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Wireless Range Estimator

The B&B Wireless Range Estimator is a tool for estimating the maximum range for a wireless system. Fill out the table of inputs below and click Submit to see the estimated range. Click here to see how the range estimator works.

See the 10 Commandments of Wireless Communications tech note for details on important wireless communications knowledge and practices.

Input Parameters

Input Description

Region

 Select the region for the radio. Each radio is only allowed to operate in certain parts of the world.

Transmitting Radio

 Select the radio that is transmitting data.

Frequency

MHz
Enter the frequency of the radios' transmissions in MHz. Lower frequencies typically have longer ranges but less bandwidth.

Transmit Power

dBm
Enter the radio's transmission power in dBm. Common transmission powers are +10dBm (10 mW), +16dBm (50mW), +23dBm (200mW), and +30dBm (1 watt).

Transmit Antenna Gain

dBi
Enter the radio's transmission antenna gain in dBi.

Transmit Losses

dB
Enter the radio's transmission losses in dB. This includes cable and connector losses. Add 0.2 dB for each coaxial connector. Cable losses are usually 0.5-3.0 dB per 10 feet (3 m) of cable, depending on the radio's frequency and the type of cable.

Receiving Radio

 Select the radio that is receiving data.

Receive Sensitivity

dBm
Enter the radio's receive sensitivity in dBm. The receive sensitivity is the smallest signal the radio can receive and process.

Receive Antenna Gain

dBi
Enter the radio's antenna gain in dBi.

Receive Losses

dB
Enter the radio's receive losses in dB. This includes cable and connector losses. Add 0.2 dB for each coaxial connector. Cable losses are usually 0.5-3.0 dB per 10 feet (3 m) of cable, depending on the radio's frequency and the type of cable.

Terrain

 Select the type of terrain for the system. The terrain can dramatically affect the attenuation rate of a signal.
  • Outdoor Unobstructed: Perfect RF conditions, tower to tower.
  • Outdoor Rural: Clear line of sight with elevated antennas and no obstructions within the elliptical radiation path between antennas.
  • Outdoor Suburban: Line of sight but with some obstructions within the elliptical radiation path between antennas.
  • Outdoor Urban: No clear line of sight, multiple reflective surfaces.
  • Indoor: No line of sight, limited number of frame-construction walls, multiple reflective surfaces.

Path Loss Exponent

2.1		 The path loss exponent depends on the type of terrain. The path loss exponent determines how quickly a signal fades with distance. A larger exponent means the signal fades faster.

Fade Margin

dB
Enter the fade margin in dB. The fade margin is the amount a signal is allowed to attenuate without losing communications. A higher fade margin is required for "noisy" terrains. This value is typically 6-20 dB.

Results

Result Description

Maximum Range

1963 m
2.0 km
1.2 mi
Based on the provided parameters, this is the estimated maximum distance between the radios for reliable communication to occur. Note that this value is only an estimate and, as such, should only be used as a guideline.

RF Data Rate

19200		 Based on the selected radios, this is the RF data rate.