Russian Scientists Develop Compact Antenna to Boost Data Transfer in Remote Areas
A research team from Perm Polytechnic University has designed a new Wi-Fi antenna that enables fast data transmission from vehicles and machinery operating far from cellular networks.
Engineers at Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNRPU) have created a unique compact Wi-Fi antenna that allows rapid data transfer from telematics terminals in areas without cellular coverage. The technology is particularly useful for agricultural, construction, and freight vehicles working far from cities, opening new possibilities for fleet monitoring in countries with vast, sparsely connected territories.
According to PNRPU’s press office, modern vehicles are equipped with telematics systems that monitor location, fuel consumption, and mechanical performance. These systems typically rely on cellular networks to transmit data. However, in remote areas—such as fields, quarries, and forests—connectivity is often unavailable. In these cases, a special mobile collector vehicle must drive up to the equipment and download the stored data via Wi-Fi, and the efficiency of this process depends heavily on the antenna built into the terminal.
The newly developed antenna is a compact printed model integrated directly into the telematics device board. It offers low cost, high performance, and 99 percent power reception efficiency—ensuring a stable, loss-free connection.
Field tests confirmed the antenna’s superior characteristics. At a distance of 100 meters, the average transmission speed reached 1.56 Mbps, allowing a 10-megabyte data packet to be sent in just 54 seconds—significantly faster than with other popular antenna types.
Due to its low production cost and simple manufacturing process, the antenna is ideal for mass deployment in various types of industrial and agricultural machinery.
