Long Range SDR Mesh Radio for UAV Drone Networks

Long Range SDR Mesh Radio for UAV Drone Networks

Overview

This is a software-defined radio (SDR)-based wireless communication module designed for advanced Mesh networking applications. Built on a flexible FPGA architecture, it enables dynamic, self-organizing networks with high reliability, long transmission distances, and strong anti-interference capability.

This device supports multi-node, multi-hop Mesh networking, allowing seamless communication across complex environments without relying on fixed infrastructure. By integrating high-power RF amplifiers, it can be configured for a wide range of transmission distances—from short-range urban deployment to ultra-long-range communication under optimal conditions.

With support for multiple frequency bands, adjustable bandwidth, intelligent frequency selection, and AES256 encryption, it is suitable for mission-critical applications requiring secure, stable, and long-distance wireless communication.

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Features

1. Advanced Mesh Networking

• Supports self-organizing Mesh topology
• Multi-node networking (up to 256 nodes)
• Multi-hop communication (1 to unlimited hops)
• Automatic route optimization

2. Flexible Output Power Options

• Multiple RF output levels available: 27 dBm 0.5W / 30 dBm 1W / 33 dBm 2W / 35 dBm 3W / 37 dBm 5W / 40 dBm 10W / 46 dBm 40W
• Adjustable based on range and power requirements

3. Ultra-Long Range Transmission

• Maximum transmission distance
• Software-configurable distance limits
• Dedicated long-range enhancement mode

4. Configurable Bandwidth

• Supported bandwidth options: 1.25 MHz / 2.5 MHz / 5 MHz / 10 MHz / 20 MHz
• Optimized balance between throughput and range

5. Multi-Band Frequency Support

Customizable frequency bands:

Center Frequency	Frequency Range (MHz)
655	635～675
805	790～820
1350	1300～1400
1400	1350～1450
1475	1420～1530
1685	1660～1710
2250	2200～2300
2450	2400～2500

6. High Data Throughput

• Up to 40 Mbps throughput in 10 km mode (20 MHz bandwidth)
• Adaptive modulation (MCS0–MCS8 optional)

7. Intelligent Frequency Selection

Through real-time spectrum sensing and monitoring across the full band, nodes dynamically and intelligently select and adjust their operating frequencies from a preset list according to the local electronic environment and interference conditions, achieving intelligent dynamic frequency-agile networking (or heterogeneous frequency networking) for effective automatic interference avoidance / anti-jamming.

• Real-time spectrum scanning
• Automatic frequency switching
• Interference avoidance
• Dynamic heterogeneous networking

8. Strong Anti-Interference Capability

• Maintains stable communication when interference <15%
• Suitable for complex electromagnetic environments

9. Secure Communication

• AES256 encryption for air interface
• Ensures data confidentiality and integrity

10. Rich Interface Options

• Up to 2 Ethernet ports (10/100M)
• Up to 4 serial ports: 2 × RS232 / 1 × 3.3V TTL / 1 × SBUS (optional)

11. Industrial Design

• IP20 (indoor) and IP65 (outdoor) versions available
• Wide operating temperature range: -40°C to +55°C
• High reliability for harsh environments

Typical Application and Ratings

Model	Tx Power (dBm)	Supply Voltage (V)	Max Power (W)	Standby Power (W)	Data Interfaces	Range Extension (dB)	Recommended Distance (km)
2201-27	27 ±3	9–30	8 ±2	4.5 ±1	1 × LAN + 2 × RS232 + 1 × TTL + 1 × SBUS	2	≤30
2201-30	30 ±3	20–28	15 ±5	5 ±1	2 × LAN + 2 × RS232 + 1 × TTL/SBUS	2	30–50
2201-33	33 ±3	24–30	20 ±5	5 ±1	2 × LAN + 2 × RS232 + 1 × TTL + 1 × SBUS	1	50–75
2201-35	35 ±3	24–28	35 ±8	5 ±1	2 × LAN + 2 × RS232 + 1 × TTL/SBUS	1	75–100
2201-37	37 ±3	24–28	45 ±10	6 ±1	2 × LAN + 2 × RS232 + 1 × TTL/SBUS	1	100–150
2201-40	40 ±3	24–28	80 ±20	7 ±1	2 × LAN + 2 × RS232 + 1 × TTL/SBUS	1	150–250
2201-46	46 ±3	24–28	220 ±50	10 ±2	2 × LAN + 2 × RS232 + 1 × TTL/SBUS	1	250–500

Environmental Conditions

• Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C

• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +55°C

• Humidity: 5%–95%

Antenna & RF Considerations

• Each antenna port must not receive signals >10 dBm when active, otherwise permanent damage may occur.

