I work with a lot of wireless monitoring systems that use 3G. It seems like the signal strength is slowly getting weaker and weaker. This same thing started happening about a year before 2G was officially dismantled. I know 3G is scheduled to be dismantled around 2022, but what I'm wandering is if they're already starting to phase it out? I can't find any news or tech forums that say so, but it sure seems like thats whats going on. Most of our monitors are in the sewer, so their antennas are at or slightly below ground level. A year ago there were rarely any problems. Now I figure about half the monitors I maintain (and we have a couple dozen, all in urban areas on the West Coast between Seattle and Sacramento, so its not just a local thing) require special high gain antennas to get even a minimal signal, and the rest are operating at minimal signals with factory antennas where they used to be really strong. The few monitors we have where the antenna can be elevated a few feet above ground still get great signal, but it sure seems like theres an increasing 'dead zone' at ground level. I was talking to one of our competitors about it, and they have the same problem with their meters (completely different but similar generation of technology, not sure if 3G or not), and they don't seem to know why either. My boss is on me about all the wireless problems, and he's not buying my theory about 3G being phased out because he can't find any news on it either. He's not exactly blaming me for the problems (at least not openly...), but I can tell he's just as frustrated about it as I am. And I could totally be wrong, but thats the only thing that makes sense so far. Just wandering if anyone has any insight.
Out here in the southeast we have had to upgrade some of our 3G monitors. I think 2022 is the final date, it takes time to get there.
Assuming you've checked for trees and other blockages. Two potential issues. Oversubscription and overbuilding. With more and more people moving to tethering as their primary internet access it can become like listening to an AM radio in a crowded market. As buildings are constructed, particularly those made of glass and metal, in the signal path they, along with trees and bodies of water, tend to block, deflect, and reflect signal impacting signal strength. Can you increase the gain and power on your receivers? That would be a short term fix. Changing the antenna type to something like a yagi or dish can help. Raising the antenna can help but is also a short term fix Adding repeaters may also be a solution. The wireless company should be able to come out and do a site survey and give you the optimum solution.
The increase in use is prolly it. I havn't noticed any substantial new construction, and I doubt the wireless providers are putting any resource into expanding 3G networks. Though I wonder how many new wireless users are still using 3G devices... We're generally limited to antennas that can be affixed to the top of manhole covers and be walked on or even driven over regularly. Used to be the antennas would actually get service through the manhole covers, but not so much anymore. Thx for your input
Also- am I correct in my understanding that antennas that work well on 2G won't necessarily work as well on 3G? The antennas they use in canada dont seem to work in the US. Canada still has 2G.
Based on your usage description I'd guess, that new trees or trees that have "bloomed" over the spring and summer are your problem. It is a common problem. As a test get hold of a repeater. With about a 1500 ft radius they can be had for less than $300 each. You can attach it to a lift station console at about 10 ft above ground for power. If, with the repeater in place the signals improve significantly then you have both your cause and solution. Your wireless provider or a consultant should be able to create a map that will optimize the cost and effectiveness. Not sure but I'd guess that since these devices are purpose built that there's not much room for replacement parts that are not part of the BoM. So, no, I doubt anything other than a 3g antenna will work effectively.
