Wireless connectivity is permanently around us. Devices like our mobile have WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC and mobile coverage . They all have a different range, which varies depending on the frequency band or the power they use. Therefore, we are going to see how far each of the wireless standards reaches.
Bluetooth
Starting with Bluetooth , this wireless standard is one of the most versatile that we find today. We can use it to connect watches, bracelets, headphones, controls, sensors, and much more.
In mobile phones, the range of Bluetooth is 10 meters , after which the signal begins to be unstable and even cut off. The range distance may vary depending on various elements, such as interference in the environment, or the type of transmission power and coverage you use. In total, there are four classes with different power and range depending on the device:
- Class 1: range of up to 100 meters , with an average power of 100 mW
- Class 2: range of up to 20 meters , with an average power of 2.5 mW
- Class 3: range of up to 1 meter , with an average power of 1 mW
- Class 4: range of up to 0.5 meters , with an average power of 0.5 mW
Wifi
WiFi range also depends on the obstacles in between, where walls and metal objects significantly reduce the distance the signal can reach. However, the estimated range of WiFi signals for the WiFi 5 standard is as follows:
- 2.4 GHz: 45 meters indoors and 90 meters outdoors
- 5 GHz: 15 meters indoors and 30 meters outdoors
WiFi 6, however, has a greater range thanks to modifications in the modulation. In 2.4 GHz, the range can be up to 70 meters indoors, and 250 meters outdoors, although then the actual coverage can vary a lot; especially if there are several walls or doors in between.
infrared
Infrared is used in controls to control remote devices, such as televisions or air conditioners. Its range is very limited due to its low power, where a remote can reach a television at a distance of 10 or 15 meters . Motion sensors, which also use infrared, have a range of between 1 and 5 meters.
NFC
The NFC is the one with the shortest range. It is used for secure systems such as keys or bank cards, and its range is only 10 centimeters . In return, the communication speed is faster and more direct without prior pairing.
Mobile coverage
This is one of the most important, since it can help us know if we are going to have coverage at a site or not. Depending on the network technology used and the frequency, the range can be between 35 and 70 km . At a greater distance there could be synchronization problems, and therefore the signal would not travel reliably.
This, unfortunately, is the theoretical maximum, since in real life the distance the signal reaches is between 3 and 20 kilometers , the latter figure being that of the lower power signals, with only voice or very high data. slow. To reach 20 kilometers it is necessary that there are good weather conditions, as well as that there are no obstacles and you have a direct view with the antenna. In the past, coverage with the first mobile phones on the market was greater thanks to the use of larger antennas. However, with the increase in the number of antennas by the operators, it was no longer necessary to install more antennas.