• Recommended minimum distance between module antennas is greater than the device port spacing; ideally, module antennas should be spaced >2 meters apart.

• Continuous operation requires proper heat dissipation:

  • CPU/core temperature ≤100°C

  • Casing temperature ≤80°C

Transmit Power

• Measured at room temperature, with 24V supply, in normal transmission mode.

• <33 dBm series: Uses DCDC conversion for low-voltage power to the PA; voltage fluctuations do not affect maximum output power.

• ≥33 dBm series: PA voltage follows supply voltage. Increasing supply above 24V to the allowed upper limit (see typical rating table) will:

  • Increase system power consumption by 10–25%

  • Increase max transmit power by ~0.1 dB for 33 dBm units, ~0.3–1 dB for >33 dBm units

• Recommendation: For efficiency and heat management, use 24V supply.

Power Supply

• Do not operate the device above the allowed supply voltage limit.

Power Consumption

• Maximum Power: Measured at room temperature, 24V supply, normal transmission mode; actual usage may be 92–95% of max.

• Standby Power: Measured at room temperature, 24V supply; represents power consumption when connected but idle.

Data Interfaces

• LAN: 10/100 Mbps

• RS232: Up to 115200 bps

• TTL: 3.3 V level, up to 460800 bps

• TTL/SBUS: Only one selectable at factory

Extended Range Mode

• Boosts rated maximum output by 1–2 dB to achieve longer range.

• Increases system power consumption by 10–30%.

• Proper heat dissipation is required; PA linearity may degrade, MCS8 and MCS7 may not be supported.

• Note: Outdoor IP65 models do not support extended range mode.

Recommended Use Distance

• Line-of-sight, interference-free conditions, 1.4 GHz band:

  • Sky-side: 2 dBi omnidirectional antenna

  • Ground-side: 5 dBi omnidirectional antenna

• Can reliably stream 2–4 Mbps video on a single channel

Bandwidth sensitivity rate table:

20MHz bandwidth	MCS	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8 (optional)
	Single antenna sensitivity (dBm)	-101	-98	-95	-92	-88	-86	-83	-80	-77
	Dual-antenna sensitivity (dBm)	-104	-101	-98	-95	-91	-89	-86	-83	-80
	Signal-to-noise ratio (dB)	-8	-5	-2	4	7	10	13	16	19
UDP Packet Injection （Mbps）	10KM distance mode	1.5	3.2	6.4	13	20	26	33	40	47
	30KM distance mode	1.4	2.9	5.9	12	18	24	31	37	43
	50KM distance mode	1.3	2.7	5.5	11	17	22	28	34	40
	100KM distance mode	1.1	2.4	4.7	9.6	14	19	24	29	34
	150KM distance mode	0.9	1.9	4.0	8.3	12	16	21	25	29
	200KM distance mode	0.8	1.7	3.6	7.4	11	14	18	22	26
	250KM distance mode	0.7	1.5	3.2	6.6	10	13	16	20	23
	300KM distance mode	0.6	1.4	2.9	6.0	9.1	12	15	18	21
	400KM distance mode	0.5	1.1	2.4	5.0	7.6	10	12	15	18
	500KM distance mode	0.4	1.0	2.1	4.3	6.6	8.8	11	13	15

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Specifications

General Parameters

• Architecture: Software Defined Radio (SDR)

• Networking: Mesh (self-organizing)

• Max Nodes: 256

• Max Hops: Unlimited

• Encryption: AES256

RF Performance

• Frequency Bands: 635 MHz – 2500 MHz (customized)

