1. 868MHz Antenna Types
Whip / Stubby Antenna : Typical used for external modems, gateways, test equipments
Helical / Rubber Duck Antenna : Handheld devices, telemetry units
PCB Antenna : Most commonly used for small IoT sensors (Liquid Sensor, Temperature Sensor)
Chip / Ceramic Antenna: Tiny wearable devices or space constrained PCB
Directional Antenna (Yagi, Panel) : LoRaWAN gateways, Point-to-Point links between buildings
2. What is 868MHz Antenna
868MHz antenna is one type of radio frequency antenna specifically designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves around 868MHz frequency. It is usually used in Europe and regions following European standard. It is seemed like a corestone for professional and industrial-grade Internet of Things(IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications.
3. About 868MHz Antenna Characteristics
-3.1 Regional Standard : The primary ISM band in Europe (ETSI regulations), analogous to 915MHz in North America (FCC).
-3.2 Superior Penetration : Compared to 2.4GHz band, 868MHz signals can travel farther, penetrate buildings and obstacles more effectively.
-3.3 Lower Noise Floor : It is generally less congested than the global 2.4GHz band, leading to fewer interference issues and more reliable connections.
-3.4 Balanced Design : It can offer a better balance between coverage range and penetration.
4. The Major Applications
-4.1 Smart Metering & Utilities
Automatic Meter Reading(AMR): wireless communication for electricity, gas, water and heat meters.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): two-way communication for dymatic pricing, remote disconnect and connect.
-4.2 Smart Cities & Infrastructure
Smart Lighting: Remote control and monitoring or street lights, optimizing energy uses.
Waste Management: Fill-level sensors in garbage bins for efficient collection routes.
Environmental Monitoring: Air quality, noise pollution and water level sensors deployed across urban areas.
-4.3 Industrial IoT & Automation
Condition Monitoring : Wireless sensors on machine for vibration, temperature and pressure to predict.
Asset Tracking: Monitoring the location and status of tools, pallets and equipments within large industrial facilities or yards.
Process Automation: Wireless communication between sensors, actuators and PLCs in environments
-4.4 Agriculture & Environmental Sensing
Precision Agriculture: Soil moisture, temperature and nutrient sensors across fields to optimize irrigation and fertilization
Livestock Monitoring: Tracking the location and health of animals over vast pastures.
Forest & Wildlife Monitoring: Remote sensors for ecological research and fire risk detection
-4.5 Professional Alarm & Security Systems
Intrusion Detection: Wireless sensors for doors, windows and motion in high-security or large commercial properties
Fire & Safety: Wireless smoke detectors and emergency buttons that require guaranteed signal integrity.