United States
Ajax wireless communication
Learn what affects radio communication quality and how Ajax devices ensure stable event, alarm, photo, sound, and data transmission over long distances
Ajax radio protocols
In Ajax systems, communication between wireless devices is powered by proprietary technologies unmatched in the industry. They provide fast, secure two-way connectivity, ensuring reliable operation, resistance to sabotage, and consistent system performance for any project scale.
Alarm and event transmission over distances of up to 11,450 ft. Support for up to 999 devices within a single system. Certified to EN 50131 (Grade 3).
Alarm and event transmission over distances of up to 6,550 ft. Support for up to 200 devices within a single system. Certified to EN 50131 (Grade 2).
HD photo verification, large data packets, and firmware updates transmission over distances of up to 11,450 ft. Photo delivery within1 4.5 seconds.
Photo verification, large data packets, and firmware updates transmission over distances of up to 5,550 ft. Photo delivery within1 9 seconds.
Full-duplex audio communication for clear and secure voice transmission between the site and the monitoring station.
Maximum communication range
Radio communication transmits data using radio waves. Under ideal conditions, such as open space with no obstacles or interference, the waves travel directly from the transmitter to the receiver along the shortest path. These conditions are used to measure the maximum communication range, which serves as the industry benchmark for comparing different radio technologies.
Wireless Ajax technologies have a maximum communication range of up to 11,450 ft in open space. The actual range depends on the hub or range extender, the device, and the radio technology used.
What affects radio communication quality
Obstacles
Outside controlled conditions, obstacles affect radio communication by absorbing or reflecting radio waves. Typical obstructions are walls, trees, people, and other physical objects. Environmental factors — such as rain, snow, dust, or even high humidity — also reduce radio communication efficiency. The more obstacles a radio signal encounters, the shorter the data transmission range becomes. When encountering reflective obstacles, the signals may change direction but still reach the receiver.
Interference
Radio waves usually travel in environments with other sources of radio radiation. Within the same frequency band, signals may overlap with reflected waves or those emitted by other devices. This interaction, known as interference, can either weaken or amplify signals; however, it rarely adds to communication stability and efficiency.
In-phase signals are amplified
Anti-phase signals are attenuated
Frequency bands used by Ajax devices are less congested than those commonly used in other systems. The exact bands vary depending on the communication protocol and region of sale.
Diffraction
Radio waves can bend around small objects and pass through openings without significant attenuation. This phenomenon, known as diffraction, lets signals reach the receiver even when the direct path is partially obstructed.
An opening in a wall, such as a ventilation duct, can help maintain stable radio communication between adjacent rooms.
Common radio obstacles and their impact
The level of signal loss that obstacles cause depends on what they are made of. Some materials — usually called radiotransparent — allow radio waves to pass with minimal loss, while others absorb or reflect them. The impact of an obstacle also depends on the object's shape and thickness.
Signal absorption coefficient: up to 3 dB
Effect on signal: strength reduced by 50%, transmission range 30% shorter
Common materials:
Dry red brick, 3.5" thick
Gypsum board, 3.9" thick
Dry wood, 3.1" thick
Glass, 0.5" thick
Signal absorption coefficient: 5–20 dB
Effect on signal: strength reduced tenfold, transmission range 60% shorter
Common materials:
Brick, 9.8" thick
Breeze block, 7.9" thick
Concrete, 3.9" thick
Masonry, 7.9" thick
Signal absorption coefficient: over 20 dB
Effect on signal: strength reduced more than 100 times, transmission range 70% shorter
Common materials:
Concrete, 11.8" thick
Reinforced concrete, 7.9" thick
Aluminum and steel beams
Large aquarium filled with water
Signal strength reduction: up to 90%
In the case of frequency bands used by Ajax devices, a flat object with dimensions of at least 11.8×11.8" can reflect the signal.
Common materials:
Mirror
Metal
All surfaces reflect radio signals to some extent, but mirrors and metals cause the strongest reflections.
Calculating the radio communication range of Ajax devices
The communication range of each Ajax device is verified according to industry standards. Devices from retail distribution are rigorously tested in locations with minimal radio interference and favorable weather conditions. During trials, a hub and device maintain continuous data exchange while the distance between them is gradually increased. The point at which the hub no longer receives events defines the device's communication range. This distance is then confirmed through multiple repeated trials to ensure accuracy.
Radio communication range calculator
Estimate the quality of communication between a device and a hub or range extender based on given distances and obstacles.
Why Ajax devices have different radio communication ranges
The effective communication range depends on several hardware factors. Receiver sensitivity, antenna design, enclosure materials, and the level of internal electronic noise vary between devices. As a result, the maximum achievable communication range differs from one device to another.
In practice, the communication range between two devices is usually determined by the lower maximum range of the pair. For example, if Hub 2 Plus Jeweller has a range of 6,550 ft and MotionProtect Jeweller 5,550 ft, these devices will be able to exchange data at a distance of up to 5,550 ft.
The communication range for each Ajax device is provided in its user manual, technical specifications, and on the official product page.
However, in certain configurations, the device's actual range can exceed the default specifications. For instance, when Ajax Superior MotionCam (PhOD) Jeweller is added to Ajax Superior Hub G3 Jeweller, the detector's communication range can reach up to 11,450 ft, although its standard maximum range is 5,550 ft.
Pushing the boundaries of radio communication
At large and complex facilities like mansions, office centers, or industrial sites, a hub's default radio coverage might not be sufficient. Ajax range extenders expand wireless communication range up to two times, helping devices reach the hub even across multiple floors. Models with Ethernet provide an additional wired channel to back up the wireless connection.
Highly protected environments, such as safes or rooms with reinforced concrete walls, can reduce wireless communication range by several times. For these installations, external antennas move the signal transmitter beyond the barrier to enhance the strength and stability of radio or cellular channels.
Engineered for industry-leading reliability
More on Ajax communication technologies
Given the photo resolution is QVGA. Learn more.
The actual radio communication range depends on the hub or range extender and device used, as well as the specific radio technology implemented.