• Channel Bandwidth: 1.25–20 MHz

• Output Power: 27–46 dBm (model dependent)

• Sensitivity:

  • Up to -104 dBm (dual antenna)

• SNR Range: -8 dB to 19 dB

Transmission Performance

• Max Range: 500 km (line-of-sight)

• Throughput:

  • Up to 40 Mbps (10 km mode, 20 MHz bandwidth)

• Adaptive data rate depending on:

  • Distance

  • Bandwidth

  • Environment

Power Supply

• Input Voltage:

  • 9–30V or 20–28V (model dependent)

• Max Power Consumption:

  • 8W to 220W depending on output power

• Standby Power:

  • 4.5W to 10W

Interfaces

• Ethernet: 1 or 2 ports (10/100 Mbps)

• Serial:

  • RS232 (up to 115200 baud)

  • TTL (up to 460800 baud)

  • SBUS (optional)

Environmental

• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +55°C

• Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C

• Humidity: 5%–95%

Mechanical

• Weight: 0.065 kg to 4 kg

• RF Connectors:

  • SMA-K (standard)

  • N-K (IP65 version)

Interface parameters and indicator lights

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Applications

1. UAV & Drone Communication

• Long-range video transmission

• Command and control links

• Swarm drone networking

2. Robotics & Autonomous Systems

• Multi-robot coordination

• Remote control and telemetry

• Industrial automation

3. Emergency & Public Safety

• Disaster recovery communication

• Temporary network deployment

• Search and rescue operations

4. Military & Defense

• Tactical Mesh communication

• Secure battlefield networking

• Mobile command systems

5. Industrial IoT

• Remote monitoring

• Smart grid communication

• Oil, gas, and mining operations

6. Smart Cities

• Infrastructure monitoring

• Traffic management systems

• Surveillance networks

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Customization Options

This model supports extensive customization to meet specific project requirements:

1. Frequency Customization

• Select specific frequency bands based on regulatory and environmental needs

2. Output Power Configuration

• Choose appropriate RF power level (27–46 dBm)

• Optimize for range vs. power consumption

3. Bandwidth Configuration

• Narrowband for long distance

• Wideband for high throughput

4. Distance Limitation

• Software-configurable distance limits:

  • 10 km

  • 50 km

  • 500 km

5. Network Topology

• Node count configuration (2–256 nodes)

• Hop count configuration (1 to unlimited)

6. Interface Selection

• LAN port quantity

• Serial interface types (TTL/SBUS selection)

7. Protection Level

• IP20 for indoor use

• IP65 for outdoor deployment

8. Mechanical Design

• With or without heat sink

• Custom cable lengths (IP65 versions)

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What is the maximum transmission distance?

It supports up to 500 km transmission under ideal line-of-sight conditions with proper antenna configuration and minimal interference.

Q2: Can the frequency be changed by the user?

No. The frequency band is fixed at the factory and cannot be modified by end users.

Q3: What is Mesh networking and why is it useful?

Mesh networking allows devices to connect dynamically and relay data through multiple nodes. This improves reliability, extends coverage, and eliminates the need for centralized infrastructure.

Q4: How many devices can be connected in one network?

The system supports up to 256 nodes in a single Mesh network.

Q5: Does it support encryption?

Yes, the device supports AES256 encryption to ensure secure data transmission.

Q6: What is the difference between IP20 and IP65 versions?

• IP20: Indoor use, basic protection

• IP65: Outdoor use, dustproof and waterproof

Q7: What affects transmission distance?

Several factors influence range:

• Antenna type and gain

• Output power level

• Bandwidth setting

• Environmental interference

• Line-of-sight conditions

Q8: What is the recommended cooling requirement?

The device requires proper heat dissipation:

• Core temperature ≤ 100°C

• Case temperature ≤ 80°C

Q9: Can it handle interference?

Yes, the system can maintain stable communication when interference is below 15%, thanks to intelligent frequency selection.

Q10: What is the difference between bandwidth options?

Lower bandwidth:

• Longer range

• Lower data rate

Higher bandwidth:

• Higher throughput

• Shorter range