS licensed narrowband
   
2. SD Series is compatible with previous generations allowing for a smooth and controlled migration for existing systems.
   
3. provides long distance communications (up to 50 miles) over licensed radio bands
   
4. The SD Series provides up to 65 Kbps in the 50 KHz channel in the SD2 and SD9 models
   

4. MDS Orbit Radios

1. They are either MDS MCR or ECR option
   
2. These are MDS radios integrating cellular, unlicensed radio, licensed narrowband radio, and Wi-Fi networking technologies (Orbit radios can have one or two communication radios in each case)
   
3. The licensed narrowband versions are compatible with MDS SD Series (Note that Orbits cannot communicate with iNet radios)
   
4. MDS Orbit’s unlicensed 900 MHz radios use proprietary state-of-the-art FHSS algorithms.
   

MDS Orbit sample architecture

See sample MDS radios here>>

Applications for MDS radios include:

1. Oil & Gas industry
   
2. Water and wastewater
   
3. Electric utilities
   
4. Smart cities and municipalities
   

For more on signal improvement solution or long-range wireless project applications including remote site connectivity, please contact an RFWEL Wireless Specialist.

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