The frequency range Follow-Me uses occupies a similar range to Wi-Fi 6E/7. Whilst this may seem concerning, we would like to show how the two technologies can operate in the same locations with little concern for problems. Of course, both UWB & Wi-Fi are professional technologies, and are therefore regulated with standards to ensure they should not clash or interfere with each other. 

The diagram below shows us various technologies for delivering data.

We can see ‘Power Spectral Density’ on the Y-axis, think of this more simply as the transmission power of the relevant components. In the case of Follow-Me this is the transmitting power of an Anchor or Tracker. Governed by UWB standards, this means our transmission power is -41.3 dBm/MHz, this is incredibly low compared to the other technologies.

On the X-axis we can see the frequency range/band the technology will operate at. In the case of Follow-Me this is 6.24 to 6.74 GHz. qThis means we have a 500MHz bandwidth, which is huge relative to the other technologies. Some Wi-Fi standards operate on as little as 20MHz bandwidth.

Wi-Fi is a small bandwidth but a large power, so in terms of the diagram it effectively looks like a spike/peak.

Whilst UWB, or Follow-Me specifically occupies a small section just above the noise floor.

There are two ways to manipulate or transport data with Wi-Fi – you can change the height or amplitude of the signal; this is one possibility. The other is time, so you can make it be faster. So, this is time-based or amplitude-based information, this is also the case with Bluetooth. 

With UWB it is noise, so all devices with this technology are on switching noise on or off the whole time, so in theory the Wi-Fi peak would not disturb the noise, and the noise would not disturb the Wi-Fi peak. 

If there are a lot of Wi-Fi channels at the same time, there are a lot of peaks and that can disturb the signal more, but UWB should still be in a safe place. 

Within UWB we can separate Follow-Me from other technologies with a first layer of criteria such as the channel number and frequency range. If needed, a second layer allows the development team to change further criteria such as ‘Preamble’ and ‘Pan ID’. All these can ensure a Follow-Me system can occupy a unique space, effectively isolated from other technologies.

Have a great install & reach out to us if you need help!

Your Follow-Me team.